Evolving frameworks: upcoming updates in arbitration rules

Why should I read this?

On 11 March 2026, the London Court of International Arbitration (the LCIA) launched a public consultation on potential revisions to its arbitration rules (the LCIA Rules), which closed on 11 May 2026. The consultation comes in light of the significant changes which have taken place in terms of technology in legal practice, the new Arbitration Act 2025, and the continual change of the geopolitical environment since the publication of its last set of rules in 2020. Draft versions of the revised LCIA Rules (and the revised LCIA Mediation Rules) will be published for a second round of community feedback later in 2026.

The upcoming introduction of the new ICC Arbitration Rules on 1 June 2026 (the 2026 ICC Rules) also marks a further step in the ICC Court’s ongoing effort to modernise arbitral procedure and respond to user expectations. Whilst a full version of the 2026 ICC Rules is not yet available, the ICC is publishing a seven-part series on its website outlining the key changes and updates which will be introduced.

What should I do?

• Monitor consultations and transitional provisions so that potential rule changes can be factored into dispute timing, settlement strategy, and document management decisions.
• Consider institutional differences at the drafting stage to assess whether the ICC or LCIA (or any other institutional rules) best suit your needs in light of recent reforms, including differences in approaches to cost control, expedited procedures, transparency, and tribunal appointment.
• Review existing arbitration agreements to check whether they refer to ICC or LCIA Rules “in force at the time of arbitration” or to a specific edition. This will determine whether revised or future rules apply automatically, particularly under long term contracts.
• Understand key developments introduced by the new rules affecting case management, efficiency measures, digital filings, remote hearings, and tribunal powers, as these can materially impact how an arbitration is conducted.
• Once a dispute is anticipated, engage with counsel early to assess how the applicable institutional rules may influence strategy, including the availability of expedition, early determination, consolidation, or joinder.

What else do I need to know about the proposed rule changes?

A central theme of the LCIA consultation is the role of artificial intelligence, an issue not addressed in the 2020 Rules, with consideration given to possible disclosure obligations, enhanced tribunal powers and principle based safeguards to ensure transparency and fairness as AI use evolves. 

Alongside this, the LCIA is examining whether fully digital proceedings should be treated as standard, supported by clearer guidance on virtual and hybrid hearings and strengthened attention to cybersecurity and data protection in cross border disputes.

The consultation also explored whether additional or refined expedited mechanisms are needed, with any fast track expansion closely linked to the LCIA’s broader move towards technology assisted arbitration as a means of enabling more efficient case management rather than a standalone reform.

The revised 2026 ICC Rules, which come into force on 1 June 2026 and apply to all arbitrations where a Request for Arbitration is filed on or after that date, are also expected to place a stronger emphasis on efficiency, expedition and active case management. Key changes include enhanced expedited and early case management mechanisms, refinements aimed at shortening the length of proceedings and simplifying early procedural stages, and updates reflecting the normalisation of digital and remote processes in international arbitration.

A further update will be provided once the 2026 ICC Rules have been published in full.