SIAC Arbitration Costs

The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (“SIAC”) is one of the world’s leading institutions for resolving international business disputes. Renowned for its efficiency, neutrality, and comprehensive procedural framework, SIAC is a preferred forum for businesses seeking effective dispute resolution in Asia and beyond.

For parties contemplating SIAC arbitration under the 2025 SIAC Arbitration Rules with the 2025 Schedule of Fees (“SIAC Rules” and “Schedule of Fees”), a clear understanding of the likely costs, payment schedule, and prospects of cost recovery is essential. Grasping these elements enables parties to plan strategically, budget accurately, and minimise the risk of unforeseen financial exposure throughout the arbitration process.

A SIAC arbitration typically involves the following heads of costs:[1]

1. SIAC administrative fees.
2. Arbitral tribunal fees.
3. Legal fees.
4. Expert fees (if required).
5. Hearing costs.

This note examines in detail each of the costs associated with a SIAC arbitration, particularly one administered under the 2025 SIAC Arbitration Rules (currently in force) and the accompanying 2025 Schedule of Fees, which sets out the Filing Fee, Administrative Fees, Arbitrator’s Fees, and provisions relating to Emergency Arbitration (Schedule 1). The 2025 SIAC Rules also introduce important updates on third-party funding disclosure, aimed at enhancing transparency, efficiency, and predictability in SIAC proceedings.

A summary of the main cost categories and the timing of payments is provided in the accompanying table (SIAC Arbitration Costs), with further explanations below.

Heads of Costs in SIAC Arbitration

1. SIAC Administration Fees and Expenses

A SIAC arbitration begins with a non-refundable filing fee, payable upon submission of the Notice of Arbitration (SIAC Rules, Rule 6.3(i)). Under the 2025 Schedule of Fees, the filing fee amounts to SGD 3,270[2] for Singapore parties and SGD 3,000 for overseas parties.

Thereafter, the SIAC charges administration fees based on the amount in dispute, as set out in its Schedule of Fees. These fees cover case management services, communications, and logistical support. To assist users, SIAC provides an online Cost Calculator on its website, enabling parties to estimate the administrative and tribunal fees for their arbitration based on the amount in dispute.

Under the 2025 Schedule of Fees, SIAC’s administration fees are calculated based on the amount in dispute. The following table provides an overview of the applicable fee ranges:

SIAC will charge a minimum administration fee of SGD 5,000 in regular cases and SGD 2,500 in streamlined cases, unless the Registrar determines otherwise.

It is important to note that the above administration fees do not include the following:

• • Fees and expenses of the arbitral tribunal.
  • Costs associated with facilities and support services for hearings (e.g., hearing rooms, transcription, and interpretation).
  • 9% GST as may be applicable.
  • Fees and expenses of an emergency arbitrator.
  • Fees and expenses of a tribunal secretary.

These administration fees are separate from the tribunal’s fees, counsel fees, and other costs associated with arbitration proceedings, which are addressed in the subsequent sections. They are shared equally between the parties, subject to the tribunal’s final allocation in the final award.

3. Arbitral Tribunal’s Fees and Expenses

For arbitrations administered by SIAC, the arbitrator’s fees are calculated according to the amount in dispute, as set out in the 2025 Schedule of Fees (SIAC Rules, Rules 56.1, 57.1, 57.2). The following table reflects the maximum fees payable per arbitrator, with the actual fees to be fixed by SIAC within the prescribed range, taking into account the circumstances and complexity of the case:

The above figures represent the maximum fees payable to each arbitrator, whether the tribunal is composed of one or three members. SIAC determines the precise fee within these limits, taking into account the amount in dispute, the complexity of the case, and the efficiency of the proceedings.

The arbitrator’s fees do not include:

• • 9% GST (or its equivalent in the relevant jurisdiction), where applicable.
  • Any withholding tax obligations applicable to non-resident arbitrators under Singapore law.
  • Fees and expenses related to travel, accommodation, or hearings are reimbursed separately based on supporting documentation.

According to Rule 57.6 of the SIAC Rules, the tribunal’s reasonable expenses and other allowances shall be reimbursed in accordance with the SIAC’s Practice Note on Cases Administered under the SIAC Rules.

Under Rule 56.2 of the SIAC Rules, where the amount in dispute is not quantifiable at the time deposits are due, the Registrar will make a provisional estimate of the arbitration costs and call for deposits based on that estimate. This provisional figure may be revised later once the amount in dispute becomes clear or additional information is provided, ensuring that the deposits reflect the actual value and complexity of the case.

3. Legal Fees and Expenses

Legal fees usually represent the largest portion of the total costs in SIAC arbitrations. These include the fees of counsel and their teams for preparing submissions, attending hearings, conducting cross-examinations, and managing the case from its start until the issuance of the final award. Under Rule 58.1 of the 2025 SIAC Rules, the tribunal has the power to order in its award that all or part of a party’s legal or other costs be paid by another party. When exercising this discretion, the tribunal considers all relevant circumstances, including the conduct of the parties during the proceedings.

Aceris Law, valuing transparency and predictability in costs, has made available online its own Arbitration Legal Fee Calculator, based on the amount in dispute. Aceris Law offers reasonable, capped legal fees for legal representation in international arbitrations, ensuring that clients benefit from high-quality legal representation with clear and upfront cost expectations. Alternatively, clients can opt for legal fees on a competitive hourly basis.

4. Expert Fees and Expenses (If Needed)

Expert costs, if expert evidence is needed, can vary widely depending on the consultancy engaged, the number of experts, and the depth of analysis required – typically between USD 50,000 and USD 500,000. These may be paid for on a capped, stage-based, or hourly basis, as agreed between the party and the expert.

5. Hearing Costs

Hearing-related costs depend on the hearing’s format, length, and location. For short, online hearings, costs may be as low as USD 500 per party, while lengthy in-person hearings can even exceed USD 100,000. On average, hearing costs range between USD 1,500 and USD 15,000 per party. The factors that play a role in determining the hearing costs include:

• • Whether the hearing is hosted virtually or in person.
  • If it is in person, what venue will be reserved and during what period of the year.
  • The length of the hearing.
  • The number of people attending (tribunal, party representatives, legal teams, experts, witnesses, etc.).
  • The cost of a court reporter (which may include travel and lodging).
  • The cost of lunch and coffee breaks for the participants.
  • Whether translation services will be required.
  • The travel and hotel costs for the party, its legal team, and the arbitral tribunal.
  • Other costs, such as printing fees or fees for electronic data-hosting services.

Furthermore, if an arbitration is bifurcated, the parties may be required to attend multiple hearings: one addressing preliminary issues and, if the proceedings continue, a final hearing on the merits (and, in some cases, an additional hearing on quantum).

6. Other Costs (as Needed)

Other expenses may include the costs of printing and mailing submissions, translations, document production, courier services, and various ad hoc disbursements incurred during the arbitration. These costs are typically payable as they arise and are generally modest compared to the fees of the arbitral tribunal, counsel, and experts.

Special Deposit for Emergency Arbitration  (EA)

Emergency arbitration allows a party to request urgent interim or conservatory relief before the arbitral tribunal is formally constituted (Schedule 1 of the 2025 SIAC Rules). This mechanism ensures that parties can seek immediate protection of their rights in situations requiring swift intervention.

When filing an application for emergency relief, the applicant must pay a non-refundable Application Fee of SGD 5,450 (inclusive of 9%GST) for Singapore parties and SGD 5,000 for overseas parties.

The deposit towards the Emergency Arbitrator’s fees and expenses is fixed at SGD 30,000, unless the Registrar determines otherwise under Schedule 1 to the SIAC Rules. The Emergency Arbitrator’s fees are fixed at SGD 25,000, again subject to adjustment by the Registrar under Schedule 1. The Registrar may call for additional deposits if warranted by the circumstances of the case. Emergency proceedings are typically completed within 14 days of the arbitrator’s appointment, ensuring a rapid yet fair determination of urgent applications.

Failure to Pay the SIAC Arbitration Costs

Pursuant to Rule 56.4 of the SIAC Rules, the parties are jointly and severally liable for the costs of the arbitration. If one party does not pay its share, the Registrar may direct the other party to cover the unpaid deposits to prevent delays in the proceedings.

If a party still fails to comply with the Registrar’s directions, Rule 56.5 empowers the Registrar to:

(a) Direct the arbitral tribunal and the SIAC Secretariat to suspend the conduct and administration of the arbitration in whole or in part; and/or

(b) Set a time limit, upon the expiry of which the relevant claim, counterclaim, or cross-claim will be deemed withdrawn on a without prejudice basis.

These provisions ensure that the arbitration can continue efficiently while maintaining fairness between the parties. They also serve as a reminder of how important it is to make deposits on time, as delays in payment can lead to the suspension of proceedings or even the deemed withdrawal of claims.

Allocation of Costs under the SIAC Rules

Under the 2025 SIAC Rules, the arbitral tribunal has broad discretion to apportion the costs of the arbitration and the parties’ legal and other expenses (Rule 51.4):

“Unless otherwise agreed by the parties, the Tribunal shall specify in the ­final award the Registrar’s determination of the costs of the arbitration and the Tribunal’s decision on the apportionment of the costs of the arbitration.”

The SIAC Rules do not prescribe a fixed formula for allocating costs between the parties. However, as noted in A Guide to the SIAC Arbitration Rules, tribunals generally follow the principle that “costs follow the event” – meaning that the losing party bears the reasonable costs of the successful party, either in full or in part, unless there are special circumstances justifying a departure from this rule.[3] The Guide further observes that “unless there are special circumstances, costs follow the event. SIAC tribunals generally follow this approach.”[4]

When determining whether a party should be ordered to pay another party’s costs, SIAC tribunals typically take into account the conduct of the parties throughout the proceedings, including:

• • Compliance with the tribunal’s procedural directions.
  • Any obstructive conduct or behaviour causing unnecessary delay or expense.
  • The degree of cooperation and efficiency demonstrated during the arbitration.

Tribunals also have regard to the issues presented for determination and the relative success of each party’s claims and defences. As noted in the Guide, tribunals will consider the outcome of the case and the parties’ procedural conduct in reaching a fair and proportionate allocation of costs.[5]

Singapore law, which underpins the SIAC Rules, similarly adopts the general rule that “costs follow the event”. This means that the unsuccessful party is ordinarily required to bear the arbitration and legal costs of the successful party. The principle has been affirmed by the Singapore Court of Appeal in Planeta Tullio v Andrea G. Maoro, which held that “the general and universally accepted rule [is] that costs always follow the event unless there are special reasons for depriving the successful litigant of his costs in part or in full.”[6]

Accordingly, SIAC tribunals enjoy a broad discretion but tend, in practice, to follow this well-established rule. The successful party is usually entitled to recover its reasonable arbitration costs, subject to any adjustment the tribunal deems appropriate in light of the parties’ conduct, procedural efficiency, and overall fairness.

Third-Party Funding and Disclosure Requirements under the 2025 SIAC Rules

Under Rule 38 of the 2025 SIAC Rules, parties are now required to disclose any third-party funding agreement, including the identity and contact details of the third-party funder, in the Notice of Arbitration, the Response, or as soon as practicable after the agreement is concluded (see The Revised 2025 SIAC Arbitration Rules). This is a significant change from the previous 2016 SIAC Rules, which did not mandate such upfront disclosure of third-party funding arrangements.

In addition, the tribunal has been empowered under the 2025 Rules to order further disclosure of the funder’s interest in the outcome of the proceedings and whether the funder has committed to adverse costs liability (Rule 38.4). The 2025 SIAC Rules also prohibit parties from entering into a funding agreement after the constitution of the tribunal if it gives rise to a conflict of interest with any arbitrator. Furthermore, Rule 38.6 expressly stipulates that “[t]he Tribunal may take into account any third-party funding agreement in apportioning costs under these Rules.”

These new provisions reflect SIAC’s commitment to enhancing transparency, independence, and procedural fairness in third-party funded arbitrations.

Conclusion

Understanding the cost structure of SIAC arbitration is essential for parties to make informed decisions and budget effectively. While the 2025 SIAC Rules introduce greater clarity and transparency – particularly through updated schedules of fees, expanded cost allocation powers, and disclosure obligations for third-party funding – careful financial planning remains crucial. By anticipating the likely filing, administrative, tribunal, legal, expert, and hearing costs, parties can avoid unexpected expenses and ensure more efficient proceedings.

Parties should also remain aware that, even after obtaining a SIAC award, they may need to budget for potential enforcement proceedings, as converting an arbitral award into actual recovery can sometimes involve additional legal, court, and procedural costs.

If you are considering initiating a SIAC arbitration or have had one brought against your company and wish to better understand the potential costs, contact Aceris Law for tailored guidance and transparent cost estimates.

[1]               2025 SIAC Rules, Rule 57.2.

[2]               Fee includes 9% GST.

[3]               J. Choong et al., A Guide to the SIAC Arbitration Rules (2nd edn., 2018), para. 15.53.

[4]               Ibid.

[5]               Id. para. 15.65.

[6]               Planeta Tullio v Andrea G. Maoro [1994] 4 MSCLC 96093.