IACA Launches the Global Passport to Strengthen Connectivity Across the International Dispute Resolution Community

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IACA Launches the Global Passport to Strengthen Connectivity Across the International Dispute Resolution Community

[Abu Dhabi/Hong Kong/Kazakhstan/London/Paris/Singapore /Toronto] – 28 January 2026

The International Arbitration Centre Alliance (IACA) has launched the IACA Global Passport, an initiative that enhances professional connectivity and mobility for dispute resolution practitioners worldwide. 

The Global Passport allows recognised members to access shared lounges, facilities, and services across partner hearing centres worldwide, offering a consistent and high-quality and trusted environment wherever their work takes them. The initiative marks a new stage in how the global arbitration community collaborates and supports its members. 

Participating hearing centres (listed alphabetically) include: 

  • ADGM Dispute Resolution Hearing Centre (DRHC) (Abu Dhabi) 
  • Arbitration Place (Toronto) 
  • International Arbitration Centre (IAC) (Kazakhstan)  
  • International Dispute Resolution Centre (London) 
  • Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) (Hong Kong) 
  • Maxwell Chambers (Singapore) 
  • Paris Arbitration Centre by Delos (Paris) 
Image: The Nook by Maxwell Chambers

Find out more about the membership lounge by Maxwell Chambers – The Nook.

Under the Global Passport, members of IACA may benefit from: 

  • Reciprocal access to lounges, breakout spaces, and meeting facilities at participating centres (subject to availability) 
  • Concierge support when working away from their home centre 
  • Networking opportunities and invitations to partner-hosted events across IACA member venues 
  • Exclusive member discounts on selected services 

These benefits collectively redefine the experience of arbitration practitioners, reflecting IACA’s shared vision of creating an interconnected global network that supports the evolving needs of the dispute resolution community. 

“At its heart, the Global Passport is about hospitality, ensuring that wherever practitioners travel, they feel at home in a trusted environment,” said Karen Tan, Chief Strategy Officer of Maxwell Chambers. “It also represents the next step in building an interconnected world for dispute resolution practitioners, one where collaboration and access are seamless across borders.” 

Damian Hickman, Chief Executive Officer of the International Dispute Resolution Centre (London), said: “As a member of the International Arbitration Centre Alliance (IACA), which includes the world’s finest centres, the IDRC looks forward to welcoming all holders of IACA Global Passports to use selected working facilities at the IDRC, further increasing connectivity within the arbitration community. This initiative facilitates the availability of dedicated working environments around the world, allowing arbitrators and dispute resolution practitioners to streamline their working practices when travelling.” 

Linda Fitz-Alan, Registrar and Chief Executive of ADGM Courts, said, “The Global Passport initiative exemplifies how forward-thinking collaborations can elevate international dispute resolution. As a founding member, the DRHC is proud to contribute to building this network that champions connectivity, trust, and the highest standards of service across jurisdictions.”

Jeffrey Mandell, Chairman and CEO of Arbitration Place (Toronto), added: “Aligned with Arbitration Place’s strategy of expanding internationally and supporting parties wherever their disputes take them, the Global Passport represents an important step forward. It enables arbitrators to seamlessly access world-class facilities across jurisdictions, strengthening cohesion within the global community and ensuring that excellence in dispute resolution is accessible worldwide.” 

Joanne Lau, Secretary-General of the HKIAC, said: “Through the Global Passport, HKIAC is pleased to join our partners to deepen connectivity across the arbitration community worldwide. By linking our facilities with other leading centres, practitioners can stay productive wherever they are and grow their networks—strengthening the sense of community and shared purpose across international arbitration.” 

Hawa Dia, Manager of the Paris Arbitration Centre, by Delos said: “PAC is owned and controlled by the IA community and has the largest and most flexible hearing centre on continental Europe with over 1800 m2/19,000 sqft of floor space capable of catering from the most demanding hearings to the simplest events. We pride ourselves on our service and hospitality and look forward to welcoming all IACA passport holders.”

Looking Ahead 

The Global Passport will continue to expand its network and explore new ways to enhance the experience of its members through digital innovation and cross-centre collaboration. 

Media Enquiries: 
Tom Namer   
[email protected] 

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Maxwell Unplugged: Erika Williams

Episode Overview
Join the conversation as Erika Williams, Independent arbitrator, joined by Monica Chong, a disputes lawyer at Wong Partnership LLP in Singapore, shares her journey of navigating a variety of roles before unexpectedly discovering her passion for arbitration – a reminder that opportunities can arise in the most unexpected places.
 
She shares insights from her experience in arbitration practice, as well as the value of both formal and informal connections while networking, and maybe even shares a few secrets on how to build them!

Cassandra Anthonisz

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Cassandra Gayle Anthonisz is the Deputy Manager of Legal and Business Services at Maxwell Chambers. Her multifaceted experience spans across legal, business development, and communications sectors, offering a distinctive combination of legal acumen, strategic insight, and cross-sector versatility.

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Cassandra has a passion for advancing access to justice and to promoting forward-thinking and progressive business-aligned legal practices. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Birmingham City University in the United Kingdom, and is currently pursuing a Master of Laws (LLM).

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Jiun Ean returns to Maxwell Chambers as Chief Executive, to augment the team as it continues to build on Maxwell’s position as the premier ADR facility in the world.

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