Therefore, industry leaders believe Hong Kong can win complex Dispute work across traditional and tokenised sectors. However, credibility questions remain, especially among wary Western clients. This article examines the forum’s messages, supporting data, and emerging challenges. It also outlines skills paths, including the AI-Legal Strategist™ credential, for professionals seeking advantage.

Forum Signals Strategic Shift

Held on 19 December 2025, the HK Resolver Forum promoted Hong Kong as a “problem-solving City.” Additionally, organisers highlighted sports mediation, digital finance, and Online Dispute Resolution pilots. The agenda complemented May’s signing of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed) convention. Consequently, panelists argued the SAR now offers a full stack: voluntary mediation, binding arbitration, and supportive fintech regulation. Notably, Secretary for Justice Paul Lam referenced the LEAP policy, stressing regulatory clarity for tokenised assets. Meanwhile, forum surveys showed 68% of delegates expect cross-border crypto disputes to rise within two years. In summary, the gathering reframed Hong Kong from passive venue to active resolver. These signals indicate purposeful branding. However, effectiveness hinges on institutional delivery.

The shift demands sustained promotion. Furthermore, cooperation between public bodies and private chambers must deepen for credibility.

IOMed Adds Mediation Muscle

The convention establishing IOMed was signed on 30 May 2025. Consequently, thirty-three states endorsed the pact in Hong Kong. HK Resolver Forum speakers claimed IOMed gives the region unique mediation gravitas. In contrast, critics such as Brookings analyst Yun Sun warned of perceived Chinese influence. Nevertheless, early adoption by Global South members could generate case momentum. IOMed’s headquarters will occupy the restored Wan Chai police station, symbolising heritage and modern purpose. Mediations remain non-binding; therefore, enforceability relies on party goodwill or contractual conversion. However, practitioners note that voluntary settlements often preserve commercial relationships better than adversarial rulings.

Key IOMed milestones include:

• 85 countries attended the signing ceremony.
• Governance framework final drafts target Q3 2026 completion.
• Pilot state-to-state mediation panels launch in early 2027.

These steps could answer enforceability concerns. Consequently, Hong Kong gains an avenue to host sensitive geopolitical disputes.

Arbitration Numbers Boost Confidence

While mediation grows, arbitration remains the region’s anchor. HKIAC reported 352 new arbitrations in 2024, a 25% rise. Moreover, the total amount in Dispute reached HK$106 billion. Parties hailed from 53 jurisdictions, proving international pull. The 2025 Queen Mary survey ranked Hong Kong and Singapore jointly at 31% seat preference. Therefore, data supports the marketing narrative voiced at the HK Resolver Forum. Additionally, LawTech upgrades—virtual hearings, secure e-bundles—reinforce user experience.

Nevertheless, competition remains intense. SIAC recorded comparable volumes, and London retains top preference. Further growth will require faster tribunal appointments and deeper bench strength. In summary, numbers inspire confidence, yet continuous service improvement is vital. Stakeholders must convert preference into sustained case share.

Digital Assets Drive Demand

Tokenisation reshapes finance, and Hong Kong wants leadership. Consequently, Policy Statement 2.0 introduced the LEAP framework on 26 June 2025. The HK Resolver Forum linked LEAP to dispute readiness, noting stablecoin licensing and bond tokenisation pilots. Moreover, forum economists projected a US$15 billion regional digital-asset market by 2027. Legal commentators expect smart-contract disagreements, custody failures, and governance breaches. Therefore, specialist arbitration and mediation panels are forming inside HKIAC and IOMed.

A short list of anticipated digital-asset dispute triggers:

1. Price-oracle manipulation within decentralised protocols.
2. Cross-chain bridge hacks causing asset loss.
3. Token-holder class actions over misleading documents.
4. Stablecoin redemption delays during liquidity crunches.

Addressing these issues will test the new framework. Nevertheless, LEAP’s clarity gives parties procedural confidence. In turn, case inflow may increase.

Geopolitics Shapes Market Trust

Despite optimism, geopolitical optics complicate adoption. Western law firms query IOMed impartiality, citing Beijing’s backing. Furthermore, recent national security legislation stoked concerns about rule-of-law erosion in HK. Reuters analysts warned neutrality perceptions influence seat selection. Nevertheless, organisers of the HK Resolver Forum counter that common-law courts remain independent. Moreover, the “one country, two systems” model still offers bilingual judicial support.

Observers recommend tangible safeguards. Consequently, transparent mediator appointments, published procedural rules, and independent funding audits could ease scepticism. In contrast, opacity may deter marquee users. Ultimately, Hong Kong must balance sovereign ties with global expectations. The coming years will reveal success.

Skills And Certifications Pathway

Practitioners require new skills to navigate blended processes and technologies. Moreover, AI tools now draft pleadings, predict outcomes, and screen evidence. Therefore, dispute specialists must gain both tech and Legal insight. Professionals can enhance their expertise with the AI-Legal Strategist™ certification. Additionally, the programme covers algorithmic bias, smart-contract clauses, and predictive analytics. Hiring managers increasingly prioritise such credentials.

Next Steps For Stakeholders

First, in-house teams should map internal exposure to digital-asset risk. Secondly, law firms can join HKIAC or IOMed panels. Thirdly, regulators should publish enforcement data to build trust. Finally, academics might track mediation case outcomes for transparency.

These actions foster ecosystem maturity. Consequently, the HK Resolver Forum vision can translate into measurable results.

The skills landscape evolves rapidly. However, structured learning and certification help professionals remain competitive.

Conclusion

Hong Kong finished 2025 with a bold promise. Moreover, the HK Resolver Forum highlighted combined strengths in mediation, arbitration, and fintech regulation. Data from HKIAC and policy strides like LEAP back the narrative. Nevertheless, geopolitical scrutiny and enforcement questions linger. Consequently, success will depend on transparent governance, operational speed, and ongoing talent development. Industry professionals should monitor early IOMed cases and embrace continuous upskilling. Therefore, consider pursuing the linked AI-Legal credential and engage with upcoming forums to stay ahead.