The School of International Arbitration at Queen Mary University of London, in cooperation with White & Case, published the 12th edition of its International Arbitration Survey in January 2026 — the most significant annual sentiment survey of the international arbitration community.
Most preferred seat 2026
- Singapore — 31% (in first place for the first time)
- London — 28%
- Paris — 18%
- Hong Kong — 12%
- Geneva — 7%
For the first time in the history of the survey, Singapore overtook London as the most chosen seat — reflecting the growing weight of Asian economies and the institutions SIAC and the Singapore International Commercial Court (SICC).
Key reasons for preference
- Neutrality of Singapore — 87%
- Quality of arbitrators and judges — 82%
- Pro-arbitration case law — 78%
- Effective enforceability of awards — 75%
- Modern infrastructure and hearing centres — 71%
The survey polled 1,247 respondents from 95 jurisdictions — in-house counsel, partners of law firms, arbitrators and experts.
Source: 2026 Queen Mary International Arbitration Survey