• news-banner

    Expert Insights

SIAC Rules 2025: Pioneering a New Era of Arbitration

The 7th edition of the Arbitration Rules of the Singapore International Arbitration Centre (the “2025 Rules”) heralds a transformative approach to arbitration, effective from 1 January 2025. These rules, applicable to all arbitrations commenced from that date unless parties stipulate otherwise, are set to redefine the efficiency, flexibility, and transparency of the arbitration process.

Key Innovations of the SIAC Rules 2025:

Streamlined and Expedited Procedures:

The introduction of a Streamlined Procedure in Rule 13 and Schedule 2, complemented by the expanded Expedited Procedure in Rule 14 and Schedule 3, marks a significant shift towards rapid resolution of disputes. At the same time as increasing the threshold for requesting the Expedited Procedure to SGD 10 million from SGD 6 million, the 2025 Rules have introduced the Streamlined Procedure for claims below SGD 1 million, promising final awards within a three-month timeframe, with costs capped at 50 percent of the maximum limits set out in the SIAC’s Schedule of Fees.

Emergency Arbitrator Procedure:

Rule 25 of Schedule 1 to the 2025 Rules breaks new ground by allowing parties to seek emergency interim relief without prior notice to other parties. This provision empowers a party to swiftly seek the appointment of an Emergency Arbitrator for interim measures, alongside a protective preliminary order directing a party not to frustrate the purpose of the emergency interim or conservatory measure, without the need to inform other parties—ensuring immediate action to prevent the dissipation of assets. This enhancement aligns SIAC with the Dubai International Arbitration Centre (“DIAC”) in empowering parties to secure ex parte interim relief. However, in contrast to the  DIAC framework, which permits ex parte applications where “the procedural law applicable to the seat of the arbitration … permits such applications without notice to the other party or parties”, the SIAC Rules offer greater latitude: they entrust the SIAC President with the broad discretion to determine whether to accept protective preliminary order applications.

Preliminary Determination: 

Rule 46 provides a new Preliminary Determination mechanism that enables tribunals to make final and binding decisions on key issues at an early stage in an arbitration, streamlining the arbitration process and potentially saving time and costs. This can be done where the parties agree to grant this power to the tribunal, the applicant is able to demonstrate that a preliminary determination is likely to contribute to savings of time and costs and a more efficient and expeditious resolution of the dispute, or the circumstances of the case otherwise warrant the preliminary determination of the issue. 

Coordinated Proceedings: 

Addressing the complexities of multiple arbitrations, Rule 17 of the 2025 Rules facilitates the synchronized resolution of arbitrations that are not consolidated but that share common legal or factual issues, mitigating the risk of conflicting outcomes and reducing procedural redundancies.

Transparency in Third-Party Funding: 

Rule 38 of the 2025 Rules introduces mandatory disclosure of third-party funders, enhancing transparency and preventing potential conflicts of interest post-tribunal constitution. Tribunals are also empowered to consider funding arrangements when apportioning costs.

Environmental Considerations and Cybersecurity: 

In a forward-thinking move, Rules 32.4(b) and 61 of the 2025 Rules encourage the adoption of environmentally sustainable arbitration practices and robust information security measures, reflecting SIAC's commitment to innovation and responsibility.

The 2025 Rules represent a significant evolution in arbitration practice, integrating best practices from leading arbitration institutions while pioneering unique solutions to contemporary dispute resolution challenges. These updates solidify SIAC's position as a premier venue for international arbitration, offering an efficient, transparent, and cost-effective dispute resolution framework.

As we navigate the complexities of modern commercial disputes, the 2025 Rules stand as a testament to SIAC's visionary leadership in arbitration. They not only anticipate the future needs of global commerce but also respond with agility and precision, ensuring that SIAC remains at the forefront of arbitration excellence.

Our thinking

  • An introduction to the new Procurement Act 2023

    Jamie Cartwright

    Quick Reads

  • Mind the Gap Trade Mark

    Charlotte Duly

    Insights

  • A Closer Look at the Meaning of ‘Investor’ in Investment Treaty Arbitration

    Stephen Chan

    Insights

  • Shareholder Strategies: A practical guide to unfair prejudice petitions

    Emilie Brammer

    Insights

  • New food and drink ads regulation & impact on live sports broadcasts

    Sarah Johnson

    Insights

  • AML in decentralized finance and traditional finance

    Caroline Greenwell

    Insights

  • International Arbitration: 2024 in Review

    Thomas R. Snider

    Insights

  • Has the UAE recognised the principle of Without Prejudice Privilege?

    Maher Al Nashar

    Quick Reads

  • Appointment of company directors – who can do it and how?

    Stephen Burns

    Insights

  • Tribunal Tactics: Securing Favourable Outcomes and Enforcing Awards

    Alim Khamis FCIArb

    Events

  • Understanding Contempt of Court in Swiss Law: Key Provisions and Penalties

    Remo Wagner

    Insights

  • Howells v Newport City Council: beware not to lose the private key to your cryptocurrency wallet

    Sonia Kenawy

    Insights

  • Combatting Lookalikes Revisited - clouds lift for brand owners as Thatchers wins its appeal over Aldi copycat cider

    Mary Bagnall

    Insights

  • The Law Society Gazette quotes Mary Bagnall on Aldi’s infringement of Thatchers’ trademark

    Mary Bagnall

    In the Press

  • Justice for the Victims of Britain's Largest Ponzi Scheme?

    Caroline Greenwell

    Quick Reads

  • Understanding Civil and Criminal Remedies in France for Financial Crimes

    Frédéric Jeannin

    Insights

  • The Property (Digital Assets etc) Bill: A Wider Category of Assets for the Insolvent Estate?

    Cassidy Fan

    Insights

  • Why Man City took ‘Super “Dry”’ off its Training Kit

    Nick White

    Quick Reads

  • Abu Dhabi Global Market introduces new employment regulations in the financial free zone

    Peter Smith

    Quick Reads

  • Promoting certainty in international trade and investment: The 2005 Hague Convention and the enforcement of foreign judgments in the UK and Switzerland

    Michael Wells-Greco

    Insights

Back to top