Arbitrator Selection and Appointment Under the SIAC 2025 Rules: A Practical Guide

Arbitration is widely favoured method of dispute resolution because it offers efficiency, confidentiality and greater party autonomy. At the heart of any arbitration lies the arbitral tribunal, the decision-makers whose impartiality and competence are critical to a fair outcome of the arbitration. Knowing how arbitrators are selected and what qualifies them is essential to ensuring a fair and credible process.

The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) has updated its rules in the 7th Edition, effective 1 January 2025. These changes aim to streamline procedures while reinforcing transparency and neutrality.

1. Who Can Be an Arbitrator? (Qualifications)

Under the SIAC Rules 2025, arbitrators must be:

• Independent: Free from relationships that may affect judgment.
• Impartial: Not biased toward any party.
• Available: Able to commit time and attention to the case.

Before being appointed, arbitrators must sign a Statement of Acceptance, Independence, Impartiality, and Availability (Rule 20). They are also under a continuing obligation to disclose any circumstances that may raise doubts about their neutrality.

While legal training or prior experience in arbitration can be important, the rules do not strictly require a specific background. The focus is on neutrality, capability, and availability.

2. Who Appoints the Arbitrators?

Under SIAC administered arbitration, the President of the SIAC Court of Arbitration holds the final authority to appoint arbitrators (Rule 19). Parties may propose candidates, but the President decides whether to accept or reject those nominations.

The Registrar supports this process by:

• Managing timelines.
• Determining the number of arbitrators (one or three)
• Finalising the terms of appointment

Decisions by the President and Registrar are final and not subject to appeal.

3. The Appointment Process

a. Sole Arbitrator (Rule 21)

• Parties must jointly nominate within 21 days of arbitration commencing.
• If no agreement is reached between the Parties, the President appoints a sole arbitrator.

b. Three Arbitrators (Rule 22)

• The Claimant nominates one arbitrator within 14 days of arbitration commencing
• The Respondent nominates their arbitrator within 14 days after that.
• The two arbitrators jointly nominate a presiding arbitrator.
• If any step fails, the President steps in to make the necessary appointments.

c. Multi-Party Arbitrations (Rule 23)

• All Claimants and Respondents must jointly nominate their arbitrators within 28 days.
• If they cannot, the President appoints all three arbitrators, including the presiding one.
• A sole arbitrator is not allowed in multi-party disputes under the 2025 Rules.

Once the tribunal is constituted, the SIAC Secretariat notifies the parties.

4. Additional Safeguards and Transparency

• Nationality Requirement: In cases involving parties of different nationalities, the President must appoint a sole or presiding arbitrator of a different nationality, unless agreed otherwise.
• Ex Parte Communications Prohibited (Rule 25): Parties and arbitrators cannot have private discussions about the case.
• Tribunal Secretary Framework (Rule 24): The new rules provide a structured process for appointing and managing tribunal secretaries.

5. Key Changes from the 2016 Rules

• Three-Member Panels Now Mandatory in multi-party arbitrations—sole arbitrators are no longer allowed in such cases.
• Ex Parte Communication Ban has been clarified and elevated into a standalone rule for greater emphasis.
• A New Framework for Tribunal Secretaries ensures clearer procedures and supervision.

Partnering with RBN Chambers for Strategic Arbitration Support

The SIAC Rules 2025 reinforce arbitration as a neutral, transparent, and efficient dispute resolution method. But navigating the appointment process and ensuring the right arbitrator is selected can be complex without experienced counsel.

At RBN Chambers, we advise clients across all stages of the arbitral process—from the drafting of robust arbitration clauses to the strategic appointment of arbitrators and the effective management of proceedings. Our team is well-versed in the latest developments under the SIAC Rules 2025, and we work closely with clients to ensure that every decision taken is aligned with both legal risk and commercial strategy.

If you are exploring arbitration as a dispute resolution mechanism or seeking tailored guidance on arbitrator appointments under the new SIAC framework, our team stands ready to provide clear, practical, and commercially focused advice.