P.R.I.M.E. Finance Amsterdam Conference 2025

P.R.I.M.E. Finance returned to the Netherlands and held its first Amsterdam conference at the headquarters of De Nederlandsche Bank on 16 May 2025.

On 16 May 2025, P.R.I.M.E. Finance welcomed experienced banking and dispute resolution experts to  discuss topical issues at the intersection of arbitration and finance. Topics included: Jurisprudential Year in Review: Case Law Developments Across Jurisdictions; View from the Derivatives Market: Key Takeaways from the 39th ISDA AGM; International Arbitration of Financial Disputes: Recent Trends and Decisions; and Developing Markets Focus.

The conference commenced with opening remarks from Robert Pickel, Chair of the P.R.I.M.E. Finance Foundation; Professor Yael Diamant, Senior Legal Counsel at De Nederlandsche Bank and Professor of Financial Networks and European Property Law at Tilburg University; and Dr. Hab. Marcin Czepelak, Secretary-General of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. Their comments set the tone for a day of substantive discussion on legal developments, market shifts, and global financial dispute resolution.

The first panel, “View from the Derivatives World: Key Takeaways from the 39th ISDA AGM,” brought together seasoned practitioners to discuss developments in the derivatives and broader financial markets. Moderated by Rick Grove, this panel offered a sweeping look at key developments from the 39th AGM of the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA), including emerging regulatory themes, product innovation, and the continuing global influence of ISDA standards. 

Emma Dwyer reflected on the increasing weight of regulation in derivatives since the early 2000s, while Ellen Pesch unpacked critical updates to the ISDA Master Agreement's notice provisions, spotlighting ISDA’s Notices Hub. Ian Cuillerier explored how global economic fragmentation is amplifying systemic risk and shortening timelines for crisis response. Amane Oshima highlighted innovations and resilience in Japanese derivatives markets. The entire session captured how market participants are adapting to rapid legal and structural change.

The second session, “Jurisprudential Year in Review,” was moderated by Jeffrey Golden KC (Hon), Founder and Chair Emeritus of P.R.I.M.E. Finance, and examined major legal developments affecting financial markets. Discussions centered on cross-border enforcement, financial crime developments, and evolving regulatory scrutiny.

Dr. Peter Werner detailed a landmark French court ruling affirming the constitutionality of netting protections, vital for ISDA users, and introduced a Canadian case addressing documentation challenges in emissions trading. Massimiliano Danusso analysed the Italian Supreme Court’s controversial ruling on derivatives disclosure, raising serious questions about contract validity. Amanda Pinto KC discussed new UK legislation on corporate liability for fraud and crypto asset enforcement, while Josh Sterling explored developments in event-based derivatives and US federal preemption of state gaming laws. René Smits rounded out the discussion with insights on EU financial supervision. Together, the panel mapped the shifting legal terrain of financial risk.

The third panel of the day, “International Arbitration of Financial Disputes: Recent Trends and Decisions,” was expertly moderated by Antoine Maffei and explored the expanding role of arbitration in resolving complex financial disputes in an increasingly globalised and regulated market. Ashwita Ambast recounted early PCA cases and highlighted a surge in arbitration arising from sovereign debt and investment treaty breaches, often involving central bank actions. James Freeman addressed the practical difficulties of navigating sanctions in English-seated arbitrations, including licensing ambiguities and jurisdictional challenges. Jayesh H emphasised the growing institutionalisation of arbitration in India and its alignment with ISDA arbitration protocols. The discussion analysed trends in arbitral appointments, key case outcomes, and institutional developments, with particular attention to ISDA’s arbitration protocols and the role of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

The final panel of the day, “Developing Markets Focus,” emphasised capacity-building and dispute resolution frameworks in emerging markets. Led by moderator Joseph Bauman, the panel included Alban Caillemer du Ferrage, Akber Datoo, Jayesh H, Sebastián Luegmayer, and David Simpson. Speakers highlighted innovative legal and financial strategies in jurisdictions across Latin America, Asia, and Africa, including the role of digital infrastructure, fintech regulation, and cross-border harmonisation efforts.

Alban Caillemer du Ferrage discussed regional legal harmonisation in derivatives documentation, while Akber Datoo outlined regulatory approaches to digital assets and smart contracts. Jayesh H shared on-the-ground perspectives from India, including legislative developments and the role of ISDA in legal reform. Sebastián Luegmayer presented Argentina’s progress in derivatives netting and fintech regulation. David Simpson provided insights from his advisory work on financial frameworks across Central Asia and the Middle East. The session highlighted how targeted legal innovation is expanding market access and resilience in developing economies. 

The conference concluded with closing remarks and a networking reception. Throughout the day, participants benefited from the insights of P.R.I.M.E. Finance Experts and collaborative partners, reinforcing the organisation’s mission to promote legal certainty, market stability, and expert dispute resolution across global financial systems.

The success of P.R.I.M.E. Finance’s 2025 Amsterdam Conference would not have been possible without the generous support of our Conference Host, De Nederlandsche Bank, and our sponsors 3 Hare Court, Milbank, Three Verulam Buildings Barristers, A&O Shearman, Ashurst, D2LT, O’Farrell, Rutter Associates LLC and White & Case. 

The 2025 Amsterdam Conference Brochure is available for download here.

Stay in touch with P.R.I.M.E. Finance and find out more about our projects at: primefinancedisputes.org