Examining Accelerated and Simplified Methods under SIAC Regulations of 2025: A Look at Effectiveness and Swiftness
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The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) has recently introduced revised 2025 Rules for its arbitration framework, aiming to modernize its process, address emerging challenges, and enhance procedural efficiency and flexibility. One of the key features of these new rules is the introduction of Expedited and Streamlined Procedures, designed to speed up and reduce costs in disputes.
The Expedited Procedure now applies to claims up to SGD 10 million, a raise from a lower threshold, enabling broader eligibility for faster resolution within six months. It mandates a sole arbitrator, generally dispenses with oral hearings (unless requested or deemed necessary), and limits document production and witness examination to tribunal discretion, encouraging efficient but largely paper-based proceedings.
The newly introduced Streamlined Procedure targets disputes with a financial threshold of SGD 1 million, focusing on low-value, straightforward cases to further reduce timelines and costs. This procedure is exclusively document-based and does not permit oral hearings or document production, unless the Tribunal decides otherwise in exceptional cases. It is expected to deliver a final award within 90 days from the constitution of the Tribunal.
However, the practical use of these streamlined processes demands careful assessment of case complexity and the importance of procedural tools. The limitation or exclusion of oral hearings, cross-examinations, and extensive document production potentially reduces opportunities for thorough fact-finding and may impair parties’ ability to fully present complex or contentious issues. Since these procedures prioritize speed and cost-effectiveness, there may be concerns about compromising procedural fairness or the depth of arbitration, especially in disputes with nuanced facts or technical evidence.
Parties must approach these streamlined paths with caution and strategic forethought, as the efficiencies offered by the Expedited and Streamlined Procedures may be offset by the loss of procedural tools that are critical in complex or high-stakes matters. In complex commercial cases, parties may opt for the regular process to preserve their ability to conduct oral hearings, request document production, and present witness testimony.
The President of the SIAC Court determines whether the Expedited Procedure will apply, considering the complexity of the case, the amount in dispute, observations and preferences of both parties, and other relevant circumstances. The Streamlined Procedure, like the Expedited Procedure, can be triggered in two ways: by mutual agreement of the parties or by application made by either party at various stages of the arbitration process. The SIAC Secretariat determines whether the arbitration shall proceed under the Streamlined Procedure, after considering the views of both parties.
Under the 2025 SIAC Rules, the Tribunal's fees and SIAC's administrative fees are capped at 50% of the maximum limits prescribed in the Schedule of Fees, based on the amount in dispute, offering a significant financial benefit.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of Bar & Bench. It is essential for parties to understand the practical considerations and potential drawbacks of these expedited and streamlined procedures before deciding whether they are suitable for their disputes.
References:
[1] Singapore International Arbitration Centre. (2025). SIAC Rules 2025. Singapore: Singapore International Arbitration Centre.
[2] Sarkar, A., & Agrawal, S. (2025). Navigating SIAC's Expedited and Streamlined Procedures: A Practical Guide. Singapore: Triumvir Law.
[3] International Chamber of Commerce. (2022). ICC Arbitration Rules 2021. Paris: International Chamber of Commerce.
- In order to maintain procedural efficiency while considering potential compromises to procedural fairness, the parties should thoroughly evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of using the Expedited and Streamlined Procedures from SIAC's 2025 Rules in their business or technology-related disputes with a financial threshold.
- The integration of technology, finance, and business in these streamlined procedures contributes to the modernization of the industry, aiming to address emerging challenges and enhance the arbitration process by offering cost-effective and time-efficient solutions for disputes in the finance and technology sectors.
