Key takeaways
Specialist court
HKICC provides forum for complex cross-border disputes.
Enhanced efficiency through modern procedures and technology
This will be achieved through modern procedures and technology.
Strengthened global dispute resolution offering
HKICC reinforces Hong Kong’s global dispute resolution position.
On 28 May 2026, Hong Kong’s Judiciary announced plans to establish the Hong Kong International Commercial Court (the HKICC). Designed as a specialist division of the High Court, the HKICC will focus on resolving complex, high-value international and cross-border commercial disputes.
Key features of the HKICC
The HKICC is designed with important features that will appeal to international businesses and investors, including the following:
cases will be heard by experienced Hong Kong judges with strong commercial expertise. Eminent senior judges and practitioners from other common law jurisdictions may also sit on an ad hoc basis.
assessors and experts may be engaged, where appropriate, to assist judges in specialised matters.
a dedicated Practice Direction will include measures to streamline the litigation process, provide a more flexible regime for the handling of appeals, and ensure the timely disposal of cases and appeals, with reference to the best practices of other international commercial courts. It will also prescribe the categories of cases within its jurisdiction and set out detailed court procedures.
the HKICC will make extensive use of technology, including remote hearings, electronic filing and bundles, and voice-to-text transcription.
a floor in the High Court Building will be designated for use by the HKICC.
Complementing Hong Kong’s dispute resolution ecosystem
The introduction of the HKICC reaffirms Hong Kong’s firm commitment to maintaining its standing as an international financial centre and a leading international dispute resolution hub. Hong Kong’s dispute resolution framework will continue to offer businesses a comprehensive and flexible dispute resolution toolkit, allowing parties to choose the mechanism that best suits their needs. In particular, a major advantage of choosing litigation in Hong Kong is the enforceability of judgments on the Mainland under the Arrangement on Reciprocal Recognition and Enforcement of Judgments in Civil and Commercial Matters by the Courts of the Mainland and of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The HKICC initiative also builds on recent developments such as the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation in 2025 (the IOMed) in Hong Kong, the world’s first intergovernmental legal organization dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, further cementing the city’s role as a one-stop centre for dispute resolution services.
Next step
The Judiciary aims to establish the HKICC within the coming year, with preparatory work already underway and consultations with stakeholders, particularly the legal profession, to follow. For further details, you can read the official Judiciary press release here and the HSKAR government press release here.
To find out more about how our team can support with dispute resolution, visit our Commercial Disputes page.
This article was co-authored by Trainee Solicitor, Susie Li.
