Deminor Wiki - Hong Kong Arbitration Week

History

Hong Kong Arbitration Week was established in 2012 by HKIAC as a strategic initiative to celebrate the triumphs and discuss the challenges of international arbitration whilst actively promoting the development of the practice in Asia.

The early years of HKAW focused primarily on showcasing Hong Kong's advantages as a seat for international arbitration, including its independent judiciary, sophisticated legal infrastructure, and strategic position as a gateway between East and West. Between 2012 and 2016, the event grew steadily in scope and attendance, evolving from a primarily local gathering to an internationally recognised platform attracting participants from across the globe. The programming expanded to address emerging trends in international arbitration, including investment treaty arbitration, Belt and Road Initiative disputes, and the increasing complexity of cross-border commercial transactions.

The 2025 HKAW also marks HKIAC’s 40th anniversary, and four decades of leadership, innovation, and impact in the global arbitration community.

Programme Structure and Format

Hong Kong Arbitration Week typically spans five to seven days in October, featuring a programme of conferences, seminars, workshops, and networking events. The programme structure includes the flagship ADR in Asia Conference, traditionally held at prestigious venues such as the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, which attracts the highest concentration of senior practitioners and thought leaders.

The 2024 edition of HKAW featured over 35 affiliated events covering diverse topics including investment treaty arbitration, technology in dispute resolution, environmental, social and governance (ESG) disputes, sanctions compliance, and jurisdictional developments across Asia, Europe, the United States, Africa, Russia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Social events such as the Hong Kong Arbitration Charity Ball, GAR Live Hong Kong, and various networking receptions provide informal settings for relationship-building and business development.

Third-Party Funding Integration

HKAW also supports educating the arbitration community about the practical aspects of third-party funding in Hong Kong. The event facilitates dialogue between funders, arbitrators, counsel, and institutional representatives regarding best practices for managing funded arbitrations whilst maintaining professional independence and avoiding conflicts of interest.

The presence of major international litigation funders at HKAW has grown substantially since 2018. Leading funders and regional players use the event to assess market opportunities, meet potential clients, and understand the specific characteristics of arbitration in Hong Kong and the broader Asian region.

Broader Industry Context

Hong Kong Arbitration Week operates within the context of Asia's rapidly evolving legal services market and the globalisation of dispute resolution. The participation of judges from various jurisdictions, including the English Commercial Court, the Singapore International Commercial Court, and senior judiciary from Australia, Malaysia, and other countries, reinforces the event's international standing.

HKAW's partnerships with global arbitration institutions underscore its role in the international arbitration ecosystem. Regular participants include the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA), Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC), China International Economic and Trade Arbitration Commission (CIETAC), and numerous regional arbitration centres. These collaborations ensure that HKAW remains connected to global developments whilst maintaining its distinctive focus on Asian dispute resolution.

Deminor Participation 

Deminor has consistently supported Hong Kong Arbitration Week, notably being the Official Charity Sponsor in 2024 and will be returning in 2025 again as a key sponsor of the event. The team is frequently represented at the events by General Counsel Greater China and South East Asia, Irene Lee and Chief Strategy Officer & Head of APAC, Edouard Fremault.

Conclusion

Hong Kong Arbitration Week has evolved from a regional arbitration conference established in 2012 into a globally significant event that shapes the development of international dispute resolution and litigation funding in Asia. Its growth parallels Hong Kong's emergence as a sophisticated arbitration hub, with the 2017 legislative reforms permitting third-party funding marking a pivotal moment in both the event's history and Hong Kong's arbitration landscape. The integration of litigation funding topics into HKAW's programming reflects the maturation of the Asian litigation finance market and recognition that funding plays an essential role in ensuring access to justice and efficient dispute resolution.