HKIAC Arbitrator Training Courses: How to Become an HKIAC-Accredited Arbitrator

Hong Kong’s arbitration sector is facing a capacity crunch. The number of new cases filed at the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) rose to 500 in 2023, with a total disputed amount of HKD 92.8 billion, according to HKIAC’s 2023 Annual Report. This marks a 30% increase in new cases from the prior year. The surge is driven by mainland Chinese and multinational corporations selecting Hong Kong as a neutral seat under the Belt and Road Initiative and the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area framework. Simultaneously, the Arbitration Ordinance (Cap. 609) has been amended to streamline interim measures and emergency arbitrator procedures, effective 21 June 2024. These amendments increase the demand for arbitrators who can handle complex, multi-jurisdictional disputes under tight timelines. The HKIAC’s Panel of Arbitrators, which currently lists approximately 400 members, is the primary source for appointments. However, the HKIAC does not operate a single “accreditation” system. Instead, it maintains several panels with distinct entry requirements. This article sets out the specific training courses, assessment pathways, and experience thresholds required to join these panels. It does not constitute legal advice. Consult a solicitor for your specific case.

The HKIAC Panel Structure and Entry Requirements

The HKIAC maintains three primary panels for arbitrators: the List of Arbitrators, the List of Arbitrators (International), and the HKIAC Panel of Arbitrators. Each panel has different criteria. The term “accredited arbitrator” is commonly used but is not a statutory designation under Cap. 609. The HKIAC itself does not issue a single “accreditation certificate.” Instead, completion of a recognised training course and assessment is a prerequisite for panel membership.

The List of Arbitrators (Domestic)

This panel covers domestic arbitrations seated in Hong Kong where the governing law is Hong Kong law. To qualify, an applicant must have at least five years of post-qualification experience in a relevant field, such as law, engineering, or construction. The HKIAC requires evidence of at least three completed arbitrations as a sole arbitrator, co-arbitrator, or presiding arbitrator. Alternatively, an applicant can demonstrate equivalent experience through other dispute resolution roles, such as adjudication or expert determination.

The HKIAC Council reviews applications biannually. The application fee is HKD 5,000 as of 2024. There is no separate training course mandatory for this panel, but the HKIAC strongly recommends completion of the HKIAC Arbitrator Training Course or an equivalent programme accredited by the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (HKIArb).

The List of Arbitrators (International)

This panel covers international arbitrations seated in Hong Kong or elsewhere, where the governing law is not Hong Kong law. The experience threshold is higher. An applicant must have at least ten years of post-qualification experience and have acted as presiding or sole arbitrator in at least five international arbitrations. The HKIAC also considers published awards, academic writing, and recognition in international arbitration directories.

No specific HKIAC training course is mandatory for this panel. However, applicants who lack direct international arbitration experience often complete the HKIAC Arbitrator Training Course or the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) International Arbitration Pathway to strengthen their applications.

The HKIAC Panel of Arbitrators

This is the most commonly referenced panel. It is a single list of arbitrators who have been approved by the HKIAC Council for appointment by the HKIAC in both domestic and international cases. Entry requires either membership on the List of Arbitrators or the List of Arbitrators (International), or direct application with equivalent experience. The HKIAC Council may also appoint individuals who are not on any panel, under Section 23 of Cap. 609, which grants the HKIAC the power to appoint any person as arbitrator.

The HKIAC Arbitrator Training Course

The HKIAC offers a structured training course designed to prepare candidates for panel membership. The course is not a statutory requirement under Cap. 609, but it is the most direct pathway for practitioners without prior arbitration experience.

Course Structure and Content

The HKIAC Arbitrator Training Course is a three-day intensive programme. It covers the following modules:

• The legal framework of arbitration in Hong Kong under Cap. 609, including the UNCITRAL Model Law as adopted.
• The HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules (2024), with emphasis on the expedited procedure, emergency arbitrator provisions, and consolidation of claims.
• Practical skills: drafting terms of reference, procedural orders, and awards; managing hearings; and handling challenges to arbitrators.
• Ethics and conflicts of interest, referencing the IBA Guidelines on Conflicts of Interest in International Arbitration.

The course is delivered by practising arbitrators and HKIAC secretariat staff. Participants receive a course manual and a certificate of attendance. The fee is HKD 12,000 as of 2025.

Assessment and Examination

Completion of the course alone does not qualify a candidate for panel membership. The HKIAC requires candidates to pass a written assessment administered by the HKIAC Secretariat. The assessment consists of two parts:

• Part A: A multiple-choice test on Cap. 609 and the HKIAC Rules. This tests knowledge of procedural rules, time limits, and arbitrator duties.
• Part B: A case study requiring the candidate to draft a procedural order and a partial award. The case study simulates a real dispute with multiple parties, jurisdictional issues, and interim relief applications.

The pass mark is 70% for each part. Candidates who fail may retake the assessment once within 12 months. The retake fee is HKD 3,000.

Alternative Training Providers

The HKIAC recognises training courses from other institutions as equivalent. The most widely accepted alternatives are:

• The Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (HKIArb) Fellowship programme, which requires completion of the HKIArb Accredited Mediator and Arbitrator Course.
• The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIArb) International Arbitration Pathway, which includes a written award-writing examination.
• The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) Accredited Arbitrator Programme, though this is primarily for SIAC panels.

Candidates holding a recognised qualification from these bodies may apply directly for HKIAC panel membership without taking the HKIAC course. The HKIAC Council reviews each application on a case-by-case basis.

Practical Steps to Becoming an HKIAC-Accredited Arbitrator

The pathway to panel membership involves four distinct stages. Each stage has specific deadlines and documentation requirements.

Step 1: Meet the Eligibility Criteria

The minimum requirements are:

• At least five years of post-qualification experience in a relevant profession (law, engineering, accounting, or construction).
• Completion of a recognised arbitration training course (HKIAC, HKIArb, or CIArb).
• No criminal record or disciplinary proceedings.

The HKIAC does not publish a minimum number of arbitration cases required for the Panel of Arbitrators, but the HKIAC Secretariat advises that applicants should have acted as arbitrator in at least three completed cases.

Step 2: Complete a Training Course and Assessment

Enrol in the HKIAC Arbitrator Training Course or an equivalent programme. The HKIAC course is offered twice per year, typically in March and September. Registration opens three months before the course date and closes two weeks before. The HKIAC website lists upcoming course dates.

After the course, register for the written assessment. The assessment is held quarterly. The registration fee is HKD 2,000, payable at the time of booking.

Step 3: Gather Supporting Documentation

The application for panel membership requires:

• A completed application form (available on the HKIAC website).
• A curriculum vitae detailing arbitration experience, including case names (anonymised if confidential), the role (sole, co-, or presiding arbitrator), and the applicable rules.
• Copies of training certificates and assessment results.
• Two letters of reference from practising arbitrators or legal practitioners with arbitration experience.
• The application fee of HKD 5,000.

The HKIAC Secretariat recommends submitting the application at least three months before the next Council meeting. The Council meets in January, April, July, and October.

Step 4: Submit the Application and Await Decision

The HKIAC Council reviews applications at its quarterly meetings. The Council may approve, reject, or request additional information. The decision is communicated in writing within 30 days of the meeting. Successful applicants are added to the Panel of Arbitrators and listed on the HKIAC website.

Rejected applicants may reapply after 12 months. The HKIAC does not provide detailed reasons for rejection, but the Secretariat may offer informal guidance on deficiencies.

Key Takeaways

• Complete the HKIAC Arbitrator Training Course or an equivalent programme from HKIArb or CIArb to meet the training requirement for the HKIAC Panel of Arbitrators.
• Gain at least three completed arbitration appointments as sole, co-, or presiding arbitrator before applying for panel membership.
• Submit your application at least three months before the next HKIAC Council meeting to ensure timely review.
• Prepare a detailed CV listing anonymised case names and the applicable rules to demonstrate your experience.
• Budget at least HKD 19,000 for the course, assessment, and application fees, excluding travel and accommodation.

This does not constitute legal advice. Consult a solicitor for your specific case.