Why is an arbitrator’s impartiality important in arbitration?

In arbitration, an arbitrator’s impartiality is fundamental because the arbitrator’s fairness and ability are the decisive elements of the entire process. As a quasi-judicial procedure, arbitration relies on the arbitrator to provide a binding decision, or award, that resolves a dispute.12

Because the arbitrator acts as a neutral party, their impartiality ensures that the proceedings are conducted to afford all parties a fair hearing on the basis of equality. A lack of impartiality undermines the integrity of the process, and claims regarding an arbitrator’s bias are valid grounds for challenging the arbitration. Maintaining this neutrality is essential to upholding the principles of justice and equity, as the final award carries the authority of a court decision and is intended to provide a definitive resolution to a conflict.21