Opening remarks by DSJ at seminar "Iteration and Assurance: Cross-Border Arbitration Practice under the New PRC Arbitration Law and the Amendment to the Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance" of Hong Kong Arbitration Week 2026
Following are the opening remarks by the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, at the seminar "Iteration and Assurance: Cross-Border Arbitration Practice under the New PRC Arbitration Law and the Amendment to the Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance" of the Hong Kong Arbitration Week 2026 today (October 23):
Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
Good afternoon. It is my pleasure to join you today during the Hong Kong Arbitration Week 2026 for this seminar on the theme of "Iteration and Assurance: Cross-Border Arbitration Practice under the New PRC Arbitration Law and the Amendment to the Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance".
As global trade and investment flourish, navigating commercial disputes becomes an inevitable feature of cross-border commerce. In this dynamic landscape, arbitration serves as a critical tool that offers a neutral, flexible and internationally enforceable mechanism to resolve cross-border disputes. To remain effective, however, our arbitration framework must stay responsive to the changing needs of international trade. Today's seminar is therefore very timely, as we examine major arbitration legislative advancements taking shape on both sides of the border.
New Arbitration Law of People's Republic of China
The landmark revision to the Arbitration Law of the People's Republic of China (PRC) came into effect in March this year. This represents the first comprehensive overhaul of the Chinese Mainland arbitral legal framework, aligning it more closely with international standards. Notably, the law introduces a dedicated chapter for foreign-related arbitration. Among its key innovations are provisions permitting ad hoc arbitration for foreign-related maritime disputes and commercial disputes between enterprises within the Pilot Free Trade Zones, the Hainan Free Trade Port, and other designated regions. It also establishes the legal basis for foreign arbitral institutions to set up offices and conduct foreign-related arbitration services in these zones. Furthermore, it explicitly encourages parties to foreign-related disputes to choose arbitral institutions of the PRC, and to choose the PRC as the arbitral seat, both of which include the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Together, these dynamic reforms unlock unprecedented opportunities for Hong Kong's arbitral institutions and practitioners to expand their operational reach in the Chinese Mainland and contribute their international arbitration expertise to foreign-related disputes.
Hong Kong arbitration law reform
In parallel, Hong Kong is proactively modernising our arbitration legal framework. The Department of Justice (DoJ) established the Working Group on Arbitration Law Reform last year with members drawn from the leading figures of the legal and dispute resolution sector, including Edward (Partner of Haiwen & Partners Hong Kong Office Mr Edward Liu) who will be moderating today's panel discussion shortly. Based on the Working Group's deep-dive examination of Hong Kong's Arbitration Ordinance, the DoJ has formulated amendment proposals under four vital pillars: speed and convenience, confidentiality, scope, as well as fairness and justice. A one-month stakeholder consultation is now underway and will run until October 27. After considering the stakeholders' feedback, the DoJ will take forward the legislative amendments and will strive to complete the exercise within next year. Through these statutory refinements, we hope to offer global users a modern, transparent and forward-looking legal environment for them to choose Hong Kong as their arbitral seat with sheer confidence.
Hong Kong's strategic role as a premier dispute resolution hub
Anchored in "one country, two systems", Hong Kong's robust framework and dispute resolution ecosystem serve as a solid foundation to support both national and international development. As emphasised in Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan (First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030)) and the Policy Address 2026, the Government is committed to deepening Hong Kong's development as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre. As a "super connector" and "super value-adder", Hong Kong leverages its unique proximity to the Chinese Mainland alongside a trusted bilingual common law tradition. Reinforced by the deep expertise in both institutional and ad hoc arbitration, our multilingual legal and dispute resolution community offers global investors and Chinese Mainland enterprises an exceptionally professional, efficient and world-class arbitration environment.
As landmark arbitration legislative developments unfold in both the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, new horizons are opening for the arbitration community to maximise synergy in cross-border arbitration in the region. On this note, I wish you all an engaging and rewarding seminar. Thank you.
Opening remarks by DSJ at seminar "Iteration and Assurance: Cross-Border Arbitration Practice under the New PRC Arbitration Law and the Amendment to the Hong Kong Arbitration Ordinance" of Hong Kong Arbitration Week 2026 Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 spotlights three core growth engines: Finance+, AI+, and global expansion
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB) and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (October 23) hosted a press conference and unveiled details of Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 (HKFW x SMUHK), which will take place from November 2 to 6. The event is expected to welcome more than 45 000 participants from over 120 economies, alongside more than 1 000 speakers, 800 exhibitors and start-ups, as well as over 30 Chinese Mainland and international delegations.
Marking the launch of both the National 15th Five-Year Plan and the First Five-Year Plan for Economic and Social Development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (2026-2030) (Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan), HKFW x SMUHK 2026 will highlight financial empowerment, tech innovation, and global expansion as key engines of sustainable business growth. HKFW x SMUHK is organised by the FSTB, the Commerce and Economic Development Bureau and InvestHK, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), and the Insurance Authority (IA).
A global innovation platform powered by Finance+
As the Asia-Pacific region's leading financial centre and the world's top-ranked fintech hub in the latest Global Financial Centres Index, Hong Kong provides a strong foundation for advancing the "Finance+" vision. Backed by deep capital markets and global connectivity, the city is powered by a dual financial and technological engine: a robust financial ecosystem provides the capital needed to scale innovation, while technological advancement continues to transform financial services and unlock new sources of growth.
The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, said, "In tandem with Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and the Policy Address, which set out the blueprint for our city's future development, this year's Hong Kong FinTech Week carries the forward-looking theme 'Fintech Nexus: Bridging the World, Building the Future'. Our position at the forefront of global fintech is not merely rhetorical, but a proven reality on the world stage. As one of the top international financial centres globally and a leading force in Asia, Hong Kong continues to make confident strides in expanding its fintech capability." He added that the event will showcase how Hong Kong's fintech capability is boosting the city's development in gold and commodity markets, thus linking the international markets with Asia's liquidity.
AI+ and a thriving start-up ecosystem empowering innovation
As Hong Kong advances its "AI+" agenda for crossindustry AI deep integration, it stands as a global launch pad for innovators to commercialise and scale technology. Supported by a thriving ecosystem of over 5 200 startups and ongoing development of the Northern Metropolis, Hong Kong opens new global growth pathways, while the worldtopping ShenzhenHong KongGuangzhou innovation cluster demonstrates how aligned research, talent, capital and industry drive innovation and business expansion.
Complementing HKFW x SMUHK 2026, the Global Fast Track programme will once again serve as a launch pad for high-growth start-ups and scale-ups seeking to accelerate commercialisation and international expansion. This year's programme has already attracted more than 700 applications from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland, wider Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania.
Going global driven by financial empowerment and tech innovation
As businesses increasingly look beyond their home markets for growth, Hong Kong serves as a trusted launch pad for international expansion. Retaining first place in the Asian Cities Internationality Index 2026, the city combines global connectivity, international business networks and market access, enabling companies to forge global partnerships and expand internationally.
The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, said, "As HKFW x SMUHK enters its second decade, Hong Kong begins a new chapter with its First Five-Year Plan, unveiled alongside the 2026 Policy Address. This year's three engines - "Finance+", "AI+" and global expansion - reflect the city's strategic priorities: driving innovation and economic development, transforming industries, and enabling multi-market growth. Hong Kong connects these forces, and this year's event will bring together global innovators, investors and enterprises to scale internationally and seize new opportunities through our city."
As Hong Kong cements its status as Asia's premier hub for two-way investment, this year's event will welcome over 30 delegations from the Chinese Mainland, including those from Beijing, Jiangsu, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, alongside delegations from North America, Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council regions, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Central Asia, and other emerging markets. Their vote of confidence reinforces Hong Kong's standing as Asia's premier platform for companies seeking global expansion.
Global visionaries set to take the stage
The HKFW x SMUHK 2026 main conference will specifically take place on November 2 and 3 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. It will feature 10 dedicated forums, including the Policy and Visionary Forum, AI & DeepTech Forum, Digital Assets and Web3 Forum, AI in Finance Forum, China-Global Innovation Forum, InsurTech and HealthTech Forum, GreenTech Forum, Founder and Startup Venture Forum, Tech Builder Forum, and Creator Forum. Esteemed speakers at the main conference include:
Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and regulators:
- The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee;
- The Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan;
- The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui;
- The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau;
- The Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Joseph Chan;
- The Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Ms Lillian Cheong;
- The Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Miss Diane Wong;
- The Chief Executive of the HKMA, Mr Eddie Yue;
- The Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung;
- The Chief Executive Officer of the IA, Mr Clement Cheung; and
- The Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau.
Global policy leaders:
- The Former General Manager of Bank for International Settlements, Mr Agustín Carstens;
- The Chair of the United Kingdom Financial Conduct Authority, Mr Ashley Alder;
- The Special Representative of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic; Permanent Representative of the Kyrgyz Republic to the United Nations; First Deputy Chairman of the Management Council of the Tamchy Special Financial and Investment Territory, Mr Ayaz Baetov;
- The Minister of State and Chairman of the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority, Mr Bilal Bin Saqib;
- The First Deputy Governor of the Banque de France, Mr Denis Beau; and
- The Ambassador of Monaco to China, Ms Marie-Pascale Boisson.
Industry leaders:
- The Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong and Macau, Mr Alger Fung;
- The Founding and Managing Partner of BAI Capital, Ms Annabelle Long;
- The Group Chief Executive of Standard Chartered, Mr Bill Winters;
- The Chair Professor of Artificial Intelligence Systems of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Professor Cao Liangliang;
- The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Onafriq, Mr Daré Okoudjou;
- The Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Primavera Capital Group, Dr Fred Hu;
- The Group Chief Executive of HSBC, Mr Georges Elhedery;
- The Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pony.ai, Mr James Peng;
- The Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Templeton, Ms Jenny Johnson;
- The Chief Executive Officer of Prudential Hong Kong, Mr Lawrence Lam;
- The Professor of Southern University of Science and Technology, Professor Ma Zhaoyuan;
- The Chief Operating Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Ms Vanessa Lau;and
- The Vice Chairman and President of the Bank of China, Mr Zhang Hui.
Extending beyond the conference, participants will also have opportunities to take part in networking, business matching and community events across Hong Kong and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). A key highlight of this year's programme is the two-day GBA Immersive Executive Tour to Shenzhen, offering first-hand access to one of the world's most dynamic innovation ecosystems.
For more event information, please visit www.fintechweek.hk and follow via official social media accounts:
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) today (October 23) announced details of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 at a press conference. Photo shows (from left) Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion Mr King Leung; the Head of InsurTech, Policy and Legislation of the Insurance Authority, Ms Jessica Yeung; the Chief Fintech Officer of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr George Chou; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau; the Director of Intermediaries and Head of the Fintech Unit of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Elizabeth Wong; the Group Chief Technology Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mr John Hsu; and the Acting Head of Startups of InvestHK, Mr Lu Chin-yung, at today's press conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong today (October 23) announced details of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026. Photo shows (front row, from second left) the Head of InsurTech, Policy and Legislation of the Insurance Authority, Ms Jessica Yeung; the Chief Fintech Officer of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr George Chou; the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui; the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau; the Director of Intermediaries and Head of the Fintech Unit of the Securities and Futures Commission, Ms Elizabeth Wong; the Group Chief Technology Officer of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, Mr John Hsu; and (back row, from left) the Senior Advisor of Ant Digital Technologies Ms Jennifer Tan; the Executive Director and the Head of Strategic Business of ChinaAMC (HK), Ms Katie He; the Head of Digital Growth & Cards and Unsecured Lending Sales, Citibank HK, Ms Sarah O; the Chief Digital Officer of Personal Banking & Wealth Management of Bank of China (HK), Mr Daniel Li; the Group Head of Innovation and Digital Partnerships of HSBC, Mr Bojan Obradović; the Head of Coverage Banking, Hong Kong and Greater China & North Asia, Corporate & Investment Banking of Standard Chartered, Ms Doris Wong; the Managing Partner of Hong Kong Financial Services of Deloitte, Mr David Wu; the Chief Compliance Officer of EleBank, Ms Abby Tam; and the Head of Digital Finance Business Department of WeBank and the Head of Cross-border Technology Services of WeBank Technology Services, Mr Dave Fan. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong today (October 23) announced details of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 at a press conference. Photo shows the Director-General of Investment Promotion, Ms Alpha Lau, speaking at the press conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau and Invest Hong Kong today (October 23) announced details of the Hong Kong FinTech Week x StartmeupHK 2026 at a press conference. Photo shows the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, speaking at the press conference. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
