Key Takeaways from LIDW 2026: How Courts and Arbitration are converging to inform the global dispute resolution landscape

London International Disputes Week 2026 provided a timely opportunity to examine how the dispute resolution landscape is shifting. Across two panel discussions hosted at Edwin Coe, we explored alongside fellow legal practitioners a number of topics, in particular the increasingly sophisticated use of interim remedies and the evolving role of arbitration in intergenerational disputes.

Although the subject matter differed across the two events, a consistent theme emerged: Courts and tribunals now operate as complementary forums to assist in resolving disputes. The most effective strategies recognise this interplay and deploy both with precision. Please see some of our reflections in the event summaries below.

Event 1: Securing the Award: The Power of Interim Remedies in Global Litigation and Arbitration, Hosted by Edwin Coe and Kings Chambers

Our first panel session focused on the expanding importance of interim protective measures in both domestic and international disputes. With contributions from Barristers across Kings Chambers and partners at Edwin Coe, the discussion examined the full range of tools available under the Civil Jurisdiction and Judgments Act 1982, the Arbitration Act 1996, and the courts’ inherent powers. Interim measures have become indispensable in high value, cross border disputes. They safeguard the integrity of a claim long before a tribunal can reach a final decision. The panel explored how these tools:

• Preserve assets at risk of dissipation, particularly in cases involving fast moving digital or crypto assets;
• Protect evidence, including through search and imaging orders;
• Prevent tactical manoeuvring that could undermine the effectiveness of a future award.

The conversation also addressed the growing influence of litigation funding, the increasing scrutiny around security for costs, and the added complexity created by sanctions and geopolitical risk. There was also discussion from the panel on emergency arbitration and while this may offer rapid intervention, its effectiveness ultimately depends on the courts. Judicial enforcement remains essential to give interim measures real commercial impact.

Event 2: Arbitration and Inter Generational Disputes: The Reality and How It Works in Practice, Hosted by Edwin Coe and 4-5 Gray’s Inn Square

The second session turned to the rise of intergenerational disputes, a growing feature of global wealth management. Families navigating succession, trust structures and cross border assets are encountering disputes that are both emotionally charged and legally complex.

Arbitration offers confidentiality, procedural flexibility and enforceability across borders, qualities that resonate strongly in family and trust disputes. Recent decisions, including Grosskopf v Grosskopf and Volpi v Delanson Services, have helped reset expectations around the suitability of arbitration in this space.

However, the panel highlighted that arbitration cannot fully displace the courts. Issues such as probate, capacity, and binding non-signatory beneficiaries remain firmly within judicial oversight. As a result, many intergenerational disputes require a hybrid approach from the outset.

Where wealth is layered, protected or deliberately obscured, the success of any process, arbitral or judicial, depends on identifying assets early and understanding how an eventual award can be enforced. Clearer drafting and potential legislative reform will be essential as arbitration continues to expand into this area.

A Unified System: Courts and Tribunals Working Together

Across both sessions, a clear picture emerged:

• Tribunals offer confidentiality, procedural control and a forum tailored to the parties’ needs.
• Courts provide coercive power, the ability to bind third parties and the authority to enforce orders and awards.

When used together, they form a coherent dispute resolution ecosystem capable of addressing the most complex cross border challenges.

The LIDW 2026 Major Takeaway: Strategy must start early

Success in modern disputes depends on:

• Early strategic action,
• Careful structuring, and
• A deep awareness of evolving risks, from hidden assets to crypto volatility to shifting geopolitical pressures.

Parties who understand how to combine arbitration’s flexibility with the courts’ authority will be best placed to protect value and secure meaningful outcomes.

With thanks to our fellow speakers

We are grateful to our panel speakers and co-hosts from Kings Chambers, 4–5 Gray’s Inn Square, MKS Law and Graham Kenny Solicitors, for their insights and contributions across both sessions. If you’d would like to follow up on any of the topics discussed, please do reach out contact Shams Rahman  or Alexander Shirtcliff.