SCC 2024 Statistics on arbitrator appointments: Continued growth and a strong focus on diversity

SCC Arbitration Institute has released its 2024 statistics on arbitrator appointments. 2024 was a year marked by strong international engagement, complex disputes, and a continued commitment to diversity and procedural efficiency. The data covers all appointments made in 2024, whether the underlying dispute was filed in 2024 or earlier.

A total of 211 arbitrators were appointed in 2024. Of these, 76% were appointed under the SCC Arbitration Rules and 22% under the SCC Expedited Arbitration Rules. Additionally, the SCC appointed four emergency arbitrators and one arbitrator in an ad hoc arbitration. 

Appointment distribution 

Parties made 56% of all appointments, while the SCC Board appointed 39%, and co-arbitrators accounted for the remaining 4%. Under the SCC Arbitration Rules, arbitrators were appointed in 69 arbitrations. Of these, 64% of the tribunals consisted of three arbitrators, an indication of both the complexity and monetary value of many of the disputes administered under the SCC Arbitration Rules. This is to be compared to 36% of the tribunals under the SCC Arbitration Rules consisting of a sole arbitrator. 

Strong international engagement 

SCC continues to draw from a truly international pool of arbitrators. In 2024, arbitrators were appointed from 26 countries across three continents, underscoring the SCC’s global reach and strong international reputation. This is consistent with previous years, where the SCC typically appoints arbitrators from 20 to 30 countries annually, while parties involved in SCC arbitrations generally represent 40 to 45 countries. 

Focus on gender balance 

Gender diversity remains a central focus for the SCC. In 2024, 40% of all appointed arbitrators were women, a modest increase from 39% in 2023. The SCC Board maintained its leadership in this area, appointing 57% women and 43% men. However, party appointments continued to lag, with only 28% of party-appointed arbitrators being women, down from 31% in the previous year. These figures reaffirm the SCC’s dedication to advancing gender balance. 

Emergency arbitrations 

For parties requiring urgent interim relief before the arbitral tribunal is constituted, the SCC offers emergency arbitrator proceedings. In 2024, four such requests were filed. In all instances, the SCC appointed an emergency arbitrator within 24 hours, in accordance with its rules. Decisions were rendered within an average of seven days, exceeding the five days set out in the SCC Rules. All four applications were ultimately dismissed. 

Conclusions

“The SCC 2024 arbitrator statistics show meaningful strides forward in advancing gender balance and continuing our commitment to inclusive and efficient dispute resolution. By publishing more detailed data, the SCC seeks to foster increased transparency and understanding about arbitration, and we remain steadfast in our pledge to take an active role in shaping a fair and balanced arbitration environment for users worldwide.” 

– Caroline Falconer, Secretary General of the SCC Arbitration Institute