Chiann Bao

Chiann Bao is an independent arbitrator with over 20 years of experience working in Singapore, Hong Kong, New York and London. She has been appointed in complex ad hoc and institutional arbitrations with a total of several USD billion in dispute. Qualified in New York, Hong Kong and England and Wales, she is a panel arbitrator of the major arbitral institutions worldwide, a Chartered arbitrator, and a CEDR-accredited mediator.

Chiann has served as arbitrator in a range of disputes in various sectors, including general corporate, joint venture and shareholder disputes, private equity, intellectual property and licensing, pharmaceuticals, media and telecommunications, technology, cryptoassets, construction and infrastructure projects, energy and resources, agency and distributorship agreements, sale of goods and general commercial disputes.

Prior to joining Arbitration Chambers, Chiann worked in private practice where she focused on complex international arbitration and litigation, acting as counsel for corporates and states in a range of disputes in various sectors.

Chiann serves as the Senior Vice Chair of the IBA’s International Arbitration Committee. She is also a Vice President of the ICC Court of Arbitration, a co-chair of the ICC Commission task force on arbitration and ADR, and an ambassador of the ICC Belt and Road Commission. From 2010 to 2018, Chiann served as the Secretary General and then as Council Member of the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre. During her tenure, HKIAC was recognized as the most frequently used arbitral institution outside of Europe, most improved institution and ranked as the third best arbitral institution worldwide by the 2015 International Arbitration Survey conducted by Queen Mary University of London.

Chiann is an adjunct professor at the National University of Singapore and a lecturer at Sciences Po. Chiann is on the advisory board of the Journal of International Arbitration. She currently serves as a member of the Board of Trustees and is an Honorary Senior Fellow of the British Institute of International and Comparative Law.

Regularly ranked by Who’s Who Legal and Chambers, Chiann has been identified as one of the top Who’s Who Legal Global Elite Thought Leaders for the past few years and, in 2022, was ranked by Chambers as one of the “Most in Demand Arbitrators” globally. She is described as a "one of the superstars in Asian arbitration" and a “brilliant lawyer and arbitrator with vast experience working on complex commercial and investment disputes across Asia.” Peers further describe her as “meticulous, smart, well-prepared and efficient,” as well as “very knowledgeable, diligent and a real diplomat.” Chambers Asia Pacific recognises her as one of the most in demand arbitrators with a “deliberative skill, intellectual engagement, thoroughness and formidable presence," and adds: "She over-performs in everything she does, and it's rare for a major arbitration matter in Asia to be discussed without her name being mentioned."

Chiann's CV can be downloaded here.

Chiann's chambers profile can be viewed here.