In O v S [2026] HKCFI 4910, the High Court rejected an application to set aside an HKIAC arbitral award grounded on allegations of arbitrator bias and lack of independence. The Court confirmed that prior professional interactions between arbitrators or robust cross-examination of expert witnesses do not give rise to apparent bias.
- Practice Takeaway: Award debtors seeking to delay cross-border enforcement against Hong Kong assets face a exceptionally high threshold when asserting apparent bias or procedural impropriety.
- Source: Review Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer's briefing on Hong Kong Courts Reject Allegations of Arbitrator Bias.
Hong Kong: High Court Sets High Evidentiary Bar for Arbitrator Bias Challenges (O v S)