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ICC pays tribute to Royston Miles Goode
ICC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Royston Miles Goode, a longstanding and highly respected member of the ICC Global Banking Commission.
A distinguished figure in the field of international commercial law, Mr Goode was Emeritus Professor of Law at the University of Oxford and Fellow of the British Academy, widely recognised for his exceptional contribution to the development of commercial law and international legal frameworks.
For ICC, Mr Goode played a pivotal role as Chair of the ICC Global Commercial Law and Practice Commission, a founding member of the ICC Task Force on Guarantees and as a leading contributor to the development of ICC’s globally recognised banking rules. His intellectual leadership and dedication were instrumental in advancing ICC’s work in trade finance.
In particular, Mr Goode’s scholarship and practical insight into demand guarantees have had a profound and lasting impact on global practice. He was a pre-eminent author and co-author of leading ICC publications, including the authoritative Guide to the Uniform Rules for Demand Guarantees (URDG 758).
His work helped shape the understanding and application of demand guarantees worldwide, which he described as “abstract payment undertakings”, reflecting their independence and central role in international trade.
Mr Goode’s influence extended beyond ICC. Over a distinguished career spanning academia, legal practice, and international standard-setting, he contributed to the development of numerous international legal instruments and mentored generations of lawyers and practitioners.
“Sir Roy will be remembered not only for his unparalleled expertise, but also for his generosity, intellectual rigour and steadfast commitment to excellence,” said ICC Policy Manager Tomasch Kubiak. “His legacy will continue to shape ICC’s work and the global trade finance community for years to come.”
Georges Affaki, Chair of the ICC Banking Commission Legal Committee said ICC and the international legal community had lost one of the greatest jurists:
“Sir Roy was one of the towering legal minds of our age. For more than 35 years, we worked together on ICC, UNIDROIT and UNCITRAL projects. I never ceased to admire his gift for making all legal traditions speak the same language of commercial common sense.”
ICC extends its deepest condolences to Mr Goode’s family, friends and colleagues.
