[A SERIES OF ARBITRATION NOTES] EPISODE 8 | SIAC NEW RULES FOR 2025 | SIAC GATEWAY

Foreword

The SIAC Gateway is a secure, web-based platform designed to enhance arbitration case management with SIAC. Offering cloud-based electronic filing, online payments, in-system document uploads, and centralized storage, it streamlines arbitration proceedings for greater efficiency and accessibility. By integrating these digital solutions, SIAC simplifies case administration and improves user experience. The SIAC Rules 7th Edition (effective 1 January 2025) (“SIAC Rules”), particularly Rule 4 Gateway, further reinforces this commitment to innovation, ensuring a seamless and structured arbitration process. At ANHISA, we are dedicated to helping clients navigate these advancements, leveraging SIAC’s latest tools for effective and efficient dispute resolution.

Introduction of SIAC Gateway Initiative

The SIAC Gateway was launched to enhance arbitration communication for arbitrators, SIAC secretariats, and disputing parties. Introduced under Rules 4.2 and 4.3 of the SIAC Rules 2025, this web-based platform modernizes case management by enabling cloud-based electronic filing, document uploads, online payments, and centralized case administration, ensuring greater efficiency, security, and accessibility.

A key milestone is the strategic partnership between Opus 2 and SIAC, integrating advanced legal technology with arbitration best practices. Opus 2 enhances SIAC Gateway’s functionality, providing a streamlined and intuitive experience, and reinforcing SIAC’s leadership in digital dispute resolution.

To ensure smooth adoption, SIAC has established specific Terms and Conditions, promoting compliance and secure engagement. By leveraging cutting-edge digital solutions, the SIAC Gateway represents a major step toward seamless, effective, and globally accessible arbitration.

The Gateway to Users provides services (“Services“) that are considered as a sophisticated range of tools and functionalities, designed to facilitate efficient case management, communication, and collaboration through arbitration procedure, including but not limited to:

• Centralized Digital Access to Case Information

One of the most notable features of SIAC Gateway is its centralized digital access to case-related information. Users can easily view case details, filings, and track updates in real-time. This centralized platform ensures that all involved parties, including arbitrators, parties, and SIAC, can stay updated on case developments, reducing the need for cumbersome email exchanges or physical file retrieval.

• Secure Document Storage and Sharing

SIAC Gateway provides a robust system for centralized storage, retrieval, and tracking of case-related documents. This ensures that all filings are securely stored and readily accessible by authorized users. Additionally, the platform allows for easy sharing of documents between parties, the tribunal, and SIAC, with built-in tracking features to monitor the submission status of important filings.

• Safe Communication and Document Exchange

Another crucial aspect of SIAC Gateway is its secure communication system. This feature facilitates confidential exchanges of documents and messages between all parties involved, including SIAC, the tribunal, and the parties. The security protocols in place ensure that all communications are protected from unauthorized access, making it a reliable channel for exchanging sensitive information. This digital communication environment reduces the risks associated with traditional methods like email or physical mail while maintaining the integrity of confidential case details.

• Collaborative Platform for Case Management

SIAC Gateway fosters collaboration between the parties involved in the case, including the tribunal. By providing a shared online platform, users can engage with each other and collaborate on case matters in real time. This virtual space allows for smoother coordination, timely sharing of opinions, and efficient dispute resolution. With the ability to collaborate virtually, all stakeholders can work together more effectively, regardless of their geographical location.

• Access to Informational Resources

In addition to facilitating case-related tasks, SIAC Gateway offers users access to valuable resources related to SIAC’s dispute resolution services. These resources provide detailed insights into the arbitration process, helping users understand and stay promptly updated on the procedures and expectations.

• Streamlined Filing Process with Relevant Forms

SIAC Gateway also simplifies the filing process by providing the necessary forms for ongoing SIAC proceedings. Users can easily access and complete these forms digitally, ensuring that submissions are compliant with SIAC’s regulations. This functionality helps reduce administrative burdens and accelerates the filing process, allowing the focus to remain on the case itself.

• Flexible Payment Methods

Lastly, SIAC Gateway offers multiple payment options, allowing users to make payments seamlessly. This flexibility ensures that users can choose the most convenient payment method for their needs, whether it’s through credit card, bank transfer, or other electronic payment systems. By offering a variety of payment methods, SIAC Gateway enhances the overall user experience and ensures that financial transactions are completed smoothly and efficiently.

Data Governance and Security on SIAC Gateway

SIAC upholds strict data retention policies to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of case-related documents. In particular, SIAC enforces rigorous security measures to protect information processed and stored on SIAC Gateway. These safeguards adhere to industry standards, incorporating access controls, encryption of data in transit and at rest, continuous monitoring, and secure infrastructure, preventing unauthorized access or disclosure. SIAC remains committed to maintaining the confidentiality and security of all case-related data.

Users of SIAC Gateway consent to SIAC processing their personal data and any submitted information necessary for service delivery. SIAC ensures compliance with robust data protection protocols, and users seeking further details on data handling practices can refer to the SIAC Privacy Policy, which outlines the organization’s approach to data governance, security, and compliance.

Additionally, all arbitration case files initiated under SIAC Rules are archived for a minimum of six years following the final award or termination of proceedings. After this period, SIAC reserves the right to securely dispose of such documents without prior notification to parties or the tribunal. However, if a party requests an extended retention period, SIAC may assess and accommodate such requests where appropriate.

Conclusion

SIAC Gateway represents a significant advancement in digital arbitration, enhancing efficiency, security, and accessibility. By integrating cloud-based case management, real-time updates, and secure communication, it streamlines arbitration procedures while reducing administrative burdens.

SIAC prioritizes data governance with robust security measures, including encryption, access controls, and continuous monitoring. Its structured data retention policy balances archival integrity with secure disposal, reinforcing compliance with global best practices.

As arbitration embraces digital transformation, SIAC Gateway sets a new standard for structured, secure, and efficient dispute resolution, reaffirming SIAC’s position as a global leader in digital arbitration solutions.

ANHISA LLC AND OUR EXPERTISE

ANHISA LLC is a boutique law firm specializing in Dispute Resolution, Shipping and Aviation. Being the leading lawyers in various fields of law, our qualified, experienced, and supportive team of lawyers know how to best proceed with a case against or in relation to Vietnamese parties and are well equipped to provide clients with cost-effective and innovative solutions to their problems.

Regarding dispute resolution, we have represented Vietnamese and foreign clients in the resolution of disputes involving maritime, construction, commercial and civil matters. Our lawyers are well-equipped to offer services on a wide range of disputes and conflicts, whether cross-border or purely domestic, to appear before any Judges or Arbitral Tribunals. The firm is prepared to assist clients in designing the appropriate dispute resolution procedure to help resolve conflicts as efficiently and cost effectively as possible, which may involve combining elements of mediation and other methods such as arbitration.

AUTHORS

DANG VIET ANH

Managing Partner

Mobile: (+84) 983 467070

Email: anh@anhisa.com

TRUONG CONG HONG

Senior Associate

Mobile: (+84) 909 814090

Email: hong@anhisa.com

NGUYEN THI PHUONG THAO

Associate

Mobile:  (+84) 919 205984

Email: thao@anhisa.com

This article aims to furnish our clients and contacts with general information on the relevant topic for reference purposes only, without creating any duty of care on the part of ANHISA. The information presented herein is not intended to serve, nor should it be considered, as a substitute for legal or other professional advice.