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PODCAST · 05 OCTOBER 2026

Inside HKIAC: 2025 Arbitration Trends And What Comes Next (Podcast)

Bracewell LLP
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The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre processed 582 new cases worth $16.2 billion in 2025, involving parties from 61 jurisdictions. HKIAC Secretary-General Joanne Lau discusses emerging trends in international arbitration, including cryptocurrency disputes, arbitrator diversity initiatives, and the strategic advantages of Hong Kong's interim measures arrangement with Mainland China.

Hong KongLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
James P. Duffy IV
James P. Duffy IV

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) registered 582 new cases in 2025, representing $16.2 billion in dispute value and parties from 61 jurisdictions. What do those numbers reveal about the institution’s evolving global reach?

In this episode of The Arbitration Acumen Podcast, J.P. Duffy, an international arbitration partner at Bracewell, sits down with HKIAC Secretary-General Joanne Lau to examine the institution’s 2025 caseload and priorities for 2026 and beyond.

They discuss crypto, blockchain and technology disputes; arbitrator diversity; and the 2024 Administered Arbitration Rules. Joanne explains multiparty and multicontract proceedings, expedited procedures, and the Hong Kong-Mainland China Interim Measures Arrangement. The conversation also covers emergency arbitration, arbitrator hourly rates, international outreach efforts and Hong Kong’s arbitration law review.

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