Conflicts of interest can arise when an arbitrator has a connection to one of the parties or has otherwise conducted himself or herself in a manner that may give rise to justifiable doubt as to their impartiality. International commercial arbitration is largely a private process but the adage that justice must not only be done but be seen to be done holds true just as much as in litigation. Without this essential principle arbitration would stop being an effective means of commercial dispute resolution as users would lose faith in the process.

In this Practice Note we explore the general principles applicable to conflicts of interest in international commercial arbitration, and how such conflicts are assessed and resolved.

• IBA Guidelines: International Bar Association’s Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration.

• ICDR: International Centre for Dispute Resolution.

• ICSID: International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes.

• HKIAC: Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre.

• LCIA: London Court of International Arbitration.

• DIAC: Dubai International Arbitration Centre.

• SIAC: Singapore International Arbitration Centre.