2024 Statistics: A Record Year for SCC Arbitration Institute 

The 2024 statistics for the SCC Arbitration Institute highlight a year of strong international engagement, high-value disputes, and a broad representation of industries. With an increase in total amount in dispute and a growing international caseload, the SCC continues to solidify its position as a trusted and neutral venue for efficient and cost-effective dispute resolution.

In 2024, the SCC registered 204 new cases, reflecting continued trust in its arbitration services. Of these, 105 (51%) were international disputes, while 99 (49%) involved only Swedish parties. However, among arbitrations administered under the SCC Arbitration Rules, 65% were international, demonstrating the SCC’s growing role in cross-border dispute resolution. As in previous years, a majority of the expedited arbitrations involved only Swedish parties. 

The breakdown of cases shows that 53% were administered under the SCC Arbitration Rules, while 35% proceeded under the SCC Rules for Expedited Arbitrations. Additionally, the SCC provided services in ad hoc arbitrations, as well as administered  5 mediation cases, emergency arbitrators in 4 cases, and one SCC Express case. 

A striking trend in 2024 was the significant rise in the total amount in dispute, reaching EUR 13.5 billion—compared to EUR 3 billion in 2023 and EUR 1.6 billion in 2022. This surge underscores the SCC’s continued strong position for handling high-stakes commercial disputes. 

The SCC Arbitration Institute continues to be a preferred venue for resolving complex, high-value disputes across a broad range of industries and jurisdictions. The 2024 statistics underscore our commitment to neutrality, efficiency, and innovation in international arbitration, says Caroline Falconer, Secretary General of the SCC Arbitration Institute. 

For the first time, the SCC is publishing data on the average amount in dispute. Cases administered under the SCC Arbitration Rules had an average disputed amount exceeding EUR 100 million, a sharp increase from EUR 31 million in 2023. Meanwhile, the average amount in dispute under the SCC Expedited Arbitration Rules was approximately EUR 672,000. 

Another new addition to the 2024 statistics is a detailed industry breakdown. As in previous years, disputes arose across a wide range of industries, with the most common sectors being: 

• Retail and consumer products 

• Financial services 

• Real estate and construction 

Other industries utilizing SCC services included technology, energy, manufacturing, automotive, media and entertainment, mining and metal, life sciences, public sector, telecoms, and clean tech. 

In 2024, 488 parties from 40 different countries turned to the SCC to resolve their disputes. The top nationalities represented were Sweden, Russia, the United Kingdom, Norway, and Finland and the arbitrations were seated in all Scandinavian countries (Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark) as well as in the United Kingdom, and Canada. 

Proceedings were conducted in English, Swedish, Russian, and French, with English being the most common language, followed by Swedish—used both in domestic cases and in Nordic cross-border disputes. 

Efficiency remains a cornerstone of SCC arbitration. In 2024, 63% of awards under the SCC Arbitration Rules were rendered within 12 months after referral to the arbitral tribunal and 92% of awards under the SCC Expedited Arbitration Rules were rendered within 6 months. The typical timeframe from a request for arbitration to referral to the tribunal remained within 2 months. 

A total of 12 challenges to arbitrators were made in 2024. In 4 cases, the arbitrator voluntarily resigned following a party’s request. The SCC Board decided on 8 challenges, rejecting 6, sustaining 1, and dismissing 1 as it was submitted after the final award was rendered. 

Statistics in relation to arbitrator appointments are to be published later this year.  

Caroline Falconer continues: With full respect for the confidentiality obligations in the SCC rules, we strive to be transparent answering to the needs of the users. By publishing additional statistics we hope to contribute to a better knowledge and understanding of the practice of international arbitration. This is also in line with the many SCC reports and practice notes we have published in the last years.