Securities Regulation Daily Wrap Up, EXPERT INSIGHTS—Leading practitioner warns of wave of disputes over AI buildout, (Jul 20, 2026)

By Matthew Garza

Arbitration expert and Vinson & Elkins partner advises on how to prepare in his article, The Coming Wave of Disputes in Data Centre and Al Infrastructure.

James Barratt, Co-Head of the International Dispute Resolution & Arbitration practice in the London office of Vinson & Elkins, writes that globally the data center sector is in the midst of “the largest infrastructure buildout of the modern era.” Goldman Sachs projects a cumulative spend of approximately $7.6 trillion between 2026 and 2031, he notes. As capital pours into the sector, parties to this build out face enormous opportunities and costs. In his article, he looks to the Liquid Natural Gas sector, with its similar capital-intensive needs, and which also depends on long-term commitments between creditworthy counterparties, as an instructive example. Contracts signed in this environment, such as service level agreements and power purchase agreements, must endure today’s conditions and those that develop as the market matures, Mr. Barratt notes.

James Barratt has more than two decades of experience representing clients in complex international arbitrations and is co-head of the firm’s international disputes practice in Europe.

To read the article, click http://business.cch.com/srd/20260717_Expert-Insights_Data_center_article072026.pdf

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