Major Report Highlights Potential Diversity Dividend For Arbitrator Selection

A ground-breaking report on arbitrator selection suggests that parties could secure improved outcomes by adopting more formalised processes and actively taking account of diversity considerations (see "The Usual Suspects: Decision-Making in Arbitrator Selection", available here).

Presented as part of Hong Kong Arbitration Week 2023, the report is the output of the "Usual Suspects Project", a collaboration between the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre and Cortex Capital, supported by Herbert Smith Freehills and other leading law firms (reported here).

Led by Herbert Smith Freehills alumnus and Cortex Capital founder Dr Ula Cartwright-Finch, the goal of the project was to "unlock the black box" of party appointments, including the extent to which diversity is considered by key decision-makers.