About the Ticino Arbitration Centre
The Ticino Arbitration Centre is an independent arbitral institution based in Ticino, Switzerland, administering commercial arbitrations under its own Rules and specialised frameworks.
How the Centre Operates
Established and organised under Swiss law, the Ticino Arbitration Centre is based in Lugano and maintains a distinct Ticino identity with strong ties to the region. The Centre provides the institutional framework for arbitration under its Rules. The Registry manages case intake, communications and the Case File, while arbitral tribunals independently determine disputes.
Institutional Independence
TAC is independent of other arbitral institutions, chambers of commerce and public authorities. It operates under its own administrative framework, with a funding model based on the Centre's own activities. The Centre remains neutral between the parties when administering arbitrations.
Own Arbitration Rules
The Rules govern the commencement and conduct of proceedings, constitution of the Tribunal and issuance of Awards. Before issuance, the Centre reviews draft Awards for formal consistency without reconsidering the merits or replacing the Tribunal's judgment.
Digital Case Management
Proceedings are administered primarily electronically, with documented service and an official Case File. The Rules require confidentiality and restrict access to arbitration documents. If the platform is unavailable, alternative electronic means allow proceedings to continue.
Expedited Default Procedure
TAC arbitration follows the Expedited Procedure by default, unless the parties agree otherwise or the Centre determines that standard procedure is more appropriate in light of the dispute's value, complexity or other relevant circumstances.
Specialised Procedural Frameworks
TAC's Supplementary Rules provide procedural and evidentiary tools for complex ownership and control disputes, and for disputes involving digital assets and blockchain technology. They apply only by express agreement, remain within the TAC arbitration framework and do not establish separate substantive law.
Arbitrator Selection
Party nominations require confirmation by the Centre, which appoints where required under the Rules. Arbitrators provide written statements on independence, impartiality and availability, with continuing disclosure duties. TAC maintains no closed panel; nominations are not limited to its database or public Arbitrator Profiles.
How Institutional Authority Is Exercised
The Centre exercises its institutional powers under the Rules through defined decision-making arrangements. The Registry handles routine administration, while institutional decisions are taken on behalf of the Centre in accordance with the Rules.
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Institutional Framework
The adoption and amendment of TAC's Arbitration Rules are distinct from the administration of individual arbitrations. The version of the Rules in force when an arbitration commences applies throughout that proceeding; later revisions do not apply.
02
Institutional Decision-Making
The Centre exercises its institutional powers under the Rules, including those concerning the appointment, confirmation, challenge, removal and replacement of arbitrators, through internal decision-making arrangements. It may act through the Registry or persons authorised to act on its behalf. Decisions of the Centre are made in writing.
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Professional Expertise
For particular institutional matters, the Centre may draw upon professionals with relevant legal, arbitral or technical expertise, including specialists from its professional arbitrator database or elsewhere. A professional connection alone does not establish a conflict of interest. Where an interest or relationship could materially compromise the impartial exercise of an institutional function, the person concerned does not participate in the relevant decision.