Peter Smith writes for TL4 Middle East Magazine on the rise of arbitration in private wealth disputes
min readLegal Director Peter Smith, in the Dispute Resolution team, has written for ThoughtLeaders4 Middle East Magazine exploring why arbitration is increasingly becoming the preferred forum for resolving complex private wealth disputes in the GCC.
In his article, Peter examines the rapid expansion of global private wealth and the increasingly intricate financial, regulatory, and cross‑border landscape in which high‑net‑worth individuals, family offices and trustees operate. He highlights how confidentiality, procedural flexibility, specialist decision‑makers and cross‑border enforceability make arbitration particularly well‑suited to disputes involving trusts, estates, family businesses and wealth planning arrangements.
The piece also explores key challenges such as arbitrability, multi‑party dynamics and enforcement, as well as the importance of carefully drafted arbitration clauses in private wealth structures. Peter outlines emerging global trends, including the growth of trust arbitration regimes, the adoption of family constitutions, virtual hearings and increased availability of third‑party funding.
You can read the full article in TL4 Middle East Magazine – January 2026.
