Michael Bass
Mediator
Short Introduction
Unresolved conflict casts a long shadow. I have seen how it can create stress, distract from what matters most, and prevent people from moving forward. What I value most about mediation is the opportunity to change that — to bring clarity, perspective and momentum to difficult situations. The process itself, combining human insight with commercial judgement, creativity and persistence, is one I find endlessly engaging.
Testimonials
About Work
Michael is a commercial mediator specialising in complex disputes involving banking, financial services and structured commercial relationships. He brings over 30 years’ experience in global financial markets, including senior leadership roles across fixed income, derivatives, foreign exchange and commodities, and a deep understanding of how risk, valuation and commercial decision-making operate in practice.
He is typically appointed to matters where the financial or commercial architecture of the dispute is central — including disputes involving financial institutions, shareholder and partnership conflicts, professional negligence, and high-value contractual claims. His background enables him to engage quickly with technical issues, test assumptions rigorously, and help parties move beyond positional arguments to focus on realistic outcomes.
Michael’s mediation style is calm, structured and analytical. He combines careful listening with appropriate challenge, helping parties to clarify their objectives, understand the strengths and risks in their positions, and explore practical routes to resolution. He is particularly effective in disputes involving sophisticated parties, multiple stakeholders or complex financial dynamics, where both commercial insight and procedural discipline are required.
He is typically appointed to matters where the financial or commercial architecture of the dispute is central — including disputes involving financial institutions, shareholder and partnership conflicts, professional negligence, and high-value contractual claims. His background enables him to engage quickly with technical issues, test assumptions rigorously, and help parties move beyond positional arguments to focus on realistic outcomes.
Michael’s mediation style is calm, structured and analytical. He combines careful listening with appropriate challenge, helping parties to clarify their objectives, understand the strengths and risks in their positions, and explore practical routes to resolution. He is particularly effective in disputes involving sophisticated parties, multiple stakeholders or complex financial dynamics, where both commercial insight and procedural discipline are required.
Expertise
- Commercial & Corporate
- Banking, Finance & Insurances
- Private Client
- International Trade & Competition
Languages
- English
Awards
- CEDR: Commercial Mediation
- CEDR: Early Neutral Evaluation
- CIArb: International Arbitration
Memberships
- Civil Mediation Council
- Chartered Institute of Arbitration
Publications
Selected writing on mediation, decision-making and commercial dispute resolution:
1. Mediation as Change Management
Reframing mediation as a structured process of transition and decision-making
2. Managing Financial Complexity in Mediation
Addressing valuation, risk and financial structure in complex disputes
3. Commercial and Workplace Mediation: Insights from Organisational Psychology
Applying behavioural insight to conflict, motivation and resolution dynamics
1. Mediation as Change Management
Reframing mediation as a structured process of transition and decision-making
2. Managing Financial Complexity in Mediation
Addressing valuation, risk and financial structure in complex disputes
3. Commercial and Workplace Mediation: Insights from Organisational Psychology
Applying behavioural insight to conflict, motivation and resolution dynamics