London International Disputes Week 2025 brought together global experts tackling pressing challenges in dispute resolution, arbitration, fraud prevention, and regulatory innovation. Stevens & Bolton played a leading role, collaborating with outstanding partners to deliver thought-provoking sessions. 

Here are the highlights:

The Frontline Against Fraud: Common Law, Government Policy and Regulation – How the UK Is Fighting Fraud

• Partner, James Evison, joined a panel with Catherine Gibaud KC of Three Verulam Buildings, Chris Hemsley of Fingleton (former head of the Payment Systems Regulator), and Penny Dunbabin from the Home Office to dissect the UK’s multi-pronged fraud strategy. 
• Discussions delved into what it takes to put a bank “on enquiry”, and whether claims in unjust enrichment might provide an alternative route to recovery against recipient banks.
• There were insights into regulatory emphasis on data collection, league tables and transparency as a driver of voluntary change without the need for government intervention, as well as discussion on the impact of the APP fraud reimbursement scheme.
• Interesting discussions were had about the government’s intention to tackle fraud through various legislative initiatives and partnerships, including introduction of the failure to prevent fraud offence in September 2025 and development of a new fraud strategy. 

Technology Disputes, Fraud and Regulatory Compliance

• Partners, Sophie Ashcroft and Charlie Maurice, joined Qeuntin Tannock of 4 Pump Court, to explore the impact of heightened regulation in tech disputes. 
• Discussions covered how a changing regulatory landscape continues to present challenges to both buy and sell side of the tech sector. For example, the evolving landscape surrounding AI models and more sector-specific challenges, such as those in the payments and broader fintech sectors.
• Consideration was given as to how this can be enshrined in contractual mechanisms and the need for accurate regulatory advice.
• There was agreement that issues of scope creep, delays, and the extent of configuration and customisation required to make OOTB solutions meet client requirements continue to feature heavily in IT disputes. 
• Statements made by sales teams at IT vendors have frequently led to fraudulent misrepresentation claims by customers, and the new ECCTA failure to prevent fraud offence places increased focus in the importance of appropriate training and compliance measures to protect larger companies from potential liability in relation to statements made in bid documents and/or by sales teams regarding product capabilities.

The Culture of London Arbitration - Going Viral or an English Virus? 

• Partner, Catherine Penny co-hosted a seminar with Andrew Stevens of 4 Pump Court, and was joined by Flore Poloni of Signature Litigation, Paris, Adrian Chadwick of Hadef & Partners, Dubai and Baldev Bhinder of Blackstone & Gold, Singapore. 
• Discussions were had about lessons to be learned from other arbitral cultures, but London’s arbitration model was defended as flexible and robust, with a deep ecosystem of legal professionals enabling it to accommodate diverse legal traditions and the autonomy of parties allowing flexibility despite the procedural structure. 
• Dubai and Singapore were spotlighted as fast-evolving arbitration hubs with Paris praised for its judicial support for arbitration and international enforcement stance.
• The speakers called arbitration practitioners to have courage, suggesting they avoid defaulting to traditional methods and be bold in designing procedures that suit each individual dispute.

Securing The Future: Strengthening England and Wales’ International Position

• Partner, Sarah Murray, partnered with the Law Society, to chair an expert panel of lawyers (Ahmed Abdel Hakam of Volterra Fietta, Ajneet Jassey (GC for litigation and regulatory at Lloyd Banking Group) and Alex Gunning KC of One Essex Court), leading discussions about the strengths and challenges of England as a jurisdiction of choice in international dispute resolution. 
• Discussions emphasised how England really is a trusted jurisdiction for litigants and foreign lawyers alike. 
• Despite a consensus that more could be done to improve the digital infrastructure of the courts, and to balance the costs of litigation, there was wide agreement that the jurisdiction is world-renown for its expert judges, established legal framework and high-quality legal advisers. As such, it was agreed that England and Wales remains a world-leading international dispute resolution centre.

You can still have your say…

 It’s not too late to have your say on the challenges of England and Wales as a jurisdiction for international dispute resolution. Take our short survey here. 

Thank you

 A huge thank you to all who contributed to the success of our seminars:

• Our co-hosts: the Law Society, 3VB, One Essex Court, 4 Pump Court for their invaluable partnerships;
• Distinguished panelists without whom, we couldn’t have had such engaging debates and interesting insights; and
• The LIDW 2025 organisers for creating this wonderful event facilitating the connection and collaboration of legal professionals from all around the world.  

 We can’t wait for LIDW 2026!