Key facts
- Hong Kong could overtake London as the top arbitration hub within a decade, according to the Hong Kong Bar Association chairman.
- The city's common law jurisdiction within China is a key competitive advantage.
- The Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC) will be established as a specialist division of the High Court.
- The HKIAC handled 352 arbitration cases valued at HK$106 billion ($13.6 billion) in 2024.
- The International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) has commenced operations in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong is poised to challenge and potentially surpass established legal hubs like London and Singapore as a leading center for international arbitration within the next five to 10 years, according to Jose-Antonio Maurellet SC, chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association. Maurellet stated that the city's unique position as a common law jurisdiction within China, combined with its growing role in resolving disputes originating from Asia, provides a significant competitive edge.
The chairman highlighted that the global center of gravity for high-value dispute resolution has been shifting eastward for over a decade. He noted that while cities like Stockholm and London were historically dominant, a substantial number of major disputes involving Asian parties are now being resolved within Asia.
Statistics from the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) indicate a growing appeal, with a significant share of cases stemming from contracts signed after 2019 and 2020, refuting claims that Hong Kong is relying on older cases. In 2024, the HKIAC handled 352 arbitration cases with a total value of HK$106 billion ($13.6 billion).
Further bolstering Hong Kong's dispute resolution landscape, the Judiciary announced on May 28, 2026, the upcoming establishment of the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (HKICC). This court will operate as a specialist division of the High Court, leveraging technology for remote hearings and electronic filing, and will be guided by a dedicated practice direction to ensure efficient case resolution. Additionally, the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) commenced operations on June 5, 2026, expanding Hong Kong's dispute resolution services beyond arbitration into mediation, capable of handling disputes between companies, individuals, and even states.