Ryan Chan
Call: 2018 (HK), 2023 (Foreign Lawyer, SICC)
FCIArb, FHKIArb
Ryan was called to the Hong Kong Bar in 2018. He was also registered as a Foreign Lawyer (full registration) of the Singapore International Commercial Court in 2023. He is a Hardwicke Scholar of the Honourable Society of Lincoln's Inn, and a member of the Denning Society for scholars of the Inn. He holds fellowships with the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) and the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (FHKIArb). He is ranked as a "leading junior" for regulatory, investigations, and crime in the Legal 500 guide to the Hong Kong Bar.
Prior to joining the bar, Ryan obtained his LLB (First Class Honours, ranking first in his year) at the University of Manchester in 2015 and his MPhil in Criminology (First Class average, with Distinction) as a Manuel Lopez-Rey Scholar at the Faculty of Law, University of Cambridge in 2016. He then obtained his PCLL at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (with UGC Funding/Distinguished Scholarship) in 2017. He was awarded more than 10 academic scholarships and prizes along the way. He then assisted Mr. John McDonnell KC of Three Stone Chambers in numerous appeals which were heard in the UK Supreme Court, the Privy Council, and the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal.
While Ryan has an unusually broad practice profile spanning Hong Kong and beyond, he is recognized as an expert in regulatory/white-collar crime, company, chancery, and arbitration matters. In his regulatory practice, he is regularly instructed as sole counsel or led junior in complex investigations and proceedings involving market misconduct, listed securities, and corruption. He is also experienced in representing directors and other officers of listed companies in proceedings brought by regulators, including petitions under section 214 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571) and proceedings in the Securities and Futures Appeals Tribunal. As a chancery practitioner, he is often instructed in complex trust disputes, private client work (including offshore litigation), and asset recovery (including urgent injunctions). In the field of arbitration, he has been appointed as counsel, arbitrator, and tribunal secretary in various proceedings administered by the HKIAC and ICC.
Ryan is also an experienced appellate counsel, both in civil matters and white-collar crime. Ryan's first brief was to appear as a led junior before the Court of Final Appeal.
Ryan is also a Contributing Author on the LexisNexis Practical Guidance platform, writing in areas such as arbitration and insolvency.
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LLB (1st Class Hons.), University of Manchester
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MPhil in Criminology (Distinction), Queens' College, University of Cambridge
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PCLL, Chinese University of Hong Kong
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Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration, CIArb
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Subject Prize [Company Law] – University of Manchester(2013)
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Hardwicke Scholarship – Lincoln’s Inn (2014)
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Dean’s Award for best LLB dissertation – University of Manchester (2014)
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R.G. Lawson Prize for Academic Excellence – University of Manchester (2014)
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Best Mooter; Best Oralist – Essex Court National Mooting Competition (2015)
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Subject Prize [LLB Dissertation] – University of Manchester (2015)
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Manuel López-Rey Studentship – University of Cambridge (2016)
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Award of Distinction for MPhil Dissertation – University of Cambridge (2016)
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UGC Funding/Distinguished Scholarship – Chinese University of Hong Kong (2017)
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Leading junior (Regulatory, investigations and crime) – Legal500 (2024)
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Member of The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn (2014)
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Member of the Lord Denning Society (for Scholars of the Inn) at Lincoln’s Inn (2014)
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Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (FHKIArb) (2019 - present)
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Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb) (2019 - present)
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Member of the Hong Kong Bar Association’s Practice Area Committee on Arbitration (2019 - 2022)
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Member of the Hong Kong Bar Association’s Practice Area Committee on Land, Trust and Probate (2020 - 2022)
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Re Fingertango Inc (6860.HK) HCMP 1725/2023 – Representing a listed company in a s214 Petition brought by the SFC (ongoing, with Tony Ko)
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Re Teamway International Group Holdings Limited (1239.HK) HCMP 1830/2022 – Representing an INED of a listed company in a s214 Petition brought by the SFC (ongoing)
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HKSAR v Lai Wun-yin & anor CACC 18/2020; [2021] HKCA 566; [2023] 2 HKLRD 85; [2023] 2 HKC 538 – Appeal against conviction for conspiracy to defraud the HKEX in respect of a listing fraud (led by Martin Hui S.C.)
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HKSAR v Tam Sze Leung & ors ESCCs 758/2023; 828/2023; 775/2023; 1927/2022; 2344/2022 – Defending 6 individuals in criminal proceedings for conspiracy to defraud and/or money laundering arising out of alleged false trading
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ICAC v C HCCM 577/2023 – Representing an individual in an ICAC investigation into an alleged s9 POBO offence
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Advising on the applicability of Part V of the SFO on an offshore unlicensed asset manager operating through a Hong Kong asset manager holding inter alia Type 9 licence (led by Michael Todd Q.C.)
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Advising on the SFC’s power to inspect files on a computer seized pursuant to a search warrant obtained pursuant to s191 of the SFO
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Independent forensic investigation into the legitimacy and validity of certain investments made by a company listed on the Main Board of the HKEX using IPO proceeds
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Advising an intermediary on an application for a licence to carry on Type 8 Regulated Activity (securities margin financing)
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Representing the Chairman and CEO of a financial institution dual-listed in the NYSE and SGX in relation to an SFC investigation (led by Clare Montgomery Q.C., Selwyn Yu S.C.; with Edward Tang)
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Advising a financial institution in relation to civil claims by a Chinese conglomerate (led by Michael Todd Q.C., Clifford Smith S.C., Selwyn Yu S.C.; with Edward Tang)
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Representing a listed company in four applications to set aside stop notices pursuant to O50, r11 RHC
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Representing an individual in an investigation (EC/10ZM) conducted by the Competition Commission on suspected anti-competitive practices in the seafood wholesale industry
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AXHT Co Ltd v Freeway Finance Co Ltd [2020] 4 HKLRD 133 – Successfully obtained restitution for a moneylender who fell victim to a fraudulent scheme; Clarified the law on the effect of interposition of third party on restitution claims
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Purple Surgical v Win Billion HCA 1600/2000 – Fraud involving online order of surgical masks during the COVID-19 pandemic
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iRealty Investments Limited HCA 867/2021 – Telephone fraud; Application to join financial institution as a respondent; Application for relief under s25A of the High Court Ordinance where the defendant had gone incognito
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Leo Absolute Return Fund SPC v Choi Chi Kin Calvin & AMTD Digital Media Limited HCA 329/2024; HCA 570/2024 – Claim for return of misappropriated monies in excess of HK$2,200,000,000 (ongoing, led by William Wong S.C.)
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Margaret Chiu v Administratrix of the Estate of Deacon Chiu Te-Kan HCMP 165/2019 – Represented a beneficiary in an application for interim distribution of a multi-billion-dollar estate
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Ho Kelvin Siu Lun v String & Keyboard Musik Company Limited LDPD 1888/2019 – Successfully obtained an order for possession and resisted tenant’s application for relief against forfeiture pursuant to s21F HCO on the first hearing of an application for relief on the basis of non-payment of rent
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The Incorporated Owners of Grenville House Limited v Commerce Company Limited HCA 622/2020 – Dispute over boundary lines of car parking spaces; Dispute over compliance with Government Lease
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Re Estate of Tan Kiam Toen HCAP 3/2021; HCMP 1192/2019 – Dispute over the validity of joint wills; Application to revoke a grant of probate; Norwich Pharmacal application against testator’s former legal advisors
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Lee Chun Fung Michael & anor v Lee Wai Ling Celine HCA 1084/2021; DCCJs 622, 4098, 5123, 5170/2021 – Dispute over beneficial interest in property; concurrent claims in respect of purchase monies
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Cheng Ching Fong v Ting Sok Kay Peggy (as sole executrix of the Estate of Ting Sok Hang, deceased) HCA 2834/2016 – Dispute over beneficial interest in three residential properties involving an equitable agreement not to sever joint tenancy
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HKIAC Arbitration – Representing the landlord in a claim for repudiation of tenancy agreement in the aftermath of a fire at residential premises
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Wu Lianmo & Zhang Zhusheng v Lu Shaoping HCSD 31/2017 & HCSD 32/2017; HCA 589/2019; HCCW 323/2019 – Contractual dispute over documents alleged to be shams; Dispute over time bar (led by Clifford Smith S.C.)
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Alpha Financial Press v AMTD Group Company Limited [2022] HKCFI 1084 – Successful appeal against the grant of summary judgment in respect of an unsigned purported contract for financial printing services (led by Clifford Smith S.C.)
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August Rosy Limited & anor v Baywind Global Limited HCA 2318/2017 – Dispute over application of estoppel per rem judicatum arising from foreign proceedings between the same parties; Dispute over scope of licence to start construction on land granted in anticipation of a contract to purchase the land (ongoing, with Edward Tang)
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Li Yuhong v AMTD Global Markets Ltd HCA 475/2020 – Allegations against a SFC licenced entity for breach of discretionary asset management agreement
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Michelle Yeung v Chan Ho Chung v Multi-Course Investment Limited HCA 1155/2019 – Successfully obtained full restitution against an unlicensed middleman on behalf of a victim of a sophisticated fraud (with Edward Tang)
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Chen Mei-Huan & Peckson Limited v Ng Man-Sang [2017] UKPC 27; (BVI) BVIHC (COM) 88/2012; BVIHCMAP 11/2019 – Successful appeal in the Privy Council, followed by retrial in the Eastern Caribbean Commercial Court, and an appeal in the Eastern Caribbean Cort of Appeal in a long-running dispute concerning beneficial ownership of shares in a BVI company (led by John McDonnell Q.C. and Dancia Penn Q.C.; with Rosalind Nicholson and Kenneth Lam)
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Re PSC Partners Limited HCCW 137/2020 – Application to withdraw a public interest winding-up petition; Application to remove provisional liquidators (led by Clifford Smith S.C.; with Edward Tang)
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Re Hong Kong Universal Jewellery Limited HCMP 807/2020; [2022] 2 HKLRD 779; [2022] 4 HKC 437; [2022] HKCLC 489; [2022] HKCFI 1062 – Liquidators’ application under s255 of Cap 32; HCMP 2039/2020 – Misfeasance application under s276 of Cap 32 (ongoing)
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AB Club Ltd & Ors v Chan Yin Ki Cubie & Ors HCA 1644/2020; [2020] HKCFI 2769; [2021] HKCFI 681 – Resisting application for interim-interim relief and interim relief (including springboard injunctions) against ex-employees on the basis of misuse of confidential information
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Re Big Kingdom International Limited HCMP 1862/2022 – Representing a creditor in opposing the debtor’s application for quia timet injunction restraining the creditor from presenting a winding-up petition
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Re Chen Mei Huan [2020] 1 HKLRD 409 – Successfully resisted bankruptcy petition presented on the basis of a HK$117,000,000 gambling debt on the grounds of the Hong Kong court not having jurisdiction over the Debtor
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Re Silver Faith Holdings Limited HCCW 111/2014 – Application to wind up a company alongside parallel proceedings between the parties in the BVI
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Re Great Beauty Holdings Limited HCCW 102/2019 – Successfully resisted winding-up petition presented on the basis of a purported director’s loan
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Re Margaret Chiu HCA 1431/2017; HCB 7106/2018 – Examination of Judgment Debtor pursuant to O49B RHC; Successful application for discharge of Prohibition Order in aid of enforcement proceedings; Successfully resisting application for committal of the Judgment Debtor
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Re Nimble Holdings Company Limited, formerly known as The Grande Holdings Limited HCCW 177/2011 – Dispute over provisional liquidators’ remuneration
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L v K HCMC 6/2010 – Application for discharge of ancillary relief order involving intellectual property disputes and allegations of forgery; Application for examination of judgment debtor
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CKP v SYK FCMC 2441/2017 – Application to set aside post-nuptial agreement on the grounds of material non-disclosure
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AXHT v Cham & Co., Solicitors HCA 692/2019 – Claim against a firm of solicitors on the grounds of professional negligence when advising on a mortgage (with Edward Tang)
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Tam Yuk Ching & Ors v Hoosenally & Neo & Anor HCA 1511/2020; [2023] HKCFI 555; [2022] HKCFI 3825 – Defending a firm of solicitors in a professional negligence claim
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Representing a medical doctor in an investigation into possession of Part 1 poisons (lidocaine), conducted by the Centre for Health Protection and the Drug Office of the Department of Health, and disciplinary proceedings brought by the Medical Council of Hong Kong
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Geng Feng v AI International Technology Limited & anor HCA 3355/2016; HKIAC Arbitration – Successfully resisted stay application in the High Court action which is being brought alongside substantively similar HKIAC arbitration proceedings (led by Jason Pow S.C., Anson Wong S.C.; with Edward Tang)
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IO of Yuet Lai Court v Sunarts (Holdings) Engineering Limited HCA 1329/2018 – Successfully stayed High Court proceedings against claimant proceeding in breach of arbitration agreement
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Greenorange Trade Co. Limited v Evoland International Co. Limited HCCT 6/2020 – Successful enforcement of arbitral award rendered in a CIETAC arbitration
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Milton Construction Engineering Limited v Tung Sai Cheong HCA 799/2022 – Successfully resisted an application for stay in favour of arbitration
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HKIAC Arbitration – Dispute as to the jurisprudential effect of contractual provisions on the claimant’s substantive claim, specifically whether it extinguishes the arbitrator’s jurisdiction or the admissibility of the claim)
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ICC Arbitration – Dispute as to the power of arbitral tribunal to order remedies against non-signatory to contract containing arbitration clause
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HKIAC Arbitration – Sitting as tribunal secretary; Rendering award for a party’s challenge to the jurisdiction of the Arbitral Tribunal; Rending costs award; Rendering award for application for specific discovery
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SIAC Arbitration – Dispute arising from a subscription of shares by a hedge fund into a cryptocurrency/blockchain startup (led by Clifford Smith S.C.; with Edward Tang)
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ICC Arbitration – Dispute arising from a mining rights agreement
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HKSAR v Choi Wang [2018] HKCFA 27 – Application for Leave to Appeal to the Court of Final Appeal on the grounds that a bind-over order was made on an invalid factual basis, and without allowing the Applicant the opportunity to seek legal advice and/or representation (led by Arthur Luk S.C.)
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HKSAR v Lee See-Yin Letitia KCCC 3358/2018 – Defending criminal proceedings brought by the ICAC in relation to election donations and expenses (led by Cheng Huan S.C.)
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HKSAR v Lee Yam Pui David & ors CACC 425/2015 – Appeal against conviction and sentence in the first-ever prosecution of “To Ding” (套丁)-related activities (led by Arthur Luk S.C.)
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Food and Environmental Hygiene Department v Hussain Syed Pervez ESS 17433/2022 – Successfully resisted a Summons for failing to abate a water seepage nuisance at a popular restaurant located in Lan Kwai Fong
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Defending various privately-funded and legally-aided clients in criminal trials in the District Court (including money laundering, conspiracy to defraud, and sexual offences)
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Outside his legal practice, Ryan is an passionate racing driver, having been ranked Bronze in the FIA Driver Categorisation list since 2021. He has participated in sprint and endurance races in TCR Touring Car, one-make, and various GT specifications. He recently competed in the Passione Ferrari Club Challenge 2024 driving the Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo, as well as the Lynk & Co 2024 Cup where he was the overall champion of the Shanghai round. Ryan is also an avid foodie who documents his gastronomical adventures on his Instagram food blog
T: 3468 8790
F: 3753 2977
E: ryan@suite2703.com