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ARTICLE · 01 DECEMBER 2025

Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance Review Begins

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP
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Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

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Working group of dispute resolution experts holds first meeting and establishes terms of reference directed at further strengthening Hong Kong's position as an international arbitration centre...

Hong KongLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Simon Chapman KC
Simon Chapman KC
Kathryn Sanger
Kathryn Sanger
Antony Crockett
Antony Crockett
Helen Tang
Helen Tang
Dana Kim
Dana Kim
Murphy Mok
Murphy Mok
Martin Wallace
Martin Wallace
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A working group to review Hong Kong's statutory arbitration framework and make recommendations for updates has been formed and held its first meeting on 17 November 2025.

The development follows the Hong Kong government's announcement in September 2025 that it would consider the need for reform of the Arbitration Ordinance as part of a broader push to promote the city as a dispute resolution hub (reported here).

The Working Group on Arbitration Law Reform of the Department of Justice was established in October 2025 and comprises experts from the legal and dispute resolution services sector. It is chaired by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam SC, with Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan SBS, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, serving as Vice-Chairperson, and Ms Jessie Lau, Senior Government Counsel (ADR), acting as Secretary. Members include Mr Simon Chapman KC of Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer, the Hon Mr Justice Lam Man Hon, Johnson (a Permanent Judge of the Court of Final

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