RPC traces the trends for LIDW25

With London International Disputes Week 2025 now wrapped up, we are reflecting on what it might tell us about the evolution of the disputes landscape.

1. International arbitration takes centre stage

 International arbitration formed the backbone of LIDW25, with over 60 sessions. Discussions on whether arbitration remains meaningfully distinct from litigation offered rich perspectives on the practice's future. Panels tackled a range of jurisdictions, including the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, the Balkans, and Turkey, with India's rising role as a global arbitral player proving a particular highlight. Developments such as the SIAC Rules 2025 featured prominently, with sessions comparing London and Singapore as key arbitration centres.

Technology and innovation, particularly AI's role in arbitration, were running themes throughout the week. Embracing technology to modernise dispute resolution, with an awareness of its ethical and regulatory questions, stirred insightful discussion. Other hot topics on the agenda were discussions of arbitration within the context of net-zero and ESG considerations, public international law and sanctions, and fraud and corruption involving state parties.

2. Fraud and asset recovery in the spotlight

Fraud and asset recovery stood out as one of the most pertinent topics at LID25, featuring a rich mix of sessions with complex and international perspectives. The integration of technology was a consistent theme of the week, from the challenges of APP fraud, crypto scams, the role of AI in fraud detection and litigation, and how to stay ahead in an increasingly digital fraud landscape.

Cross-border insolvency and restructuring received particular attention this year. Panels delved into solutions for managing insolvency challenges, reviewing many of the disputes from over the past year. Across the week, it became clear that rising economic crime and digital fraud threats are prompting a surge in fraud litigation and asset recovery innovation. It is clear that the London courts are being used as a hub of global enforcement, particularly in cases with an offshore element.

3. Geopolitics and cross-border disputes

The shifting international landscape was a notable hot topic of this year's LIDW, with cross-border trade, sanctions, and geopolitical risk standing out on the agenda. With nearly 30 sessions, there was a focus on navigating US, UK and EU sanctions, particularly amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Jurisdictions under the microscope included India, Africa, Russia, and the Middle East, demonstrating the growth of international commercial courts.

Investor-state dispute resolution (ISDS) was another focal point, addressing evolving the approach during elevated geopolitical volatility. The role of London courts in treaty disputes involving Latin America was highlighted, as were the growing demands on international courts as we face an uncertain global environment.

4. The rising wave of AI

Unsurprisingly, technology and AI were front and centre of LIDW25, particularly as the legal sector adapts to its rapidly evolving applications and risks. Over 20 sessions explored how AI is transforming disputes, and the approaches to their resolution. We have seen that AI is reshaping litigation workflows, including document review, evidence assessment, strategy, and client service. The sessions looked at new types of disputes emerging from AI-generated content, deepfakes, cyber-attacks, and the risks of data privacy failures.

However, a strong theme of the week was the conflict between AI innovation and ethics, with several panels raising questions about accuracy, admissibility, and transparency. At the heart of the conversation, however, was the human voice and perspective, debating key topics such as mental health and the client experience.

5. ESG and sustainability concerns are heating up

Climate, energy and sustainability disputes were significant on the LIDW agenda, with over 20 sessions demonstrating the growing position and appetite for ESG concerns in global dispute resolution. Panels explored the sector-specific challenges, from renewable and offshore disputes to the role of arbitration in resolving conflict. As increasing scrutiny is given on environmental responsibility and governance standards, greenwashing and climate-related litigation were key takeaways. The rise in ESG claims reflects a maturing legal focus on sustainability obligations, particularly in project finance and energy.

Various jurisdictions were the subject of debate, including India and the UK. However, Africa featured prominently, with multiple panels addressing ESG risk in cross border investment, mining and infrastructure. It is clear that Africa is becoming a central arena for ESG-related disputes, driven by its resource-rich landscape and increasing investment activity.

6. Group actions are gaining momentum

Finally, group litigation and collective actions are increasingly receiving attention amidst their rising role in disputes and mass litigation. With many of the sessions focusing on London, LIDW has demonstrated the UK's strategic importance as a hub of key class action cases. Discussions on settlement practices across the UK, US, and Netherlands, however, emphasised the need for cross-jurisdictional learning to effectively manage settlement.

The sessions on litigation funding, class actions and mass claims, particularly post-PACCAR, indicate an increasing accessibility to group litigation in the UK, especially in competition, data privacy and consumer harm cases. The varied conversations signalled a shift towards a more tech-orientated market, with the effect of social media also providing a fresh outlook on the influence of online discourse.