Insights

International Arbitration Perspectives

Akin’s new insight series reflects on the major international arbitration developments from 2025 and identifies defining trends and emerging topics for 2026, across both the commercial and investor-state space.

As global disputes evolve against a backdrop of geopolitical tension, regulatory change and shifting market expectations, Akin’s new insight series reflects on the major international arbitration developments from 2025 and identifies defining trends and emerging topics for 2026, across both the commercial and investor-state space. We notably explore: (1) the growing and increasingly complex impact of sanctions on international arbitration; (2) London’s continued role as a leading seat of arbitration globally; (3) the rise and strengthening of environmental, social and governance (ESG) driven claims; (4) the maturation of third-party funding as an asset class, despite recent uncertainty in the market; (5) diversity of arbitrators’ expertise as determining feature for arbitration to remain the business community’s preferred mechanism for resolution of disputes; and (6) key developments impacting the oil and gas sector.

Explore our perspectives below and check back regularly for insights on the latest developments throughout the year.

Sanctions: The Fracture in International Arbitration

View the challenges sanctions have made arbitrations over the last decade.

London Retains Status as Global Arbitration Hub

The UK has remained committed to reinforcing its status as a global arbitration hub through legislative and regulatory updates.

ESG as the New Weapon in International Arbitration

Recent policy changes, landmark judicial decisions and increasing sophistication on ESG obligations.

Turmoil but Growth in Third‑Party Arbitration Funding

After more than a decade of expansion, from an almost unknown asset class to a US$20 billion industry, third-party funding experienced a turbulent 2025.