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ARTICLE · 04 AUGUST 2025

Arbitration Act 2025 In Force From 1 August 2025 – What You Need To Know

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On 1 August 2025, the Arbitration Act 2025 ("2025 Act") will come fully into force1. The 2025 Act revamps the arbitration framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland...

United KingdomLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Raid Abu-Manneh
Raid Abu-Manneh
Rachael O'Grady
Rachael O'Grady
Luiz Aboim
Luiz Aboim
Sarah Garvey
Sarah Garvey
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Sam Prentki
Rhys Morgan
Rhys Morgan
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Thais Stella
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Lisa Dubot
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Mercy McBrayer
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On 1 August 2025, the Arbitration Act 2025 ("2025 Act") will come fully into force1. The 2025 Act revamps the arbitration framework for England, Wales and Northern Ireland (through amendments to the Arbitration Act 1996). The reforms will directly affect businesses planning to commence arbitration proceedings (or arbitration-related court proceedings) from 1 August 2025.

WHAT'S CHANGING?

The key reforms in the 2025 Act – which promote speed, fairness, efficiency, and legal certainty – aim to further cement London's position as "leading destination for arbitration". They include:

  • A new default rule aligning the seat of the arbitration with the law governing the arbitration agreement (meaning that the law governing many arbitration agreements will automatically change on 1 August);

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This Mayer Brown article provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest. The foregoing is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed herein.

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