Ambrose Ho, S.C. has a broad civil and commercial practice in the areas of securities, bankruptcy, insolvency, commercial, land, trust, probate and public law. He has particular experience in enforcement actions under the Securities and Futures Ordinance, both for the Securities and Futures Commission and private respondents. He is regularly instructed in probate related litigations and also shareholders disputes. In his public law practice, he has acted for the Department of Justice in judicial reviews on building and town planning matters. He has sat as a Recorder of the Court of First Instance, and has been appointed on various statutory appeal boards and statutory authorities as part of his commitment to public service.
Ambrose Ho, S.C. has been quoted as having “consistently demonstrated a profound understanding of the law, coupled with an exceptional ability to apply it in varied contexts” and as “a very solid and deep-thinking practitioner” whose court manner is much appreciated by the Bench.
RECENT HIGHLIGHTS
Lo Kai Shui v HSBC International Trustee Limited & 4 others [2026] 1 HKLRD 657, [2025] HKCFI 4876; [2023] HKCA 983 – Dispute concerning administration and management of family trust assets of a well-known family in Hong Kong
SFC v Andrew Liu & Others [2026] HKCFI 694 – Representing the SFC in obtaining disqualification and compensation orders against directors of a listed company involving the purchase and disposal of indirect shareholding in a major bank in Hong Kong
Jill Investments Ltd v Jesus is Lord Ltd [2026] HKCFI 1119 – Dispute over the ownership of a commercial property occupied by a church
Sun Tian Gang & another v Changchun High & New Technology Industries Development Parent Company & 10 others [2025] 3 HKLRD 1, [2025] HKCA 188 – Appeal concerning postponement of limitation period in case of deliberate concealment
CMF Global Quantitative Multi-Asset SPC v CMF Chaos China Growth SP v Blossom International Investment Holdings Ltd [2025] HKCFI 5086 – Dispute concerning specific performance of an agreement relating to shares in a segregated portfolio of a Cayman Islands fund
XX v ZZ [2025] 4 HKLRD 301, [2025] HKCFI 3089 – Dispute concerning jurisdiction of arbitral tribunal involving related contracts with different arbitration clauses
Xue Xiaoyun v Susan Yung & Another [2025] 5 HKLRD 473, [2025] HKCFI 4183 – Represented a securities firm in a trial concerning a negligence and vicarious liability claim
King Field Shipyard Limited v Tai Pak Sea-Food Restaurant Limited & another [2024] HKCFI 2320; [2024] HKCFI 898 – Dispute concerning preservation orders of four ships and fortification
PA Investment Funds SPC v Ablaze Rich Investments Limited & 2 others [2024] HKCFI 2718 – Resisting appeal against summary judgment involving questions of foreign and domestic illegality
Re Estate of Cha Mou Sing Payson (Deceased) [2024] 2 HKLRD 1411, [2024] HKCA 453 – Appeal on summary judgment concerning validity of a will
SFC v Zhou Ling & 2 others [2024] HKCFI 2484 – Disqualification orders sought by the SFC against directors of a listed company and recovery of secret profits
Success House Industries Limited & 2 others v Liao Chen Toh [2024] HKCFI 2475 – Dispute concerning control of a family business known as the Loyal Group
Lam Hui Sai Ping Rina v Wai Kee Shun & 3 others [2024] HKCFI 1025 – Dispute as to validity of a will involving a well-known Hong Kong charity beneficiary
李明實，方壘 and 史洪源 v Ace Lead Profits Limited & Shao Baiqing [2024] HKCA 523 – Resisting injunction application concerning restraint of dealing with shares in a Nasdaq-listed company
Lam Kin Chung v Soka Gakkai International of Hong Kong Ltd [2022] 4 HKC 202, [2022] HKCA 480 – Appeal concerning juridical basis for members of a charitable corporation to commence derivative actions and scope of members’ fiduciary duty in voting
OTHER NOTABLE CASES
Securities
SFC v Andrew Liu & 10 others [2022] HKCFI 697; [2018] 1 HKLRD 320 – Disqualification and compensation orders sought by the SFC against directors
SFC v Qunxing Paper Holdings Co Ltd & others [2018] 1 HKLRD 1060, [2018] HKCFI 271 – Juridical basis of SFC seeking remedies for benefit of investors under s. 213 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance
Re China Metal Recycling (Holdings) Ltd [2015] 2 HKLRD 415 – Winding up listed company on public interest ground
SFC v Li Kwok Cheong, Li Han Chun & another (MMT Report dated 2 August 2024) – Market Misconduct Tribunal inquiry regarding China Forestry Holdings Co Ltd
HSBC Private Bank (Suisse) SA v SFC, Securities and Futures Appeal Tribunal No 3 of 2015, 21 November 2017 – Pecuniary penalty in relation to systemic deficiencies in the sale of derivative financial products
Probate and Mental Health
The Secretary for Justice v Wong Tak Wai and Jong Yat Kit (The Joint and Several Administrators of the Estate of Kung, Nina also known as Nina Kung and Nina TH Wang) [2022] HKCFI 3255 – Settlement of scheme for administering the charitable trusts established by the will of Nina Wang
Tsang Wing Kwai v Tsang Wing Fai (No.2) [2019] 1 HKLRD 1300, [2019] HKCA 163 – Appeal concerning removal of executor
C v B (Re A: Mental Health) [2019] 2 HKLRD 613, [2019] HKCA 321 – Appeal in Mental Health proceedings arising from disputes in a family of substantial wealth
Secretary for Justice v Joseph Lo Kin Ching (2015) 18 HKCFAR 169 – Interpretation of the will of Nina Wang and administration of charitable trusts
Wong Tat Lun Eddie & others v Wong Chi Ho Jimmy & others, HCMP 2391/2013, 21 October 2014 – Resisting removal of executor
Yung Shu Wu v Vivienne Sung Wu (2011) 14 HKCFAR 39 – Dispute as to assets comprised in an estate and disposition of equitable interest
Re A (Mentally Incapacitated Person: Committee) [2009] 2 HKLRD 159 – Appointment of committee of estate of mentally incapacitated person
Land Grant and Town Planning
Hong Kong Resort Company Limited v Town Planning Board [2021] HKCA 1313 – Judicial review by developer of Discovery Bay
Tung Chun Company Limited v Town Planning Board [2021] HKCA 758 – Judicial review on decisions regarding a building height restriction
The Dairy Farm Company Limited v Secretary for Justice [2020] HKCFI 306 – Construction of special condition of land grant and easement
Property
Pacific Base Holdings Limited & others v Lee Hop Biu [2021] 5 HKC 214, [2021] HKCA 780 – Seeking CA's determination on interpretation of the Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance regarding threshold requirement for redevelopment of the land lots
Bright Gold Limited v Mega Well Development Limited [2020] 4 HKLRD 26, [2020] HKCA 575 – Appeal by the developer overturning a CFI’s decision relating to estate agent’s capacity in a sale of first-hand property transaction
Century Supreme International Limited v. Kam Chi Kit Charles & Hui Pui Kuen and others [2022] HKLdT 6 – Resisting application under Land (Compulsory Sale for Redevelopment) Ordinance
Building Authority v Appeal Tribunal (Buildings) (ENM Holdings Ltd) (2018) 21 HKCFAR 194, [2018] HKCFA 20 – CFA decision on interpretation of provision in Land Grant concerning responsibility to maintain hillside slopes
383HK Limited v The Incorporated Owners of Tak Bo Building [2018] 2 HKC 559, [2018] HKCA 164 – Disputes concerning common parts and interpretation of Deed of Mutual Covenants
Grande Properties Management Ltd v Sun Wah Ornament Manufactory Ltd (2006) 9 HKCFAR 462 – Disputes concerning validity of resolutions in building management
Bankruptcy and Insolvency
Lau Chun Ming v Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu (a firm) [2021] 2 HKLRD 706, [2021] HKCA 546 – Appeal concerning powers and duties of trustees in bankruptcy
Chow Wai Shing Daniel and Fok Hei Yu (Joint and Several Trustees in Bankruptcy of Ding Yi) v Lu Ying [2020] HKCFI 2148 – Setting aside disposition of assets at undervalue
Patrick Cowley & Wong Wing Sze Tiffany v All Powerful Holding Ltd & Anor [2018] HKCFI 1802; [2018] HKCFI 2542 – Injunction application concerning the transfer of company share by the bankrupt allegedly at an undervalue
China Forestry Holdings Co Ltd (in official liquidation) v Top Wisdom Overseas Holdings Limited & Anor [2021] HKCFI 2761 – Proprietary claim by the liquidators against proceeds of alleged insider dealing
Commercial
Da Shing Group Limited v Rich Promise Limited [2021] HKCA 960 – Dispute in the sale and purchase of shares in a listed company and return of deposit
Chow Tai Fook Nominee Limited v Diamond City Ltd and Wu Wai Leung, Danny [2021] HKCFI 3019 – Action for recovery of debt and estoppel
Zhang Jizhi v Hong Kong TV International Media Group Limited & another [2022] HKCFI 308 – Dispute arising in sale and purchase of company
China Agri-products Exchange Limited v Wang Xiu Qun & another [2021] HKCFI 137 – 23-day trial of a commercial dispute involving the sale and purchase of a Mainland company
Li Sau Ying v Bank of China (Hong Kong) Ltd (2004) 7 HKCFAR 579 – Leading Hong Kong decision on undue influence
Public
Chairman and Deputy Chairman of the Preliminary Investigation Committee of the Medical Council of Hong Kong v Hospital Authority [2022] 1 HKLRD 16, [2021] HKCA 1793 – Appeal concerning powers of Chairman of the Medical Council to compel disclosure by Hospital Authority
AA & another v SFC (SJ as Intervener) [2019] 2 HKLRD 16, [2019] HKCFI 246 – Defending constitutional challenge of s. 181 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance
Yung Chi Keung v Protection of Wages on Insolvency Board (2016) 19 HKCFAR 469 – CFA decision on calculation of ex gratia payment under the Protection of Wages on Insolvency Ordinance
Commission of Inquiry into Excess Lead Found in Drinking Water (2015-2016) – Represented the Hong Kong Housing Authority in a public inquiry
Civil Fraud
Kot See For v Lam Man Cheung [2021] 2 HKLRD 263, [2021] HKCA 348 – Appeal concerning the privilege against self-incrimination in civil proceedings in an investment fraud claim
Dacheng Enterprise Co v Global Bio Chem Technology Group Co Ltd [2018] HKCFI 2556 – Striking out of a claim concerning director's authority to compromise a claim on behalf of a listed company and allegations of fraud
Tax
Shui On Credit Co Ltd v Commissioner of Inland Revenue (2009) 12 HKCFAR 392 – Appeal on profits tax assessment and tax avoidance scheme
Kwong Mile Services Ltd v Commissioner of Inland Revenue (2004) 7 HKCFAR 275 – Approach on appeals from the Board of Review on error of law
Call: 1984 | Silk: 2000
APPOINTMENTS AND MEMBERSHIPS Professional Career
Member of the Bar Council, Hong Kong Bar Association; Member of various Special Committees of the Hong Kong Bar Association (1995 – 1999 & 2002)
Hon. Secretary & Treasurer of the Hong Kong Bar Association (2000)
Appointment as Senior Counsel (May 2000)
Deputy High Court Judge (14 April 2003 – 9 May 2003)
Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association (January 2003 – January 2005)
Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court (1 January 2006 – 31 December 2014)
Convenor of the Barristers' Disciplinary Tribunal (13 October 2021 – Present)
Public Appointments
One of the Chairmen of the Appeal Tribunal (Buildings) (1 December 1997 – 30 November 2008)
Member of the ICAC Complaints Committee (1 January 1999 – 31 December 2004)
Honorary Lecturer in the Department of Professional Legal Education of the University of Hong Kong (1 September 2000 – Present)
Member of the Management Committee of the Consumer Legal Action Fund (6 December 2000 – 5 December 2002)
Member of the Consumer Council (1 January 2003 – 6 October 2007)
Vice-chairman of the Consumer Council (7 October 2007 – 6 October 2013)
Chairman of the Appeal Board Panel (Toys and Children's Products Safety) (1 January 2004 – 31 December 2005)
Chairman of the Air Pollution Control Appeal Board (1 February 2004 – 27 November 2008)
Member of the Governing Committee of Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (June 2004 – September 2009)
Chairman of the Governing Committee of Hong Kong Red Cross Blood Transfusion Service (2017 – 31 March 2023)
External Member of the Appeal Review Committee, Hong Kong Examinations & Assessment Authority (30 May 2005 – 4 October 2007 & 19 October 2009 – 31 December 2010)
Chairman of the Appeal Review Committee, Hong Kong Examinations & Assessment Authority (5 October 2007 – 18 October 2009)
Legal Adviser of the Diocesan Committee for Bioethics (1 June 2005 – 31 May 2007)
Member of the Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission (1 July 2005 – 30 June 2009)
Deputy Chairman of the Administrative Appeals Board (10 August 2005 – 31 October 2008)
Member of the Telecommunications (Competition Provisions) Appeal Board (31 August 2005 – 30 August 2007)
Deputy Chairman of the Telecommunications (Competition Provisions) Appeal Board (31 August 2007 – 31 October 2008)
Member of the Disciplinary Chair Committee, Securities and Futures Commission (1 August 2008 – 31 March 2014)
Chairman of the Broadcasting Authority (1 December 2008 – 31 March 2012)
Chairman of the Communications Authority (1 April 2012 – 31 March 2017)
Chairman of the Private Columbaria Appeal Board (29 September 2017 – Present)
Chairman of the Air Transport Licensing Authority (8 January 2018 – 7 January 2022)
Member of the Hospital Authority (1 December 2018 – Present)
Member of the InnoHK Steering Committee (4 February 2019 – 3 February 2021)
Chairman of the Consultation Panel, The West Kowloon Cultural District Authority (5 March 2020 – 28 February 2025)
LL.B. (University of London, University College) (1983)
Bar Finals, U.K. (Inns of Court School of Law, London) (1984)
LL.M. (University of Cambridge, Wolfson College) (1985)