Hong Kong DoJ Opens Consultation on Amendments to Arbitration Ordinance
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TL;DR
- Hong Kong DoJ launched a public consultation on proposed Arbitration Ordinance reforms.
- Proposals cover speed, confidentiality, fairness, and scope of arbitration.
- Consultation is open to legal, professional, and commercial stakeholders until October 27, 2026.
- Aim is to introduce amendments in 2027 for legislative approval.
Overview
On September 28, 2026, the Hong Kong Department of Justice (DoJ) launched a month-long stakeholder consultation regarding proposed legislative amendments to the Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609). The consultation follows recommendations made by a dedicated Working Group and aims to keep Hong Kong's arbitration framework aligned with international best practices and maintain the territory's position as an international arbitration hub.
What Happened
On September 28, 2026, the Hong Kong Department of Justice began a stakeholder consultation on proposed amendments to the Arbitration Ordinance.
The amendments result from a review and recommendations made by the Working Group on Arbitration Law Reform, established in October 2025 and chaired by the Secretary for Justice.
The proposals focus on four key areas: speed and convenience, confidentiality, scope, and fairness and justice, covering 25 distinct issues.
Consultation participants include legal and professional bodies, arbitral institutions, law-related organizations, academics, commerce and trade associations, and commercial users.
The public consultation period will continue until October 27, 2026, with the aim to introduce a bill to the Legislative Council in early 2027 and complete the legislative reform within that year.
Context
The Working Group on Arbitration Law Reform was constituted in October 2025 to ensure Hong Kong's arbitration laws remain current and internationally competitive.
This legislative initiative forms part of broader government policy objectives to promote Hong Kong as a dispute resolution hub in the region.
Why It Matters
- The planned reforms aim to update Hong Kong's arbitration legislative framework in line with international practices, reinforcing the territory's status as a leading international arbitration centre.
- Stakeholder input is expected to shape the final legislative proposals, potentially impacting users and providers of arbitration services in Hong Kong.