{"id":12915,"date":"2024-04-25T01:30:19","date_gmt":"2024-04-25T01:30:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prelive-tdw.visibleone.app\/our-people\/ian-de-witt\/"},"modified":"2026-06-02T02:42:04","modified_gmt":"2026-06-02T02:42:04","slug":"ian-de-witt","status":"publish","type":"our-people","link":"https:\/\/www.tannerdewitt.com\/zh-hant\/our-people\/ian-de-witt\/","title":{"rendered":"Ian De Witt"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Ian De Witt<\/h1>\n \n

Partner <\/p>\n\n\n

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  • \n Biography<\/span>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n Key Cases<\/span>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n Speaking Experience<\/span>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n Awards\/Recognitions<\/span>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n Memberships & Committees<\/span>\n <\/li>\n
  • \n Publications<\/span>\n <\/li>\n \n <\/ul>\n
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    Biography<\/h3>\n \n \n

    Ian, recognised as a seasoned litigator and global thought leader, has an impressive track record that has earned him recognition as a leading legal authority, consistently ranked in the top tier in publications such as<\/span> Chambers Asia Pacific\/Greater China Region, Legal 500 Asia Pacific, Benchmark Litigation, IFLR, and Who\u2019s Who Legal<\/span><\/i>. He was selected as one of the Top 50 Disputes Lawyers in the Asia-Pacific region by Asian Business Legal.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Over the past few decades Ian has been involved in nearly every major restructuring and insolvency case in the region. He serves as a trusted advisor to a diverse clientele, including officeholders, shareholders, multinational corporations, high-net-worth individuals, and listed companies. Known for his pragmatic approach, Ian is a trusted advisor in litigation, insolvency, and asset recovery cases.<\/span><\/p>\n

    In addition to his role in restructuring and insolvency, Ian provides strategic counsel on commercial and contractual disputes, partnership and shareholder conflicts, and high-value fraud cases, with extensive experience in asset tracing, judgment enforcement, injunctions, court-appointed receiverships, and the appointment of provisional liquidators. He has also acted as an expert witness on Hong Kong law in several foreign jurisdictions.<\/span><\/p>\n

    His professional background includes involvement in investigations, regulatory affairs, and prosecutions led by authoritative bodies such as the Police, the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB), the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), and various disciplinary committees. This extensive array of skills situates him prominently within Hong Kong\u2019s dispute resolution and insolvency legal landscape.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ian has written many articles covering aspects of insolvency and commercial litigation and was a contributing editor for Sweet and Maxwell\u2019s Company Law in Hong Kong: Insolvency and more recently the first ever edition of the Commercial Litigation and Cross Border Enforcement Comparative Law Book (Hong Kong). He has also spoken at several international conferences, on matters of Hong Kong law, insolvency and asset recovery.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ian is a board member of the International Insolvency Institute, sits on the Insolvency Committee for the Law Society, the Technical and Editorial Committee of the Restructuring and Insolvency Faculty of Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants and on the Official Receiver\u2019s Office Services Advisory Committee, and is also a director of the Company and Insolvency Law Society. Ian is also an accredited mediator of HKMAAL and Vice Chair, Restructuring and Workouts Subcommittee of the IBA.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Ian De Witt was born in Wales and obtained an honours degree in law in London. After qualifying as a solicitor in England & Wales, he joined and became a partner in a prominent London law firm where he worked for many years before coming to Hong Kong in 1996. Ian co-founded Tanner De Witt in 1999 with just one member of staff.<\/span><\/p>\n

    Chambers and Partners 2025 quotes clients of Ian as saying,<\/span> \u2018<\/span>Ian De Witt is the very best lawyer. He knows insolvency law and is extremely nice and easy to get on with, and popular with clients as a result<\/span><\/i>\u2019 and earlier noted that \u2018<\/span>He is commercial, approachable and a fountain of knowledge in Hong Kong law and procedure<\/span><\/i>\u2019 and \u2018<\/span>an excellent problem solver.<\/span><\/i>\u2019 Who\u2019s Who Legal recognises Ian as a Global Elite Thought Leader and remarks: \u2018<\/span>Ian De Witt is a star of the Hong Kong market<\/span><\/i>\u2019 and \u2018<\/span>earns recognition from market commentators as a deeply experienced practitioner who regularly acts for liquidators, receivers, creditors and financial institutions.<\/span><\/i>\u2019 The Asia Pacific Legal 500 ranks Ian in the Hall of Fame and says \u2018<\/span>Ian De Witt – top insolvency lawyer: clever, innovative, great appreciation of tactics and strategy, very hard working in clients’ interests and very approachable.<\/span><\/i>\u2019<\/span><\/p>\n

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    Biography<\/h3>\n \n \n
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    • Party City \u2013 resolved disputes with its insolvent UK joint venture partner Wonder Group, restructuring their Hong Kong-based JV and its global subsidiaries, and assisted in liquidating operations including the sale of a Madagascar factory employing over 1,000 staff<\/li>\n
    • Acting for Chapter 11 trustee for China Fishery Group, one of the world\u2019s largest seafood conglomerates, in general and in Hong Kong proceedings, dealing with highly publicized and fiercely contested allegations of fraud amounting to USD 5.5 billion<\/li>\n
    • Oasis Airlines \u2013 The complex administration of the Hong Kong airline including the leading case on aircraft liens<\/li>\n
    • Field V. Barber \u2013 Successfully acting for the Plaintiff in the leading case on financial advisory negligence in Hong Kong<\/li>\n
    • SES Germany GmbH and New Skies Satellites B.V. \u2013 Successfully opposed a scheme of arrangement for one of the world\u2019s largest satellite operators<\/li>\n
    • Moke \u2013 Advising in shareholder actions and the sale of trademarks from the British Motor Corporation classic Mini<\/li>\n
    • Nirav Modi \u2013 Dealing with the winding down of operations in Asia following this high profile alleged $2 billion fraud<\/li>\n
    • Other well-known cases include Gibson guitar brand collapse, the Krispy Kreme franchise, and STX Pan Ocean (Hong Kong) Co. (owned by Korea\u2019s largest dry-bulk carrier, Pan Ocean Korea)<\/li>\n
    • Sweetmart \u2013 Successfully bringing a claim for unfair preference in what is now the benchmark case in Hong Kong<\/li>\n
    • Acting in a variety of regulatory and professional disciplinary matters, including criminal SFC, and CIB matters<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n \n\n <\/div>\n
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      Biography<\/h3>\n \n \n
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      • CoFace Hong Kong Risk Conference (2026)<\/li>\n
      • International Insolvency Institute\u2019s 25th Annual Conference in S\u00e3o Paulo (2025)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • International Bar Association Global Insolvency and Restructuring Conference in Florence (2025)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • ICC Fraudnet Shanghai Conference (2025)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • ThoughtLeaders4\u2019s 4th Annual FIRE Starters Global Summit in Dublin (2025)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Taylor David Lawyers Restructuring Conference (2025)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Offshore Alert Bangkok Conference (2025\uff09<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Host and Chair of the International Insolvency Institute Regional Conference (2024)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • International Bar Association webinar on \u201cInsolvency in the Real Estate Industry in Asia\u201d (2024)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Offshore Alert Bangkok Conference (2024)<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Are you winding me up? Developments in Liquidations<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Hong Kong\u2019s future as an International Business Centre<\/span><\/li>\n
      • AIJA talk on the Asia Legal Perspective<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Business Development in the Asset Recovery World<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Enforcement and recognition \u2013 Asian perspectives<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Cross-border insolvencies involving Asia, the US and relevant offshore jurisdictions: A practical look at EMAS and China Fishery<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Offshore restructuring \u2013 what\u2019s happening and what\u2019s interesting<\/span><\/li>\n
      • The latest developments and updates in Hong Kong insolvency law<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Corporate Rescue<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Litigation Funding \u2013 a history<\/span><\/li>\n
      • ABI talk on Hong Kong legal developments\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Bankruptcy & Individual Voluntary Arrangements<\/span><\/li>\n
      • IVA Practical Application in Hong Kong<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Provisional Liquidation: The Procedure, The Practice, And Its Link With Corporate Rescue In Hong Kong Winding Up Procedures<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Debt Recovery: How To Do It And Make It Pay<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Current Insolvency Issues in Hong Kong<\/span><\/li>\n
      • The Strategic Use of Litigation Procedures<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Dispute Resolution in China: to litigate or arbitrate?<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n \n\n <\/div>\n
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        Biography<\/h3>\n \n \n
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        • Litigation Star (Insolvency) of Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific 2025 – 2026<\/li>\n
        • Legal 500, Asia Pacific Leading Individual since 2013<\/li>\n
        • Chambers and Partners, Greater China Region band 1 since 2013<\/li>\n
        • Lexology Index Investigation 2025 (Who\u2019s Who Legal)<\/li>\n
        • ALB Top 50 Disputes Lawyer 2021, 2024<\/li>\n
        • China Business Law Journal A-List the Visionaries 2023<\/li>\n
        • Who\u2019s Who Legal Global elite Thought Leader in Asset Recovery (GIR) 2022, Litigation 2020 & Restructuring & Insolvency 2020 and as a Global Leader in its Asset Recovery, Litigation 2019 & Restructuring & Insolvency 2020 & 2022<\/li>\n
        • \u00a0Legal 500, Asia Pacific Hall of Fame since 2020<\/li>\n
        • IFLR Client Choice Award 2020<\/li>\n
        • AsiaLaw Elite practitioner in Restructuring and Insolvency since 2020<\/li>\n
        • GIR Thought Leader 2019<\/li>\n
        • International Advisory Expert Award 2018<\/li>\n
        • Asialaw Leading Lawyers Market-leading Lawyer for Dispute Resolution & Litigation and Restructuring & Insolvency 2018Asian Legal Business Top 50 Disputes lawyers of the Asia-Pacific region<\/li>\n
        • IFLR1000 Highly regarded lawyer<\/li>\n
        • Legal Media Group World\u2019s Leading Insolvency and Restructuring Lawyers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

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          Biography<\/h3>\n \n \n
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          • The Law Society of Hong Kong<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Insolvency Practitioners Association of Singapore (IPAS)<\/li>\n
          • International Association of Restructuring, Insolvency & Bankruptcy Professionals (INSOL International)<\/span><\/li>\n
          • International Bar Association (IBA)<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Board member of International Insolvency Institute (III)<\/span><\/li>\n
          • International Women\u2019s Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC)<\/span><\/li>\n
          • British Chamber of Commerce<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Fellow of the Hong Kong Credit and Collection Management Association (HKCCMA)<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) <\/span><\/li>\n
          • Restructuring and Insolvency Faculty Technical Sub-Committee<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Commonwealth Lawyers Association (CLA)<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Insolvency Law Committee of The Law Society of Hong Kong<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Mediator accredited by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC)<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Turnaround Management Association (TMA)<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Company and Insolvency Law Society (COINS)<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Working Party on Taxation in Civil Proceedings of The Law Society of Hong Kong<\/span><\/li>\n
          • Official Receiver\u2019s Office Services Advisory Committee<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n \n \n\n <\/div>\n
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            Biography<\/h3>\n \n \n
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            Accolades\/Testimonials<\/h2>\n \n
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            “He is the brain of Hong Kong and sets the tone from the top. He is also just an absolute pleasure to work with, always a gentleman bringing incredible knowledge to the matters.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Chambers and Partners – Greater China Region 2026<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            “His immense technical knowledge in insolvency is a given. However, what I consider as further distinguishing Ian from other lawyers practising in the same field is his extremely personable manner.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            “Ian De Witt is the very best lawyer. He knows insolvency law and is extremely nice and easy to get on with, and popular with clients as a result.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            “Ian is a wonderfully experienced lawyer with brilliant knowledge about insolvency.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Chambers and Partners Greater China 2025<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            “Few know more about insolvency and restructuring than Ian De Witt; highly competent and well organised, focussed on clients and well-liked.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide – Greater China 2024<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            “Ian de Witt is an exceptional problem solver. He combines this with decades of legal experience, and unparalleled knowledge of Hong Kong law, to deliver outstanding litigation results.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide – Greater China 2024<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            \u201cHe is commercial, approachable and a fountain of knowledge in Hong Kong law and procedure.\u201d Further, \u201cIan is an excellent problem solver.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Chambers and Partners – Greater China 2023<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            \u201cDeep bench of talented and commercial lawyers led by Ian De Witt and Robin Darton. The firm offers seamless service with pragmatic and strategic advice.\u201d And, \u201cIan de Witt and Robin Darton provide a very desirable mix of prior international law firm experience and working in a local team that has operated successfully in Hong Kong for many years, combining local knowledge with cross-border expertise.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Legal 500 Asia Pacific Guide – Greater China 2023<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            A \u201cgood problem solver\u201d who is “very pragmatic and commercial.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Chambers and Partners – Greater China 2022<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            \u00a0\u201cIan De Witt is widely respected as a market leader with \u201ca really good reputation\u201d for complex insolvency matters. His deep expertise spans both the advisory and contentious aspects of restructuring and insolvency-related work. Ian is listed as a Band 1 Leading Individual.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Chambers and Partners – Asia Pacific 2021<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            \u00a0\u201cIan is one of the \u2018top practitioners in insolvency and restructuring\u2019, \u2018user-friendly and cost-conscious\u2019 and \u2018easy to work with and very strategic.\u2019 Ian is listed in the Hall of Fame of Restructuring and Insolvency lawyers in Hong Kong..\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2021<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            “One of the top insolvency teams in the market.”<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2020<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            “One of the bible writers for insolvency law… he’s a walking dictionary on legal matters relating to insolvency.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Chambers and Partners – Asia Pacific 2020<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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            “Ian De Witt is a veteran at handling a range of insolvency matters, from debt recovery to pre-emptive actions and the appointment of provisional liquidators. One client enthuses: \u201cIan\u2019s approach is very personal and reassuring. He has a very casual manner about him which really helps, as these situations are very stressful, taking away a lot of the pain of the process in what was not a very savoury situation.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n

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            Chambers and Partners – Asia Pacific 2019<\/p>\n <\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

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