Joanne Lau, Member of the Executive Committee at Rising Arbitrators Initiative (RAI) and Partner at Allen & Overy in Hong Kong speaks to John Beechey CBE and Hana Doumal, Chairman of the Board and Former Registrar, respectively, at the British Virgin Islands International Arbitration Centre (BVI IAC) in the next episode of the RAI’s “Interview the Institution” Series.

In this engaging talk with Joanne, John and Hana reflect on the emergence of BVI IAC as a leading arbitral institution in the Americas and the Caribbean region. They give us an insight on the BVI IAC 2021 Arbitration Rules, including the focus on environmental-friendly measures under these rules that were brought in line with the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations’ Green Pledge. John and Hana also discuss the arbitrator appointment process at BVI IAC and the criteria the centre considers while making an appointment. Hana specifically notes the BVI IAC’s continued efforts to promote diversity in international arbitration and providing supporting to first-time arbitral appointees. In their advice to upcoming arbitrators, John and Hana urge candidates to be persistent with their search, gain relevant experience and manage their expectations in a field that’s become fiercely competitive.

Watch the full recording of the interview on the RAI website available here: