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ARTICLE · 13 MARCH 2025

English Arbitration Act 2025: Key Reforms

Aceris Law
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On 24 February 2025, the English Arbitration Act 2025 (the "2025 Act") received Royal Assent, concluding a four-year reform process to refine and modernise the arbitration law in England and Wales.

SwitzerlandLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
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On 24 February 2025, the English Arbitration Act 2025 (the "2025 Act") received Royal Assent, concluding a four-year reform process to refine and modernise the arbitration law in England and Wales.

Procedural History and Accompanying Documents

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The reform began in March 2021, when the Ministry of Justice tasked the Law Commission with reviewing the English Arbitration Act 1996 ("1996 Act") to ensure that it remains fit for purpose and continues to reinforce England and Wales as one of the world's premier seats of arbitration amid legislative updates in competing jurisdictions.

According to the 2025 Act's accompanying press release dated 24 February 2025, England and Wales host at least 5,000 arbitrations annually (domestic and international), generating over £2.5 billion in fees alone for the UK economy.

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