On November 19, 2025, a joint event by KIAP, Attorneys at Law, and the Russian Arbitration Center (RAC), titled "Advantages of Resolving Disputes under RAC Rules at RIMA", was held at the KIAP office.
In a Public Talk format, speakers and guests discussed effective alternatives to state courts and foreign arbitration institutions, as well as current solutions for optimizing dispute resolution in the new reality.
The conference was moderated by Stepan Sultanov, Partner and Head of the International Commercial Arbitration Practice at KIAP, LL.M.
Speakers:
- Valeriya Senatorova (Butyrina), Director of the RAC;
- Sabina Ganieva, Responsible Administrator of the RAC;
- Konstantin Tsymbalov, Legal Advisor of the RAC.
During the event, speakers discussed how, in a time when many companies are currently seeking a reliable alternative to foreign arbitration institutions, Russian arbitration centers may be the optimal solution. Furthermore, the recent increase in state court fees makes arbitration even more attractive. In this regard, resolving disputes under the rules of the Russian Arbitration Center (RAC) can be even more advantageous than litigation, offering parties an effective and modern tool to protect their interests.
In her speech, RAC Director Valeriya Senatorova explained that the Russian Institute of Modern Arbitration is a non-profit organization aiming to develop ADR (Alternative Dispute Resolution) in Russia and abroad. The Russian Arbitration Center (RAC) was established under RIMA — an arbitration institution with a widely recognized reputation, the only Russian arbitration institute with a foreign office in Dubai.
Key features of the RAC Arbitration Rules were highlighted:
- Electronic document management.
- Initiating arbitration with a Notice of Arbitration, not a Statement of Claim.
- The ability to include a disclosure procedure in the timetable.
- Presidium members can be appointed as arbitrators by the Presidium itself only in specified exceptional cases.
- Emergency interim measures and astreinte for non-compliance.
- Availability of hybrid procedures.
- Third-party funding of arbitration.
- Conflict of interest checks according to IBA Guidelines.
Colleagues from the RAC also spoke about arbitration at the RAC, particularly how to draft an arbitration agreement, what to include and what not to include in a clause, what a multi-tiered (escalation) arbitration clause is, using case studies.
Speakers and participants discussed the RAC Electronic System (ESAS), which provides a fast and convenient way to initiate arbitration, monitor the progress of arbitration, upload and download documents at any time, including from mobile devices, and add new representatives and participants to the arbitration. The speakers noted that ESAS ensures the confidentiality of all information submitted by the parties.
In his presentation, RAC Legal Advisor Konstantin Tsymbalov spoke about adjudication at the RAC — a tool for settling disagreements before a dispute escalates. Its key advantages were outlined:
- A cutting-edge and unique tool just beginning to be used in Russia.
- Proven effectiveness: used in World Bank and Asian Development Bank projects.
- Proactive risk management and dispute prevention.
- Business-oriented approach: suggests how to fix issues and move forward.
- Complete confidentiality.
- Resolving disagreements within weeks, not years.
The speaker also explained how adjudication works:
- Selection of an adjudicator — project participants agree that their project will be overseen by one or several independent experts who enjoy their full confidence.
- Regular inspections — adjudicators monitor project progress, review documentation, and visit the site.
- Continuous real-time monitoring — adjudicators stay informed about all project developments through reports and online communication.
- Recommendations for dispute prevention — based on reports and inspections, adjudicators identify potential conflicts and advise on how to avoid them.
- Resolving disputes as they arise — if a dispute arises, adjudicators resolve it quickly as they are already familiar with the project specifics. Involving lawyers is not required.
"Adjudication can be used in various fields, for example, in construction — it's 'first aid' for projects. It prevents disputes from disrupting work, saves time and money, and preserves the parties' relationship", summarized Konstantin Tsymbalov.
Business representatives, heads of key company departments, and in-house lawyers were able to participate in the conference in offline and online formats. An online broadcast was available for those unable to attend.
After the business program concluded, an offline tea tasting was held for in-person participants. In a comfortable setting, they had the opportunity to network personally with the speakers and each other, exchange opinions, and get answers to their questions.
We thank the Russian Arbitration Center for their cooperation and our speakers for the engaging discussion and substantive dialogue!
You can learn more about the work of the RAC at the RIMA on the Center's website at the link.
