Michael Bass
Mediator
Short Introduction
Michael Bass is a commercial mediator specialising in financial services, banking, investment, shareholder and complex commercial disputes. With more than 30 years of experience in global financial markets, including senior leadership roles at Nomura, Standard Chartered, RBC Capital Markets and Westpac, he brings exceptional expertise in financial instruments, structured products, risk management and commercial negotiations.
A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and CEDR-accredited mediator, Michael combines deep market knowledge with a disciplined and commercially focused approach. He is particularly well suited to disputes where valuation, financial risk, regulatory considerations and commercial relationships are central to the issues in dispute.
Testimonials
About Work
Michael specialises in technology, intellectual property and commercial disputes, helping businesses, professionals, public bodies and private clients resolve conflicts involving software, telecommunications, patents, trade marks, commercial contracts, shareholder relationships and international trade.
Having practised as both a barrister and solicitor before moving into full-time ADR work, Michael brings decades of experience in dispute resolution. In addition to mediation, he acts as an arbitrator, adjudicator and dispute board member, providing valuable insight into the strengths, risks and commercial realities of complex disputes.
His mediation experience includes software and IT disputes, intellectual property claims, construction and engineering matters, energy disputes, insurance claims, maritime disputes, partnership conflicts, professional negligence claims and trusts and probate matters. He is particularly experienced in disputes involving technical subject matter, cross-border issues and multiple stakeholders.
Clients value Michael's approachable, commercially astute and highly effective style. He builds trust quickly, prepares thoroughly and is willing to challenge assumptions where appropriate, helping parties identify practical solutions and move towards durable settlement agreements.
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