World Bank agency handling investment dispute settlements to set up Singapore office

SINGAPORE – A World Bank agency handling international investment dispute settlements will set up a Singapore office under an agreement with the Republic’s Ministry of Law (MinLaw).

The International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) Singapore Office will be its first staffed outpost outside its headquarters in Washington.

The letter of intent between the two sides was signed by Minister for Law Edwin Tong and ICSID secretary-general Martina Polasek on the sidelines of the Singapore Convention Week 2025 on Aug 25.

Mr Tong, who is also Second Minister for Home Affairs, noted that ICSID is the world’s leading institution dedicated to international investment dispute settlement.

“We are honoured that ICSID has chosen Singapore for its first staffed office outside of its headquarters,” he said.

“We warmly welcome ICSID to our growing ecosystem, where it will join other international dispute resolution institutions, adding to Singapore’s service offerings, and increasing access to ICSID’s services in this region.”

In a joint statement, MinLaw and ICSID said that the new office will serve as ICSID’s regional hub, from which ICSID can administer its cases, provide more capacity-building and training, and engage more closely with government officials, law practitioners, and organisations in the Republic and across the region.

It will also allow ICSID to better serve the region’s needs in investment dispute prevention and resolution.

The ICSID Singapore Office will be based at the World Bank Group Singapore Office at 10 Marina Boulevard, joining the four other World Bank Group organisations which already have offices in Singapore.

ICSID said it will maintain satellite premises at Maxwell Chambers Suites, the world’s first integrated dispute resolution complex that houses hearing facilities, international dispute resolution institutions, law firms, arbitration chambers and ancillary services.

ICSID’s Ms Polasek said the milestone reflects Singapore and ICSID’s shared commitment to fostering favourable investment climates through innovation and collaboration in international dispute settlement.

“Establishing an office in Singapore will enable ICSID to more effectively meet the needs of our clients and stakeholders in the region, particularly through enhanced capacity building, outreach, and case administration,” she said.

“I see significant opportunities to support investors and states in the region with dispute resolution, especially by advancing mediation as a valuable tool.”

ICSID is one of five organisations under the World Bank Group, and as at 2025, has 158 contracting states.

Singapore became a member when it ratified the ICSID Convention on Oct 14, 1968, and has since designated Singapore lawyers, arbitrators and mediators to ICSID’s panels, making them available for selection by parties to tribunals, conciliation commissions and ad hoc committees.

Law and legislationMinistry of LawEdwin Tong

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