The Swiss Arbitration Centre reported a record number of new arbitration filings in 2025, underscoring growing international reliance on Switzerland as a neutral forum for resolving complex cross-border disputes.

The Centre administered 125 new cases last year — a 25 percent increase over 2024. Approximately 77 percent of those disputes involved parties based outside Switzerland, spanning 67 jurisdictions across Asia, the Americas and Europe.

In a significant institutional development, the Centre introduced Supplemental Swiss Rules for Trust, Estate and Foundation Disputes in July 2025. The framework provides tailored procedures for resolving conflicts arising from wills, trusts and foundations — sectors historically dominated by domestic courts but increasingly shaped by global wealth structures.

Emergency arbitration activity also surged. The number of emergency arbitrator appointments doubled compared with the previous year, with tribunals commonly constituted within 24 hours and decisions issued in approximately 15 days.

Observers say the figures reflect both confidence in Swiss procedural law and a broader shift toward specialized arbitration regimes designed to accommodate the evolving needs of international commerce and private wealth management.