New SIAC Gateway offers tech-enabled arbitration process

The case management platform, the SIAC Gateway, seeks to streamline the arbitration process . The new platform not only allows parties to file their request for arbitration and submit other documents electronically and manage their cases in real time, but also and enables online payment.

Soomin Jun and Johanne Brocas of Pinsent Masons said that the SIAC Gateway offers parties streamlined and secure communication, allowing for the digitalisation of all documents from the start of the arbitration and ensuring the uploading and sending of large files with ease.

The SIAC collaborated with Opus 2, a specialist case management software provider, to integrate advanced features into the SIAC Gateway platform, said Jun.

“Through the Opus 2 technology, the SIAC is developing features which will allow document automation such as the creation of electronic hearing bundles. Documents are automatically stored in chronological order, which makes it easier to create a chronology. It can be anticipated that with the Opus 2 partnership, other features will be developed that will be useful for the document production and hearing phases,” she said.

The SIAC Gateway also serves as a platform for communications with the arbitration tribunal and the Secretariat. However, private communication between parties still depends on the traditional email-based system.

Through the digital platform, parties can file the notice of arbitration in four steps, with the process starting with verifying the claimant’s email address. A single shared email account will be used for the filing of the request. Once the case enters into the case management phase, other users and their email addresses can be added, so multiple team members working on the same matter can ensure that all drafts are in one place and can easily track progress.

The next step requires the claimant to fill in the required details of the case and upload the arbitration agreement and the notice of arbitration. Once the payment is made via the online platform, the party can complete the submission of the notice of arbitration, and the SIAC team will begin processing the case.

The new process is particularly useful for emergency arbitration, as it allows the request for emergency arbitration to be made concurrently with the notice of arbitration. If a party intends to apply for emergency arbitration, they need to indicate this while filing the notice of arbitration. These cases will be prioritised.

The request for emergency arbitration can also be filed without the notice of arbitration. In these cases, the emergency application is processed first, and the notice of arbitration can be filed later.

The new system not only gives arbitration parties a detailed oversight of the documents and progress of their cases, but also allows arbitrators to view and manage their own cases through a single access point in the portal.

Through the portal, arbitrators can view documents uploaded by the parties and the SIAC and upload their own decisions, procedural orders, or other case-related documents. The system categorises documents by the submitting party and allows arbitrators to track all developments in the case in real time, efficiently. Arbitrators can communicate securely with the parties and the SIAC, while sensitive information is kept confidential on the platform.

While the new system was launched in September 2024, the SIAC said that using the portal is currently not mandatory, but it strongly recommends that the parties use it. Parties involved in existing cases will have the option to use the portal once the SIAC has transmitted the existing cases to the SIAC Gateway. The SIAC also clarified that filing of the notice on the portal does not change the usual requirements for service on any other party. This remains the responsibility of the claimants, who may upload proof of service along with the notice. There are other limitations to the current system. For example, the portal cannot be accessed via mobile devices, and the portal does not allow parties to remove documents already submitted. In cases where a party mistakenly uploaded a wrong document to the digital system, they will need to email the SIAC to remove it.