Secretary contact (Ms. Cynthia Lam)
Overview
Bernard is a seasoned barrister, who was educated in Hong Kong and called to the Bar in 1993. Over the years, Bernard has cultivated a formidable reputation, particularly in the realms of commercial disputes, shareholders' rights, financial services, market misconduct, and regulatory compliance.
Bernard's practice is deeply entrenched in the complexities of Hong Kong's financial markets, where he has helmed an extensive array of cases involving listed companies and securities. He regularly advises sponsors, listing applicants, and established corporations on a broad spectrum of regulatory compliance issues, ensuring their operations align with the stringent requirements of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong (HKEx). His counsel is especially sought after in matters of Listing Rules compliance, Takeovers Codes, and the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571), making him a valuable resource for regulated businesses, individuals, and financial products.
Bernard has a proven track record of defending clients in high-profile prosecutions and investigations in the context of insider dealing and market misconduct cases. His expertise extends to representing clients in civil and criminal proceedings before the High Court, as well as in specialised tribunals such as the Market Misconduct Tribunal (MMT) and the Securities and Futures Appeal Tribunal (SFAT). Bernard's involvement in disciplinary proceedings before the HKEx Listing Committee and the Takeovers and Mergers Panel further underscores his extensive understanding of the nuanced regulatory landscape.
In addition to his specialised practice, Bernard commands a broad commercial litigation practice, with particular strengths in banking, company law, securities law, and real property disputes. His versatility is reflected in his wide-ranging experience across various forums, including arbitrations, applications for pre-emptive remedies, professional disciplinary inquiries, and judicial reviews. Bernard's expertise also extends to complex issues of trust and estate administration, conflicts of law, and cross-border matters, where he has earned himself a steadfast reputation in navigating Hong Kong's intricate legal framework.
Selected Cases
- Koon Wing Yee v Insider Dealing Tribunal & Anor (2008) 11 HKCFAR 170 – the CFA declared the unconstitutionality of certain powers of the IDT.
- HKSAR v Sik Siu-kwan Gary HCCC 476/2012 – successfully defended an ibanker in an over 70 days trial against an allegation of s.9 PABO offence arose in a Reverse Takeover Context.
- Lim Yi Shenn v Wong Yuen Yee & Ors [2012] 3 HKLRD 505, CACV 55/2015 – successfully defended the MDs of a listed company against claims by a placee based on alleged guarantees or contracts arose in a private placement context.
- SFC v Wong Yuen Yee & Ors [2016] 5 HKLRD 11 – regarding admission of expert evidence for s.213 Petition by the SFC.
- SFC v Wong Yuen Yee & Ors [2017] 1 HKLRD 788 – regarding the disclosure obligation of the SFC in a s.213 SFO Petition.
- SFC v Mo Shau Wah & Ors [2017] 4 HKLRD 347; [2018] 3 HKLRD 356 – regarding variation of freezing injunctions.
- SFC v Mo Shau Wah & Ors [2018] HKCA 598 – regarding waste costs orders.
- Ma Wai Wah v Neway Karaoke Box Ltd [2018] HKCFI 842 – successfully defended the majority shareholder against claims by an ex-shareholder based on alleged guarantees or contracts arose in a pre-IPO context.
- SFC v Cheng Chak Ngok & MMT [2018] 4 HKLRD 612; [2019] HKCFA 17 – regarding the appropriate standard and burden of proof in MMT proceedings.
- Friendship Investments Ltd v To Chun Fan & Ors [2019] HKCFI 1669 – regarding injunctive relief in the context of unfair prejudice petitions.
- Re KCK Garment Factory Ltd [2019] HKCFI 585 – regarding voidable unfair preferences.
- Miu Hon Kit v Stock Exchange of Hong Kong [2020] HKCFI 675 – judicial review of HKEx’s decision to censure a company’s non-executive directors.
Highlights
Advised or appeared as Counsel for Implicated Person(s) in the following inquiries by the Insider Dealing Tribunal in relation to the dealings in the listed securities of:
- Founder Holdings Ltd
- Harbour Ring International Holdings Ltd
- Chinney Alliance Group Ltd
- Vanda Systems
- HKCB Bank Holding Company Ltd & HK China Ltd
- Siu Fung Ceramics Holdings Ltd
- Easy Concepts
- Stime Watch International Holding Ltd
- China Appollo Holdings Ltd
Highlights
Advised or appeared as Counsel for Specified Person(s) in the following inquiries by the Market Misconduct Tribunal into dealings in the shares of:
- Meadville Holdings Ltd
- China Gas Holdings
- China Huiyuan Juice Group
- Sino Katalytics Investment Corporation
- Chaoda Modern Agriculture (Holdings) Ltd
- ABC Communications (Holdings) Ltd
- Mirabell International Holdings
- QPL International Holdings Ltd
- Sunny Global Holdings Ltd
Highlights
Successful IPO Advised:
- Huijing Holdings Company Ltd (9968)
- Renrui Human Resources Technology Holdings Ltd (6919)
- Oi Wah Pawn (1319)
- Season (8127) (now 1709)
- Cool Link (8491)
- Gudou Holdings (8308)
- GIC (1669)
- Modern Dental (3600)
- Jete Power (8133)
- Bexcellent Group (1775)
1993
P.C.LL., University of Hong Kong
1992
LL.B., University of Hong Kong
- CEDR Accredited Mediator (2009)
- Registered Foreign Lawyer (HKSAR Law) of the Singapore International Commercial Court (Since 2019)
- Legal 500, Asia Pacific, Greater China, Hong Kong 2025-2026, Leading Juniors, Tier 1, Commercial Disputes
- Legal 500, Asia Pacific, Greater China, Hong Kong 2025-2026, Leading Juniors, Regulatory, Investigations & Crime
- Legal 500, Asia Pacific, Greater China, Hong Kong 2024-2025, Leading Juniors, Tier 1, Commercial Disputes
- 2023 (Commercial Disputes – Leading Juniors Tier 1); (Regulatory, Investigations & Crime – Leading Juniors Tier 2)
- 2022 (Commercial Disputes – Leading Juniors Tier 1); (Regulatory, Investigations & Crime – Leading Juniors Tier 2)
- 2021 (Commercial Disputes – Leading Juniors Tier 1); (White Collar Crime – Leading Juniors Tier 2)
judiciary appointments
- Deputy Special Magistrate (1999)
- Deputy District Judge (2009)
academic appointments
- Shantou University, PRC: Visiting Professor, Law School (09-11)
public services
- Chairman of Buildings Appeal Tribunal
- Member of Appeal Panel (Housing)
- Member of Inland Revenue Board of Review
- Member of Criminal and Law Enforcement Injuries Compensation Boards
- Member of Financial Reporting Review Panel of the Financial Reporting Council
- Butterworths Hong Kong Securities Law Handbook – served as Co-General Editor
- Securities Law: HKSAR & PRC – served as Editor-in-Chief
- Hong Kong Civil Procedure – served as Contributing Editor
