Hong Kong: Arbitration & Dispute Resolution

When substantive proceedings unfold in one jurisdiction while key assets sit in another, can courts preserve those assets without determining ownership? The Hong Kong Court of Appeal's decision in Jacky Zong v Kelly Fuli Zong addresses this critical question in cross-border family wealth disputes, examining whether preservation orders under section 21M require proof of dissipation risk, whether applicants must first seek relief from foreign courts, and how disclosure orders can ensure effective asset preser

No bias arose from exposure to witness in prior arbitration or robust cross-examination of expert, and personal friendship and professional relationship between arbitrators did not affect independence and impartiality.

Three decisions handed down within 15-day period grant security as condition for delaying enforcement pending determination of award challenges; allegations of arbitrator bias in two cases robustly rejected.

The Hong Kong Judiciary has announced plans to establish the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (“HKICC”), a specialist division of the High Court intended to handle complex, high‑value international and cross‑border commercial disputes.

The Hong Kong Court in New Delta Trading Co., Ltd. v South China Development (H.K.) Limited [2026] HKCFI 2125 has reaffirmed its pro-enforcement stance on exclusive jurisdiction clauses in favour of non-Hong Kong courts.

Allegation that HKIAC award was tainted by bias and contrary to public policy did not prevent court from granting "Hadkinson" order halting set-aside application unless and until breach of anti-suit injunction cured.

The Court of First Instance decision in Hyalroute Communication Group Limited v Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited [2025] HKCFI 2417 marks a precedent-setting moment for Hong Kong law.

Appeals on questions of law pursuant to the statutory "opt-in" regime are not necessarily restricted to questions of Hong Kong law and are also possible in the case of some...

Leave to appeal against decision refusing challenge to enforcement of Hong Kong Arbitration Society award granted on basis that service by SMS raised issues of public interest