HKIAC Announces Expansion of Expedited Procedure, Updates Fees and Releases New Report to Enhance Transparency on Costs

The Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC) expands eligibility for expedited procedures, announces fee updates under the HKIAC Administered Arbitration Rules, and releases a new report aimed at improving transparency on arbitral tribunal hourly rates in international arbitration.

Expanded Scope for Expedited Procedures

HKIAC has expanded the scope of its Expedited Procedure by increasing the monetary threshold of the maximum amount in dispute from HK$25 million to HK$50 million (approximately US$6.4 million), enabling more users to apply for streamlined proceedings.

Modest Revision to Registration Fee

HKIAC has revised its registration fee to HK$10,000, applicable to all cases regardless of dispute size. This marks the first change since the fee was set at HK$8,000, which has remained unchanged for 12 years. The revision reflects HKIAC’s commitment to maintaining affordability while continuing to deliver world-class arbitration services.

HKIAC Administrative Fees Remain Capped

HKIAC continues to offer a capped administrative fee structure, from a minimum fee of HK$15,000, up to a maximum fee of HK$440,000 for disputes exceeding HK$400 million in value. This structure ensures predictability and cost control for users, distinguishing HKIAC from many other institutions.

Flexible Arbitrator Fee Options

With respect to arbitral tribunal fees, HKIAC remains one of the few institutions globally to offer parties a choice between hourly rate and ad valorem fee models, with the hourly rate as the default.

- Hourly rates are typically agreed between the arbitrator and the party (or parties, as applicable) designating them, subject to a cap.

- While arbitrators’ hourly rates often do not reach the cap in smaller cases, HKIAC also administers many high-value, complex disputes where higher caps are sometimes appropriate to reflect the nature and demands of such proceedings.

The hourly rate cap has been revised from HK$6,500 to HK$7,500, the first adjustment since 2013.

Fee Updates Applicable from 1 January 2026



For detailed information on fee updates, please visit the revised fee schedules page. The increased threshold for the Expedited Procedure and revised fee schedules will be applicable to all cases submitted to HKIAC under its Administered Arbitration Rules from 1 January 2026.

 

Release of Tribunal Hourly Rate Study



HKIAC’s new Tribunal Hourly Rate Study provides empirical insights into arbitrator fee trends. 

- The study examines the hourly rates charged by arbitrators in over 1,400 arbitrator appointments and confirmations during a five-year review period.

- It aims to help users make informed decisions when selecting arbitrators or choosing between hourly rate and ad valorem models, and to guide arbitrators on the typical range of hourly rates seen by HKIAC.

- Findings show that average hourly rates correlate with dispute size, and co-arbitrators typically charge less than presiding arbitrators.

A copy of the Tribunal Hourly Rate Study can be found here.

"These updates reflect HKIAC’s ongoing commitment to transparency, flexibility, and efficiency in arbitration. By refining our expedited procedure mechanism and fee structure and through sharing data-driven insights, we empower users to make informed choices and ensure our services remain accessible and world-class."

— Joanne Lau, Secretary-General, HKIAC