Studied in Frankfurt, honoured in San Diego - Natalie von Beust receives prestigious award for her master's thesis

Congratulations, Natalie von Beust! What does this award mean to you?

Having my research recognized by CPR, a leading institution in the field of dispute resolution, is both a source of great pride and profound gratitude for me. This award not only acknowledges my academic efforts, but also inspires and motivates me as I embark on my professional journey in international dispute resolution. I am especially grateful for the insightful feedback from my reviewers, Dr. Rouven F. Bodenheimer and Hannah Tümpel, Academic Director of the Master’s program in Mediation and Conflict Management, as well as for Hannah’s nomination of my thesis. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Prof. Dr. Ulla Gläser, Academic Director of the Master’s program in Mediation and Conflict Management, for her support and for nominating me for the award together with Hannah.

What is your thesis about?

My master's thesis, entitled "Third-Party Funding in International Commercial Arbitration: Financing Justice or Compromising Integrity", explores the impact of third-party funding (TPF) on international commercial arbitration, focusing on whether TPF enhances access to justice or undermines the integrity of the process. The thesis examines the motivations for using TPF, the regulatory frameworks in the EU (with an emphasis on Germany) and Asia (Hong Kong, Singapore, China), and the related opportunities and risks. It addresses conflicts of interest and procedural challenges, and offers recommendations for structuring TPF agreements and institutional arbitration rules to balance financial support with procedural integrity.

What interests you most about this topic?

My interest in alternative dispute resolution was initially sparked and nurtured by my studies in the Master's program in Mediation and Conflict Management. My specific interest in international arbitration was further intensified after attending a conference on international dispute resolution in Saudi Arabia in January 2025, where the topic of TPF was already discussed intensively - particularly regarding its potential impact on the integrity of arbitrators. However, I noticed that the debate was largely confined to the question of whether the involvement of external funders might compromise the arbitrators' impartiality, while the possible effect on other participants in the proceedings were not addressed. This observation motivated me to adopt a broader perspective of my master's thesis, focusing on the influence of TPF on the entire arbitration process and all key actors involved. 

Frauke Adesiyan