Commercial Law and Policy Conference 2026 Explores the Evolving Relationship Between Markets, Technology and Public Policy

The EW Barker Centre for Law & Business (EWBCLB) hosted the Commercial Law and Policy Conference 2026 on 16 and 17 July 2026, bringing together leading scholars from Asia, Europe, North America and Oceania to examine how commercial law is evolving in response to rapid economic, technological and societal change. The two-day conference explored the growing role of public policy in shaping commercial law across diverse legal contexts.

Discussions centred on the changing nature of markets and commercial relationships, with participants considering whether traditional legal principles remain adequate in an era marked by digital assets, artificial intelligence, platform economies and evolving consumer expectations. Speakers reflected on how commercial law balances freedom of contract with broader societal interests, particularly where technological innovation challenges established legal categories.

A recurring theme throughout the conference was the interaction between private law and public policy. Sessions examined how policy considerations influence contract, tort, trusts, competition law and intellectual property, while drawing on comparative perspectives from jurisdictions including Australia, Canada, China, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Singapore, the United Kingdom and the United States. The discussions highlighted both shared legal challenges and the diverse approaches adopted across common law and civil law systems, underscoring the importance of context in shaping legal development.

The conference also explored emerging questions surrounding digital commerce, including the legal treatment of crypto-assets, the regulation of online platforms, consumer protection in digital markets and the implications of AI-driven services. Across these discussions, speakers emphasised the need for legal frameworks that remain adaptable while preserving fundamental principles of commercial certainty and justice.

By fostering dialogue across disciplines and jurisdictions, the conference reinforced the value of comparative scholarship in addressing contemporary commercial law issues. It highlighted the continuing evolution of commercial law as it responds to new technologies, changing markets and shifting policy priorities, while reaffirming its central role in supporting confidence, innovation and the effective functioning of modern commerce.