Hong Kong Emerges as Leading Hub for Global Dispute Resolution in 2025
On December 19, 2025, Hong Kong hosted the forum titled "Problem-Solving City: Hong Kong as a Disputes Resolver," co-organized by Friday Culture Limited, the Hong Kong Coalition, and the AALCO Regional Arbitration Centre. This significant event gathered high-ranking government officials, legal experts, and industry leaders aiming to present Hong Kong as a key global hub for dispute resolution across both traditional and emerging sectors.
One of the primary goals discussed at the forum was the government's commitment to establishing Hong Kong as an epicenter for dispute resolution and digital finance through its LEAP framework and comprehensive regulatory measures. The AALCO Regional Arbitration Centre in Hong Kong boasts a team of trained mediators, arbitrators, and adjudicators equipped with specialized expertise in sports and digital finance.
Nick Chan, the director of the Centre, emphasized the development of LawTech capabilities and the creation of interdisciplinary specialists to spearhead global dispute resolution efforts.
Herman Hu, chairman of Friday Culture Limited, pointed out the importance of Hong Kong's selection as the venue for the International Mediation Organization, reinforcing the city's dedication to peaceful dispute resolution under the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework. During the sports mediation panel, experts highlighted Hong Kong's common law legal system, bilingual legal status, and strategic positioning between China and international markets. Discussions revealed how Hong Kong's access to 1.3 billion consumers, supplemented by collaborative initiatives between the central government, Hong Kong, and Macao, uniquely positions the city as a leading center for sports dispute resolution.
Furthermore, the technology panel featured discussions moderated by Witman Hung on Hong Kong's comprehensive regulatory framework for digital finance. Expert participants stressed interoperability, security, and user protection within decentralized platforms. Industry leaders showcased Hong Kong's pioneering efforts in digital bonds, utilizing updated ISO protocols, while also focusing on its role in resolving disputes within the $15 billion digital finance sector.
Dr. Johnny Ng underscored the necessity of a gradual approach toward digital finance to foster public trust. Simultaneously, Dr. Au King Lun analyzed Hong Kong's position in developing cross-border connections across regulatory levels, technical infrastructure, and capital markets.
A representative from the Hong Kong Coalition concluded that the city is evolving from being merely a regulator to a norm creator, leveraging support from 30 member organizations advocating for international standards. The forum illustrated how Hong Kong's legal infrastructure, strategic positioning, and governmental collaboration solidify its status as one of the world's most influential dispute resolution entities.