Challenges and appeals

SIAC appoints Matthew Brown as second Deputy Registrar

The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) has appointed Matthew Brown as Deputy Registrar. Brown, who has practised international arbitration in Singapore since 2010, joins the existing Registrar and Deputy Registrar in leading the SIAC Secretariat. A Cambridge graduate and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Brown brings experience in commercial and investment arbitration across energy, infrastructure, finance and other sectors.

AAA partners with Integra Ledger to launch blockchain-powered document registration and authentication service

The American Arbitration Association (AAA) has partnered with Integra Ledger to launch a blockchain-powered document registration and authentication service. The service is intended to allow individuals and organisations worldwide to register and authenticate single or bulk documents, generating tamper-proof, time- and date-stamped digital proofs while preserving the privacy and control of the originals. Users can register documents throughout a contract’s lifecycle, ensuring authenticity for future disputes, and creating permanent records that remain valid even if documents are subsequently shared or transferred. The service offers free registration for up to 100 documents initially, with tiered subscription options available for occasional or enterprise-level use. The initiative aims to address concerns about AI-generated document forgeries in legal proceedings by providing verifiable authentication through blockchain technology.

IBA announces 2026 Arbitration Day conference focusing on emerging technology disputes

The International Bar Association (IBA) Arbitration Committee has announced its 27th Annual IBA Arbitration Day scheduled for 28–29 January 2026 at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. The conference themed ‘New Horizons’ will examine emerging areas in international arbitration influenced by technology, emerging industries and shifting global dynamics. Topics include arbitration in unconventional environments, new energy sectors, smart cities, space exploration disputes and virtual assets. The event aims to prepare practitioners for disputes arising from new technologies and sectors that are reshaping international arbitration practice.

International Arbitration and the EU AI Act

Mealey’s: Natasha Tardif, co-head of Reed Smith’s European, Competition and Regulatory department and managing partner of the Paris office, focuses on litigation and advice with respect to issues in European and French government regulations (including competition, unfair trading, distribution, consumer protection, regulatory, data privacy, antibribery). They have a specific expertise in international investigations and litigation, with a unique multidimensional and multicultural approach allowing them to obtain unprecedented decisions such as multi-million fine cancelations and reversal of well-established rules. Alexandre Shamloo, an associate in the Competition and European Law department of the firm’s Paris office, advises and litigates European & French regulation, from antitrust and merger control to e-commerce, data privacy, and AI. Any commentary or opinions do not reflect the opinions of Reed Smith LLP or LexisNexis®.