Claudio Visco from Italy assumes presidency of the International Bar Association for 2026 and outlines his immediate priorities
After serving as IBA President-Elect in 2025, Claudio Visco has succeeded Jaime Carey, Senior Partner at Chilean law firm Carey, following an unprecedented and successful joint leadership arrangement approved by the IBA Council, the Association’s governing body.
Widely recognised as one of Italy’s foremost international business lawyers, Claudio Visco brings more than four decades of continuous service to the IBA across its key constituencies. His presidency begins at a time of profound challenges to the international legal order, marked by increasing threats to the rule of law, judicial independence and the legal profession worldwide.
Extensive leadership experience within the IBA
Prior to becoming President, Claudio Visco held many senior positions in the IBA, including Co-Vice President; Co-Secretary-General together with the Immediate Past President Jaime Carey; Chair of the Bar Issues Commission (BIC); Chair of the BIC Policy Committee; Officer of the Diversity and Inclusion Council; Co-Chair of the Securities Law Committee; Chair of the Capital Markets Forum (which has since merged with the Securities Law Committee) and Chair of the Host Committee for the Rome 2018 Annual Conference. He has also been a member of the IBA Management Board since 2015, contributing significantly to the Association’s strategic direction and governance.
Being part of a strong team and commitment to the rule of law
Commenting on his appointment, Claudio Visco said: ‘I feel honoured and deeply privileged to have been elected President of the International Bar Association and will carry out the duties of this office, as I did for the previous ones, with full dedication, putting my experience to the service of the Association.
