ABOUT US

ABOUT US

Welcome to the International Arbitration Centre (“IAC”), a hugely significant initiative for the Astana International Financial Centre (“AIFC”), the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the entire Eurasia region.

The IAC provides an independent, economical and expeditious alternative to court litigation, operating to the highest international standards to resolve civil and commercial disputes in the AIFC.

The IAC offers parties maximum choice and flexibility in choosing the rules and procedures they wish to use to resolve their disputes at the IAC.

Parties may agree for the IAC to:

1. Administer their arbitration according to the IAC Arbitration and Mediation Rules. These rules include procedures for expedited arbitrations, the appointment of emergency arbitrators, and resolution of investment treaty disputes.
2. Administer their arbitration according to UNCITRAL Arbitration Rules or ad hoc arbitration rules.
3. Administer mediations according to the IAC Arbitration and Mediation Rules or ad hoc mediation rules.
4. Provide other forms of alternative dispute resolution.

The IAC has an eJustice system that enables parties to file cases electronically from anywhere around the world without their having to be physically present at the IAC’s premises. Video hearings happen when an arbitrator or mediator decides that an in-person hearing or meeting is not necessary or appropriate. Cost and time efficient case management ensures that cases are administered and adjudicated as quickly and appropriately as possible.

Arbitration awards of the IAC are enforceable in the Republic of Kazakhstan as Orders of the AIFC Court, supported by a robust enforcement system. They are also enforceable internationally under the New York Convention 1958.

The IAC has its own panel of outstanding international arbitrators and mediators who are greatly experienced, independent, impartial and of the highest integrity. The IAC is an appointment authority, offering the appointment of arbitrators and mediators from its panel, for arbitrations and mediations conducted at the IAC or elsewhere. The IAC also has a highly professional team that deals with administration, management and preparation of cases under the guidance of the Registrar.

The IAC’s international standard premises are headquartered in Astana, the Kazakhstan capital, with additional premises in Almaty, in Kazakhstan, and in eight countries in Eurasia that are key trading partners with Kazakhstan. All of the premises have international standard meeting and conference rooms, office facilities, and access to innovative digital technology to assist with timely and cost effective case management.

Professional support services Chambers are located at the IAC’s Astana premises, providing conference, meeting, and hearing rooms equipped with state of the art IT.

The IAC provides fundholding for arbitrators’ fees and the holding and disbursing of advances paid to cover the reasonable costs of the IAC’s own services and facilities.

The IAC has its own Training Centre and cooperates with leading international education institutions to provide professional legal education that contributes to the development of future lawyers, arbitrators and mediators in the Republic of Kazakhstan and wider Eurasia region.