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Financial Services Section

Welcome to the Financial Services Law Section online

Here you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your section.

Section

Regulation of Lawyers Committee

The Regulation of Lawyers Committee provides a global perspective on practical and legal aspects of the growing body of regulation affecting all lawyers (whether individual lawyers, firms, in-house lawyers or those who work for clients) as well as current professional risk management topics and compliance issues affecting lawyers around the world. The Anti-Money Laundering and Sanctions Expert Subcommittee focuses on anti-money laundering requirements and financial and trade sanctions legislation, regulation and trends as they impacts lawyers. The Committee provide a forum to discuss and consider legislation impacting the practice of law, considering the ever-expanding multi-jurisdictional approach to lawyer regulation.

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Banking & Financial Law Committee

The Banking and Financial Law Committee provides a worldwide forum for banking lawyers and other legal professionals within the banking community to address all sorts of practical and legal issues arising in commercial and regulatory activities in this context. The Committee has held one of the IBA’s most popular and well established events, the International Financial Law Conference, every year since 1984. Below you will find information, updates, news and other resources relevant to your committee.

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Rule of Law Forum

The Rule of Law Forum, established in 2007, supports IBA members in advocating for the Rule of Law, as per the 2005 Prague Resolution. Originally the Rule of Law Action Group, the Forum operates within the Section on Public and Professional Interest (SPPI). Its purpose is to assist members in responding to the IBA Council's call to support the Rule of Law in their communities. The Forum's activities are led by Co-Chairs, with Vice-Chairs assisting them. The Forum does not have formal membership but maintains a circulation list. Liaison members from other IBA committees help integrate Rule of Law into their work.

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Global Employment Institute (GEI)

The GEI, formed in 2010, provides a global approach to legal issues in human resources and human capital for multinationals. GEI collaborates with the Employment, Discrimination and Equality Law Committee and Immigration Law Committee to form the Human Resources Section. GEI members offer expert advice on global HR, discrimination, and immigration issues, enhancing organisations' performance and best practices. Activities include reports, research, commentary on legislation, training, and organising conferences. With leading global labour and employment practitioners, GEI is becoming a leading authority on global HR issues. Membership offers valuable resources and insights.

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Alternative and New Law Business Structures Committee

Originally constituted following the introduction of multidisciplinary practices (MDPs), the ANLBS exists today as an event driven forum to explore and stay apprised of the legal, regulatory and technological developments impacting how legal services are provided across the globe. Whether driven by regulatory reforms, market trends or technological changes, the ANLBS is focused on exploring the ever changing ways lawyers provide legal services.

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Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committee

The Healthcare and Life Sciences Law Committee addresses legal issues in the healthcare and life sciences sectors, such as medicine, intellectual property, biotech, bioethics, regulatory matters, and scientific developments. With a dynamic, diverse, and growing membership, the Committee fosters collaboration to tackle industry challenges, such as increased competition and regulatory changes.

We provide a platform for discussion, sharing knowledge, and updating members on key developments. Through conferences, seminars, and global events, the Committee promotes professional growth, enabling members to benefit from advanced practices in well-established jurisdictions while supporting those new to this field.

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Criminal Law Committee

The Criminal Law Committee provides a forum for members from various countries and criminal justice systems to meet, exchange views, and monitor developments in criminal law. The Committee focuses on transnational and international issues. The Committee keeps members informed through newsletters and rapporteurs. The member listings, organised by location and practice area, allow for case referrals, cooperation in transnational criminal cases, and the exchange of professional experiences. This platform also offers opportunities for members to assist one another in transnational criminal law matters and share expertise in related cases.

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Technology Law Committee

The IBA Technology Law Committee brings together lawyers addressing the evolving legal challenges of modern technologies. The Committee's mandate covers a wide range of tech-related areas, supported by eight subcommittees: AI and Robotics, Data Law, Technology Disputes, Fintech, Life Sciences, Outsourcing and Managed Services, Platforms, E-commerce & Social Media and Cybersecurity.

Each subcommittee focuses on specific issues, such as intellectual property, data protection, financial regulation, medical technologies, and cybersecurity, helping professionals navigate the complex legal landscape of emerging technologies.

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Real Estate Section

The Real Estate Section is a global forum for lawyers interested in real estate law. With the increasing internationalisation of real estate transactions, the Section has evolved to address legal and practical issues in a global context. It provides a platform for lawyers from diverse legal backgrounds to exchange views, collaborate, and participate in conferences. Members are encouraged to engage in annual conferences, special projects, and the Section's newsletter. The Section fosters valuable networking opportunities and continues to prepare impactful conferences on international real estate matters, welcoming contributions and ideas from members worldwide.

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Communications Law Committee

The Communications Law Committee is a leading global forum for legal practitioners with specialist expertise or interest in the communications sector. The Committee offers members access to a worldwide network of leading practitioners, in-house counsel and regulators active in digital, communications and media markets. We encourage the sharing of sectoral expertise through regular publication of articles, periodic issues of our technical journal, the annual committee conference hosted jointly with IBA Antitrust Section, and specialised sessions at the IBA Annual Conference. The scope of the Committee’s work covers network, service and content-related developments across all delivery platforms. This provides members with access to practical global perspectives on the array of technological, commercial and policy issues which confront communications lawyers, their companies and clients.

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North American Regional Forum

The North American Regional Forum (NARF) of the IBA unites legal professionals from the US, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean, providing a platform for collaboration on key business law issues like corporate, finance, trade, and litigation. NARF addresses regional concerns, including NAFTA, foreign investment, and cross-border security, while also tackling global challenges such as climate change and international trade. It promotes North American perspectives within IBA programs, ensuring representation on panels and committees. NARF also organises regional conferences, networking opportunities, and fosters communication among North American lawyers, strengthening business relationships within the legal community.

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Media Law Committee

The Media Law Committee focuses on sharing knowledge among members and stakeholders on legal matters related to the media industry. This includes both content and communication, which has become increasingly international due to global media networks. As media law expands beyond print, radio, and TV to new media such as e-commerce, the committee fosters cooperation with journalists and other media professionals. We regularly address legal developments through programs at the IBA Annual Conference and newsletters, reflecting the evolving nature of media law in a globalised world.

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Pro Bono Committee

The Pro Bono Committee promotes pro bono legal services globally, through the IBA Pro Bono Declaration, the exchange of information and initiatives, and by promoting best practices.

Pro bono work supports access to justice where this right is not fully supported by legal aid. The Committee provides resources, including digital content and articles highlighting pro bono efforts by legal professionals, which can be found below.

The Committee is committed to advancing pro bono work across the profession and welcomes new members passionate about contributing to this mission.

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Arbitration Committee

The IBA Arbitration Committee focuses on laws, practice and procedures relating to the arbitration of transnational disputes. Through its conferences, publications and projects, the Committee seeks to share information about international arbitration, promote its use and improve its effectiveness. Become a member of the Committee to benefit from networking opportunities, discounts on conferences and the opportunity to write for IBA publications. You can also get involved with the work of the Committee, which is detailed further below.

Download the Arbitration Committee membership presentation for full details of the Committee's work.

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Litigation Committee

The Litigation Committee brings together international litigators to share their personal experiences of legal, practical and procedural issues from around the world. Providing the opportunity to build a strong cross-border professional network for lawyers at all levels and ages, the Committee uses the platform offered by the main IBA conference and its own specialist mid-year conference to share views on issues such as jurisdiction, choice of law and international judicial assistance. The Committee also cooperates with other committees on issues relevant to wider dispute resolution.

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Insolvency Section

The Insolvency Section is a network of leading lawyers, judges, and academics from restructuring, insolvency, and creditors' rights law. With over 30 years of experience, we play a pivotal role in the development and reform of international insolvency law. We shape global frameworks by sending expert delegates to leading organisations, such as the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law and the World Bank.

The Section represents high standards in the field, giving members opportunities to connect, contribute, and lead globally. Members benefit from cross-referral opportunities, involvement in law reform initiatives, and access to the Insolvency and Restructuring International journal. Our conferences bring together experts to exchange ideas, collaborate, and shape the future of insolvency practice.

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Power Law Committee

The Power Law Committee provides a forum for energy lawyers from diverse legal backgrounds to interact, share ideas, new trends, and foster collegiality.

We explore different topics: international ownership, mitigating climate change, energy transition, regulatory methodologies, power purchase arrangements, transmission siting, access and pricing, engineering procurement and construction, operation and maintenance, reliability standards and compliance, fuel procurement and hedging arrangements, new technologies, among others.

We aim to provide our members with practical and useful advice to better serve clients, and to offer the opportunity for collaboration, networking and friendships.

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Business Crime Committee

The Business Crime Committee provides a forum for members to discuss, address, and advocate on emerging white-collar crime issues. The Committee’s goal is to promote awareness of the growing significance of novel tactics. Recent focuses include international cooperation in criminal matters, money laundering, cybercrime, internal investigations, and legal frameworks against bribery and corruption in global transactions. Membership benefits include opportunities to publish articles and content, attending educational conferences and networking with business crime lawyers and opportunities for sourcing referrals to experts in foreign jurisdictions and attorneys.

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European Regional Forum

The European Regional Forum (ERF), established in 1989, has over 8,000 members. The forum is divided into four regions - Northern, Western, Central, and Southeastern - each led by a Chair and Vice-Chair. We have five working parties - communications, D&I, ESG, mental wellbeing, and next-gen law - and we organise four conferences annually (automotive & mobility services, fashion & luxury law, ESG and start-up) in addition to many leading and participating in many smaller initiatives.

Our goals include: addressing the needs of professional organisations and individual members, increasing participation in the IBA, fostering cross-border collaboration among European lawyers and bars and supporting the Rule of Law and civil society. The ERF promotes professional development and networking opportunities through our many initiatives.

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Forum for Government and Public Lawyers

The Forum for Government and Public Lawyers provides a platform for government and public lawyers worldwide. As the global voice of the legal profession, the IBA supports these lawyers and connects them with both public and private sector practitioners. The Forum focuses on the role of government and public lawyers, covering public service values, ethics, specialist skills, and public international law developments. Membership is open to Bar Associations that are IBA members and individual members of any Division. The Forum is especially relevant to practitioners working in government or public entities at domestic, regional, or international levels.

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Access to Justice and Legal Aid Committee

The Committee aims to gather global information on barriers to justice and solutions, focusing on statutory schemes like legal aid. Findings will be shared through reports and events, with all information available on the website for those unable to attend. Acting as a central hub within the IBA, the Committee will coordinate efforts on access to justice and legal aid, collaborating with other committees on joint projects. The IBA’s global reach will support the exchange of best practices, offering valuable insights for jurisdictions facing challenges in maintaining or improving access to justice during times of austerity.

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Public Law Section

The Public Law Section provides a global platform for discussing public law topics, exchanging ideas, and fostering development. Our members actively engage in debates about government policy, administrative action, judicial review, and constitutional law. The Section examines how citizens and businesses interact with government actions and anticipates future trends, including the evolving relationship between government and the private sector. Key topics include the principles of fairness, deregulation, and the comparison between civil and common law systems. The Section has an interest in international legal developments and the differences between the various systems.

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Young Lawyers' Committee

The Young Lawyers' Committee (YLC) aims to help young lawyers enhance their skills and networks through IBA programmes, conferences, and projects, while offering fresh ideas to the IBA. The Committee's activities promote the IBA among young lawyers globally and highlight membership benefits.

Key initiatives include the Young Lawyer Training Courses, which connect young lawyers with senior professionals, and encouraging involvement in various IBA divisions. The YLC also fosters communication through newsletters and e-bulletins, reporting on activities and sharing articles from young lawyers worldwide on relevant legal topics. Our goal is to actively engage young lawyers in global discussions and IBA activities.

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Law Firm Management Committee

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Academic and Professional Development Committee

The Academic and Professional Development Committee connects law schools, legal professionals, and the IBA. We aim to enhance the quality of lawyers worldwide, modernise legal practice, and attract top talent to the profession. We engage directly with law schools, helping students prepare for international practice, and support IBA initiatives to strengthen local Bars globally.

At annual conferences, we bring together academics, lawyers, and experts to explore issues in legal and business education. Additionally, we conduct research on these topics and share insights through newsletters and updates on our webpage to benefit the global legal community.

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Class Actions Committee

The Class Actions Committee serves as a platform for lawyers to discuss differing class action and collective redress regimes, monitor international developments, and debate key policy and rule of law issues. Class actions are becoming increasingly common, providing access to justice and holding corporations and authorities accountable.

Jurisdictions vary widely in their approaches, with some countries facing fundamental challenges. Global coordination in prosecuting and defending major cases is growing, with fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing being vital. The Committee provides a forum for international lawyers to come together and discuss these differences, as well as network with other professionals within this space.

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Anti-Corruption Committee

The Anti-Corruption Committee brings together public and private-sector practitioners to advance understanding of global anti-corruption laws, enforcement trends, and compliance practices. The committee supports members through conferences, research, and practical collaboration on emerging risks, enforcement developments, and asset recovery.

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Diversity and Equality Law Committee

The Diversity and Equality Law Committee includes private practitioners, in-house attorneys, and academics working with corporate clients on issues like pay equity, anti-discrimination, and LGBTQ+ rights. Members come from leading law firms, corporations, and various perspectives. The Committee publishes an annual newsletter highlighting new developments and issues of interest. The Committee also comprises the Disability Rights Working Group, focused on disabled individuals' rights in the workplace. The Committee collaborates with the Employment and Industrial Relations Law Committee, the Immigration and Nationality Law Committee , and the Global Employment Institute.

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