Chiann Bao Joins ArbBoutique As Partner

Chiann Bao Joins ArbBoutique As Partner

Chiann Bao, a Chartered Arbitrator and CEDR-accredited mediator, has joined ArbBoutique as a Partner. ArbBoutique, founded by Maxi Scherer and Niuscha Bassiri in 2024, continues to expand its presence in the arbitration space.

Bao brings over 20 years of experience as a lawyer in New York and Hong Kong, having held leadership roles in top arbitration institutions. She previously served as Secretary-General of the HKIAC (2010-2016) and as Vice President of the ICC (2018-2024). She currently co-chairs the IBA Arbitration Committee and is a member of the Governing Board of ICCA.

Since 2018, Bao has worked as a full-time arbitrator, acting as tribunal chair, co-arbitrator, sole arbitrator, or emergency arbitrator in nearly 100 arbitrations across major institutions, including AAA, CIETAC, HKIAC, ICC, LCIA, SIAC, SCC, VIAC, and in UNCITRAL ad hoc proceedings, handling disputes valued at nearly USD 40 billion.

On joining ArbBoutique, Bao said: “As an independent practitioner, ArbBoutique’s structure strikes the right balance for my practice and is comprised of dynamic, universally well-respected members of the arbitration community. I look forward to collaborating with the team to further the global mission of the outfit.”

Prof. Dr. Maxi Scherer and Niuscha Bassiri, co-founders of ArbBoutique, expressed their excitement: “We are thrilled that Chiann chose to join us, expanding ArbBoutique’s global reach. Chiann’s reputation and excellence as an arbitrator, as well as her leadership roles, match ArbBoutique’s calibre and vision. The geographic and language diversity that she brings with her is unique. We could not have wished for a better-suited arbitrator to move ArbBoutique to the next level.”

Alongside Bao’s arrival, ArbBoutique has elevated Ritika Ajitsaria to Associate. A former intern at the firm, Ajitsaria is admitted to the Maharashtra and Goa Bar and has over five years of experience in Dispute Resolution and International Arbitration, having previously worked at Trilegal, Mumbai.

ArbBoutique was launched in September 2024 and, within its first six months, has handled disputes totaling USD 75 billion. Its team members hold prominent leadership positions, with Maxi Scherer appointed as the next President of the LCIA and Niuscha Bassiri joining the Council of the ICC Institute of World Business Law.