The Department of Justice (DoJ) today announced the launch of a one-month stakeholder consultation on proposed legislative amendments to the Arbitration Ordinance, which will run until October 27. The consultation represents a key policy initiative under Hong Kong's First Five-Year Plan and serves as an indicator for specified tasks outlined in the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address.

The DoJ has taken swift action to implement the initiative, reflecting its commitment to efficient policy execution and its ongoing efforts to consolidate Hong Kong's position as a premier international arbitration hub. The DoJ said that the proposed legislative amendments mark a significant step in ensuring that the local arbitration framework remains at the forefront of international development.

Guided by the core principles of enhancing speed, convenience and finality, and protecting confidentiality, the reform aims to bolster Hong Kong's competitiveness as a leading international arbitration centre. The DoJ stated: “Ultimately, these enhancements will attract more businesses to choose Hong Kong as their seat of arbitration and enable them to benefit from our enhanced arbitration legislative framework that keeps pace with the times, and our internationally recognised arbitration services.”

The proposals stem from the Working Group on Arbitration Law Reform, which was established by the DoJ in October 2025 to ensure the regime aligns with international best practices. Based on the working group’s recommendations across 25 issues, the DoJ has formulated amendment proposals categorised into four key areas: speed and convenience; confidentiality; scope; and fairness and justice.

The consultation paper will be distributed to relevant stakeholders, including legal professional bodies, arbitral institutions, dispute resolution and law-related bodies, arbitration practitioners and legal professionals, government advisory bodies and departments, statutory bodies, academics, chambers of commerce, trade associations, banks and wealth management associations, and commercial end-users.

Following the consultation, the DoJ targets introducing an amendment bill to the Legislative Council in early 2027, with the aim of completing the legislative process within the same year.