The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced that it signed an agreement of cooperation with the Saudi Center for Commercial Arbitration (SCCA) on 26 February 2025 during Riyadh International Disputes Week. The agreement, signed by the Secretary-General of the HKIAC, Joanne Lau, and the Chief Executive Officer of the SCCA, Dr Hamed Merah, establishes a framework for both organisations to collaborate in promoting international arbitration as an effective method for resolving cross-border disputes.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced that it will host a breakfast session during Nairobi Arbitration Week, focusing on trade and dispute resolution mechanisms in the Africa-Asia corridor. The event features HKIAC Secretary-General Joanne Lau alongside senior legal practitioners from Kenya and Asia. The session will take place at the Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands from 8:30am-10am.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced that the 2025 Hong Kong Arbitration Week, will take place in Hong Kong on 19-24 October 2025. HKIAC has indicated that sponsorship opportunities, along with the chance to express interest in hosting affiliated events, will be made available soon.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced the implementation of a refined immigration scheme for arbitration participants. This scheme, initially launched as a pilot in 2020, allows eligible participants in arbitration, including arbitrators, expert and factual witnesses, counsel and parties, to enter Hong Kong as visitors without an employment visa. The scope has been expanded to include other related persons such as tribunal secretaries and tribunal-appointed experts. The scheme applies to all arbitrations physically conducted in Hong Kong, regardless of the legal seat. HKIAC will continue issuing Letters of Proof without charge. However, individuals from countries requiring a visa to enter Hong Kong must still apply for the necessary visit visa or entry permit. The scheme will take effect from 1 March 2025.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced that Joanne Lau has been appointed as its Secretary General and will take up the role from 26 February 2024. Lau, who is joining from Allen and Overy, will succeed Dr Mariel Dimsey who is returning to law firm CMS.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced updates to its council, proceedings committee, nominations committee, appointments committee and Finance & Administration (F&A) committee. HKIAC is led by its council, comprised of renowned business leaders and professionals from across the globe, that provide a diverse range of skills and expertise. Under the council, there are three main standing committees that operates under the executive committee's auspices. The proceedings committee handles matters related to arbitration proceedings the appointments committee oversees arbitrator appointments and related issues and the F&A committee manages HKIAC's financial and administrative affairs.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has been appointed by the Development Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) as an adjudicator nominating body (ANB) under the Construction Industry Security of Payment Ordinance. The Ordinance, which came into full effect on 28 August 2025, aims to facilitate payment recovery under construction contracts and to provide a mechanism for resolving payment disputes through adjudication proceedings. HKIAC has established a qualified panel of adjudicators under the Ordinance and is authorised to perform ANB functions, including the appointment of adjudicators. The Ordinance applies to main construction contracts valued at HK$5m or more and to main contracts for the supply of goods or services related to construction work valued at HK$500,000 or more. Sub-contracts within the same supply chain as applicable main contracts are also covered by the Ordinance.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced the appointment of Kiran Sanghera as Deputy Secretary-General, effective 20 January 2025. Sanghera, a prominent figure in international dispute resolution, brings an experience which spans over a decade from leadership roles at various institutions, including HKIAC, Harbour Litigation Funding and the Australian Centre for International Commercial Arbitration. Sanghera's expertise includes casework, strategy planning and business development and general management. Currently serving as co-chair of the Institutions Taskforce of the Campaign for Greener Arbitrations, Sanghera's appointment comes as HKIAC enters its 40th year of service, signalling HKIAC's commitment to continued growth and excellence in arbitration services.

Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced the appointment of Marnie Shaw as Business Development Director from April 2023. The announcement highlights that Marnie has more than 20 years’ experience in marketing and business development, with a track record of successfully delivering BD&M strategies in major law firms across Asia, Australia and the UK. It also emphasises that Marnie has a strong understanding of the levers which can be used to improve an organisation’s market position and will use her experience to champion HKIAC’s business development and marketing strategies.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced the appointment of four new members to its council: Yas Banifatemi, a French-Iranian national and founding partner at Gaillard Banifatemi Shelbaya Disputes, who is widely recognised in international arbitration; Louie Ogsimer, a Filipino national and senior partner at Romulo Buenaventura, who co-chairs the firm’s dispute resolution department and teaches arbitration and private international law; Albert Jan van den Berg, a Dutch national and founding partner of Hanotiau & van den Berg, noted for his expertise in commercial and investment arbitration and enforcement under the New York Convention; and Friven Yeoh, a Malaysian national and head of Skadden’s International Litigation and Arbitration Group in Asia, who previously served on HKIAC’s Proceedings Committee. HKIAC co-chairs David W Rivkin and Rimsky Yuen GBM SC JP jointly welcomed the appointments, stating that the new members’ experience and commitment to arbitration excellence will strengthen HKIAC’s institutional capacity and international reach.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has announced the appointment of Domitille Baizeau and Victor Dawes BBS, SC as co-chairs with effect from 1 July 2026 following approval by the HKIAC Council. HKIAC has also appointed Thomas Walsh and Huawei Sun as vice-chairs. The appointments follow the conclusion of the terms of outgoing co-chairs David W Rivkin and Rimsky Yuen GBM, SC, JP and outgoing vice-chairs Nils Eliasson and Briana Young on 30 June 2026.

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) has appointed six new members across its Proceedings Committee, Appointments Committee and Council. President of the International Council for Commercial Arbitration and arbitrator at Twenty Essex, Audley Sheppard KC, and General Counsel at the Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility, Edwina Kwan, join the Proceedings Committee. International Partner at King & Wood, Jessica Fei, and Partner in Linklaters' International Arbitration Group, Matthew Hodgson, join the Appointments Committee. Barrister at Des Voeux Chambers, Adrian Lai JP, and Head of International Dispute Resolution at Ivanyan & Partners, Andrey Gorlenko, join the Council.