Where urgent relief is needed before the tribunal is constituted, two routes are available.

Emergency arbitrator procedures under most institutional rules: an emergency arbitrator appointed within a day or two, deciding an application within a short period, with the order binding on the parties and subject to reconsideration by the tribunal once constituted.

Court applications. Most arbitration statutes and institutional rules preserve the right to seek interim relief from a court without waiving the arbitration agreement. The arbitration clause should say so expressly to avoid an argument that the application waived arbitration.

Which to use. Courts have contempt powers and can bind third parties; emergency arbitrators cannot. Where the relief requires enforcement against a bank, a registrar or another non-party, the court is the only effective route.

Enforceability of emergency awards. Uncertain in some jurisdictions, since they may not be final awards for convention purposes. Where enforcement will be needed abroad, that uncertainty argues for a court.

Standards. Broadly similar to court standards — a serious question, urgency, irreparable harm and the balance of convenience — though tribunals apply them with less formality.

Security may be ordered as a condition, and undertakings are commonly required.