As part of London International Disputes Week 2023, Stewarts and Twenty Essex Chambers will host an in-depth debate on the role of third party funding in London in respect of investment treaty disputes. The event will take place on 18 May (17:30) at Stewarts’ London office.

Third Party Funding (TPF) has become an established and recognised option for disputing parties in investment treaty arbitration. Join us for a discussion on the role of TPF, including discussing:

• arbitral institutions and States’ interests in regulating TPF;
• London’s specific features as a global hub for TPF; and
• future trends for TPF in investment treaty disputes and the role of London.

Speakers include:

• Camilla Godman (Omni Bridgeway)
• Philippa Charles (Twenty Essex)
• Hasan Tahsin Azizagaoglu (Bench Walk Advisors)
• Alejandro Garcia (Stewarts)

A drinks reception will follow the panel session.

Register your place for the event now.

New European Parliament Directive

On 13 September 2022, the European Parliament adopted a “Report with recommendations to the Commission on Responsible private funding of litigation” (the “Proposed Directive”), which primarily aims at providing a regulatory framework in relation to third-party funders. The Proposed Directive may have profound consequences for the third party funding market within the EU, including in respect of investment treaty disputes, and could present significant opportunities to funders operating in London particularly in respect of investment treaty disputes involving EU Member States.

The motion for a European Parliament Resolution acknowledges that TPF “is prevalent in Australia, the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, and it is regarded by some as a key factor in ensuring that access to justice is available”. The motion also notes that “while third party funding is virtually non-existent in Europe, it is a booming phenomenon in investment arbitration that multiplies the number and the volume of claims of private investors against States.”

The panel will discuss the potential changes and opportunities which may result from the Proposed Directive.

London International Disputes Week

This year’s LIDW is the fourth event to be held in the capital, with leading firms and chambers hosting discussions around all forms of dispute resolution including litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation.

The theme for this year’s series is “Adapting to a Changing World”, following 2022’s theme “Global, Sustainable, Ethical” to consider both progress that has been made in the dispute resolution world over the last year, and what we can expect in 2023 during a period of great economic challenges. These events will consider what the next year holds for dispute resolution professionals around the world.

London holds international appeal as a global centre for dispute resolution – whether through its courts or by arbitration, mediation, expert determination or negotiation – built upon a rich tradition of English law dating back to the Magna Carta. LIDW23 will feature a combination of a varied technical programme combined with the usual variety of social and networking events to enable participants to share ideas, to make new contacts and connections and to renew old acquaintances.

The full LIDW 2023 programme is now available, with a mixed programme of in-person and hybrid events open for registration.

You can find further information regarding our expertise, experience and team on our International Arbitration page.

If you require assistance from our team, please contact us or alternatively request a call back from one of our lawyers by submitting this form.

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