London’s crown as an international arbitration hub

Christiane Deniger: When businesses face cross border disputes, they need certainty, they need expertise and they need a forum they can trust. London remains one of the world's leading centers for international arbitration, and that's why Burford Capital is the leading legal finance partner to clients engaged in London-seated arbitration.

London unites centuries of legal tradition, world-class expertise and a sophisticated disputes market. Businesses need reliable rules of the game when billions of dollars in global relationships are at stake. English law underpins contracts across finance, shipping, energy and infrastructure, and arbitration seated in London provides the mechanism to enforce those rights. Data from the LCIA proves this. In 2024, the LCIA received 362 referrals, including 318 arbitrations. 95% of those were international in nature, and 75% involved only international parties. Most strikingly London was chosen as the arbitral seat in 89% of cases, with English law applied in nearly 80%. 

So despite initial speculation, Brexit has not diminished London's standing as an arbitral seat. In fact, London's position outside the EU may enhance its appeal as English courts are no longer bound by the CJEU decisions that have restricted enforcement of arbitral awards, especially in investor state disputes, that makes London an even more reliable jurisdiction. And further, London offers practical tools that matter to businesses.

Recent reforms to the Arbitration Act limit jurisdictional challenges and introduce summary procedures resulting in faster resolution and greater clarity for commercial parties. Courts continue to take a non-interventionist stance towards arbitration with challenges to awards succeeding only in rare cases. That predictability allows parties to arbitrate with confidence that their awards will stand. The City also offers world-class facilities, proceedings in English and a deep pool of arbitrators, counsel and experts across sectors. London is not resting on its traditions. It's adapting, streamlining, and making arbitration faster and fairer for global businesses. 

Legal finance is an increasing essential tool for businesses engaged in London seated arbitration. Legal finance gives parties the flexibility and support to pursue even the most complex disputes strategically without letting cost or risk hold them back. Burford is uniquely positioned to help as the leading legal finance partner in London. We have the scale and permanent capital to fund major deals quickly and the staying power to partner with clients through multi-year disputes. We also handle diligence enforcement, asset recovery and insurance in-house with a team of more than 50 people based out of the London office.

From start to finish Burford helps clients unlock the full strength of London's position in international arbitration.