The American Arbitration Association®–International Centre for Dispute Resolution® (AAA-ICDR) hosted its first annual “Resolving Financial Disputes: Arbitration Strategies and Best Practices” Conference in New York on October 15, 2025. The in-person event brought together leading professionals from the legal, financial, and dispute resolution communities for an afternoon of expert panels, forward-looking discussion, and networking with over 150 attendees.
Exploring Best Practices in Financial Arbitration
The program opened with welcoming remarks by Matthew Conger, vice president of AAA-ICDR, followed by the panel “From Conflict to Resolution: Handling Financial Disputes Effectively.” Moderated by Mansi Karol, director of ADR Services at AAA-ICDR, the discussion focused on strategies for resolving complex financial disputes efficiently and fairly.
Panelists Leslie A. Berkoff (Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP), Michael Lampert (Arbitrator and Mediator), Norm Feit (Arbitrator and Mediator), and Steve Hilfer (Ankura) shared perspectives on effective arbitrator selection, managing conflicts, and leveraging expert testimony.
Key takeaways emphasized:
- Selecting arbitrators with specialized financial expertise to improve efficiency and decision quality.
- Leveraging the AAA’s Enhanced Arbitrator Selection Process for Complex Cases.
- Using expert testimony strategically to clarify complex valuation, banking, or investment issues
Arbitration in the Digital Age
The second panel, “Resolving Financial Disputes in the Digital Age: Arbitration in the Era of Fintech,” examined how arbitration is adapting to rapid technological change.
Moderated by Jennifer Rego, Director of ADR Services, AAA-ICDR, panelists, Paul R. Gupta (Rimón Law), Deborah A. Reperowitz (Mediator & Arbitrator), and Dr. Kabir Duggal (Arnold & Porter) explored key issues, including:
- The arbitrability of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and smart contract disputes.
- Cross-border enforcement and digital asset valuation.
- ADR’s growing role in crypto bankruptcy cases.
- Ethical and procedural standards emerging from international bodies like the IBA, SVAMC, and CIArb regarding the use of AI in arbitration.
The discussion also addressed practical challenges such as AI “hallucinations,” confidentiality risks, and bias in machine learning systems — emphasizing the importance of human oversight, secure enterprise tools, and compliance with the EU AI Act.
Fireside Chat: Leadership, Technology, and the Future of ADR
The event concluded with an inspiring Fireside Chat: Executive Spotlight, featuring Karen Layng, Chair of the AAA-ICDR Board of Directors and CEO of M.A.I.T. Co., in conversation with Jeffrey Zaino, Vice President, AAA-ICDR.
Their discussion highlighted the AAA’s commitment to innovation and access to justice:
- Launch of the AI arbitrator for document-only construction cases
- Investment in technology and innovation, with dedicated staff developing new tools for case managers and neutrals.
- Initiatives such as the Cybersecurity Boot Camp for Arbitrators and expanded hybrid hearing technology for greater accessibility and procedural fairness.
- A focus on maintaining neutrality and public trust amid growing polarization in the dispute resolution landscape.
Layng shared that her leadership vision centers on expanding ADR’s reach and leveraging technology to meet global demand for efficient, fair dispute resolution. She also emphasized mentorship, integrity, and collaboration as guiding principles for future ADR professionals.
A Milestone for Financial Dispute Resolution
As the first in what will become an annual series, this program marked a significant milestone in advancing dialogue between the financial and ADR sectors. Attendees praised the event for its substantive discussions, practical insights, and networking opportunities at the post-program reception.
The AAA-ICDR plans to expand the series in 2026, with future events exploring emerging markets, AI ethics in arbitration, and investor-state dispute mechanisms.