An arbitrator is a private individual vested by the parties' agreement with judicial power to hear and decide their dispute. In financial and M&A disputes, arbitrators with a background in corporate finance, accounting or business valuation are increasingly sought for their ability to evaluate complex financial models and expert reports directly. The arbitrator's independence and impartiality are mandatory conditions: any conflict of interest must be disclosed, and parties retain the right to challenge an arbitrator they consider partial. In proceedings before the ICC or Swiss Arbitration Centre, the institution vets the arbitrator's independence before confirming the appointment.

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Example: in a dispute between two Swiss shareholders over the fair value of equity for a buyout at CHF 6.5 million vs CHF 9.2 million, the parties appoint a sole arbitrator who is a chartered accountant with 20 years of M&A advisory experience. The arbitrator evaluates the competing DCF models, commissions a supplementary valuation analysis and issues an award at CHF 7.8 million, with detailed reasoning on the WACC and terminal growth rate choices.

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Hectelion experts accept mandates as arbitrator or tribunal-appointed financial expert in valuation and M&A pricing disputes.