London and Singapore remain the world’s preferred seats for international arbitration, bolstered by strong political backing and continuous legal innovation, according to a recent survey.

London retains its position as the top arbitration hub globally, selected by 34% of respondents, and close behind it is Singapore, preferred by 31%, finds the International Arbitration Survey ( sixth edition ), published by global law firm White & Case and the School of International Arbitration of Queen Mary University of London, which gathered insights from over 2,400 members of the global arbitration community.

Both seats are consistently ranked in the top five by respondents from all regions. Hong Kong, Beijing and Paris round out the top five preferred seats globally.

Recent legislative reforms, the survey notes, underscore the proactive stance of both London and Singapore. The UK recently introduced a new Arbitration Act, receiving royal assent in February 2025, designed to modernize arbitration proceedings, enhance the powers of arbitral tribunals and increase procedural efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Similarly, Singapore, the survey points out, initiated a comprehensive consultation in March 2025 aimed at further refining arbitration practices and reinforcing judicial support for arbitration, ensuring that its legal framework continues to meet the evolving needs of international arbitration users.

“The sustained appeal of London and Singapore underscores the importance arbitration users place on judicial reliability and proactive legislative support,” says Clare Connellan, the law firm’s partner specializing in international arbitration. “Both jurisdictions have made significant legislative advances in recent months, demonstrating a clear political commitment to maintaining their positions as pre-eminent global arbitration hubs.”

Human reasoning over AI

Arbitration is rapidly evolving, the survey highlights, through the adoption of artificial intelligence ( AI ). Strikingly, over 90% of respondents expect to be using AI for conducting factual and legal research, data analytics or document review over the next five years.

However, human judgment will remain vital. A strong majority of respondents express resistance to the use of AI for tasks requiring the exercise of discretion and legal reasoning: 77% of respondents, including 80% of arbitrators and 85% of counsel, object to AI drafting the reasoning sections of arbitral awards and decisions. And, while anticipating broader AI use, they insist that critical legal assessments must remain human-led.

“AI and data technologies are transforming the practice of arbitration; but, unsurprisingly, the survey’s findings confirm that human judgement and expertise are irreplaceable, particularly when it comes to strategic and legal decision-making,” shares Zelda Hunter, the firm’s international arbitration partner. “The future of arbitration will undoubtedly be defined by innovation underpinned by oversight."

Transparency

There is, the survey reveals, a clear divide within the arbitration community around transparency. While confidentiality remains a cornerstone for most commercial arbitrations, there is growing support – especially in disputes involving governments or state entities – for increased openness.

A majority of respondents ( 59% ) support publishing redacted awards in investor-state disputes, although nearly 90% oppose public access to hearings in commercial arbitration, reflecting enduring concerns around sensitive business information and reputational risk.

“International arbitration continues to be the cornerstone of cross-border dispute resolution for businesses worldwide,” adds Charles Nairac, co-head of the firm’s international arbitration practice. “In an era marked by increasing geopolitical uncertainty, economic volatility and rapid technological change, arbitration offers the predictability, flexibility and enforceability that commercial parties need.”