Wilson Leung

Call: 2008 (Hong Kong, non-practising) 2022 (England & Wales)

“Wilson is incredibly responsive and has an impressive ability to digest a huge amount of detail. He is a great asset for client interests.”

Legal 500, 2026, Commercial Litigation (leading junior, Tier 5), London Bar
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Wilson Leung has over 17 years of experience as a commercial barrister. He started his career at the Hong Kong Bar, where he practised from Temple Chambers (“undoubtedly the top set in Hong Kong“, Legal 500); he then cross-qualified at the English Bar in 2022 and joined Serle Court.

Wilson has a busy practice focusing on complex commercial and chancery litigation, with particular expertise in insolvency, company, contract, trusts and probate disputes. In recent years, his work has taken on an increasingly international dimension, being instructed in proceedings in England, the BVI, the Cayman Islands, Jersey, and Hong Kong.

He has been regularly ranked as a leading commercial junior in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500, and Lexology Index, and has been recognised as “an excellent advocate, with a calm, approachable and unflappable manner in court” (Legal 500, 2025). Wilson has significant experience both as sole advocate and junior counsel (including multiple appearances at the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal, and often appearing against silks), and has worked on some of the most high-profile cases in Hong Kong and other jurisdictions.

In England, he is on the Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel. He is also a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb), a Fellow of the Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (FHKIArb), and holds the Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration from CIArb.

Areas of Expertise

Wilson regularly acts in corporate and personal insolvency matters, including applications to set aside antecedent transactions; contested winding-up and bankruptcy petitions; applications within bankruptcy, winding-up, and administration proceedings (such as suspension of discharge, annulment, and extensions); and claims by and against office-holders.

Recent Cases

  • Eternity Sky Investments Ltd v Estate of Zhang [2024] BPIR 96 – Interim receivership application over estate of deceased Chinese tycoon; alleged debts of over £150m (Insolvency & Companies List, Chancery Division).
  • Dusoruth v Orca Finance UK Ltd [2023] 1 All ER (Comm) 107 & [2024] BPIR 20 (Ch) – Trial in the Insolvency & Companies List (Chancery Division) for annulment of bankruptcy order; key case on requirement for “liquidated sum” in bankruptcy petitions.
  • Durkan v Jones [2023] BPIR 1074 – Acting to defend bankruptcy petition on jurisdictional grounds (Insolvency & Companies List, Chancery Division); whether debtor had “carried on business” by letting out a residential property.
  • Chung Sun Kwan v Official Receiver [2021] 2 HKLRD 292 – Acted as sole advocate for Hong Kong Official Receiver at trial in successful defence of a bankrupt’s negligence claim against her qua trustee-in-bankruptcy.
  • China Medical Technologies v Abbiss & Ors [2019] 1 HKLRD 755 & [2019] HKCFI 501 – Acted for 90 partners of KPMG to defend against contempt proceedings over alleged discovery defaults in major corporate collapse.
  • China Medical Technologies v KPMG [2017] 2 HKLRD 1091 (Hong Kong Court of Appeal); (24 Feb 2016) HCCW 435/2012 (first instance) – Represented KPMG in resisting liquidators’ cross-border (Hong Kong-China) discovery application in major corporate collapse.
  • Official Receiver v Zhi Charles (2015) 18 HKCFAR 467 – Acted for Official Receiver in Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal regarding constitutionality of s.30A Bankruptcy Ordinance (delayed commencement of bankruptcy period where bankrupt is not in Hong Kong).
  • Tradepower (Holdings) Ltd v Tradepower (HK) Ltd (2009) 12 HKCFAR 417 – Acted for liquidators in Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal; leading case in Hong Kong on s.60 Conveyancing and Property Ordinance (setting aside disposition of property with intent to defraud creditors).

Wilson’s commercial litigation practice covers a broad range of high-value disputes, including civil fraud and misrepresentation claims; investment fund disputes; claims arising from loan agreements and guarantees; challenges to arbitration awards; and complex contractual claims.

Recent Cases

  • Re The Port Fund LP – 3-month trial (Cayman Grand Court) of US$100m proceedings against private equity fund’s management and attorneys, involving alleged overcharging of professional fees, payment of kickbacks, and sham litigation.
  • Greensill Bank AG v Secretary of State for Business & Trade – Acting for the Secretary of State for Business & Trade in £330m English Commercial Court proceedings relating to the UK Government’s Covid-19 loan schemes.
  • Eternity Sky Investments Ltd v Zhang [2024] 1 All ER (Comm) 486 – Application in English Commercial Court (High Court of England & Wales) to set aside HK$500 million arbitration award on public policy grounds based on consumer rights legislation.
  • African Mining Services Mali v Société des Mines de Komana [2023] EWHC 2746 (Comm) – English Commercial Court proceedings relating to fraudulent misrepresentation in relation to gold mining contract in Africa; claim for more than US$400m.
  • Acted for US$150m private equity fund (Exempted Limited Partnership under Cayman law) in Cayman Grand Court proceedings between general partner and limited partners regarding alleged mismanagement of the fund.
  • Haller AG v Vestey International Group Ltd [2023] HKCA 213 – Sale of goods dispute relating to US$6m tuna cargo; arguments relating to jurisdiction and ‘necessary or proper party’ gateway for service out.
  • Asia-Pac Infrastructure Development v Shearman & Sterling [2022] HKCFI 218, [2020] 1 HKC 13, and [2018] 1 HKLRD 113 – Represented major US law firm in defence of US$330m negligence claim relating to debt restructuring advice.
  • Cantab International Ltd v Luk Ngai Ling Irene [2019] HKCA 1002 & (1 Nov 2016) HCA 926/1012 – Acted as sole advocate (at trial and before Hong Kong Court of Appeal; with other side represented by Senior Counsel) in contract dispute over sale of tutorial school chain.
  • Cullen v Kaisilk Development Ltd [2019] HKCFI 2206 – Acted as sole advocate in Hong Kong High Court trial, in contract dispute over a chartered surveyor’s unpaid fees.

Wilson has extensive expertise in company disputes, including unfair prejudice proceedings; just and equitable winding-up petitions; derivative actions; claims for breach of directors’ duties; and disputes over corporate governance.

Recent Cases

  • Webster v ESMS Global Ltd [2025] EWHC 3107 (Ch) – Trial of corporate dispute over leading medical information business; novel decision on court’s power to compel circulation of written shareholders’ resolution under s.292 Companies Act 2006.
  • Re GSR International Ltd – Unfair prejudice proceedings relating to one of the world’s largest cryptocurrency market makers.
  • Re Flybondi Ltd – Unfair prejudice proceedings relating to major budget airline in South America.
  • Acted for dissenting shareholders in Cayman fair value appraisal proceedings under s.238 of Cayman Companies Act relating to a major data centre business.
  • Elliott International v Bank of East Asia [2019] HKCFI 1555 & [2018] 5 HKLRD 819 – Represented 18 directors of Bank of East Asia in unfair prejudice petition brought by leading ‘activist’ hedge fund.
  • Convoy Global Holdings v Cho Kwai Chee Roy [2018] HKCFI 2675 and [2018] HKCFI 2111 – Defending against action to rescind share placement allegedly used to entrench controlling shareholder.
  • China Baoli Technologies Holdings v Orient Equal (12 Jun 2017) HCA 1399/2016 & (23 Aug 2016) HCA 1399/2016 – Acted for listed company to restrain shareholders’ breach of lock-up undertaking.
  • Re Birmingham Int’l Holdings Ltd (28 Aug 2015) HCMP 395/2015 – Acted for receivers of parent company of Birmingham City FC to resist discharge application.

Wilson regularly acts in contentious trusts litigation in a range of jurisdictions, where his work includes Beddoe applications, breach of trust claims, and claims to recover trust assets. He also has significant experience of contested probate proceedings, including numerous high-profile dynastic succession matters.

Recent Cases

  • Acting for trustee of Cayman STAR trust in relation to Cayman Beddoe applications and knowing receipt proceedings in Hong Kong.
  • Acting for trustee of Jersey trust in Jersey Beddoe application relating to fraud proceedings in Canada.
  • Acting for widow to challenge the will of late husband for lack of mental capacity and failure to meet witness requirements (Property, Trusts and Probate List, Chancery Division).
  • Acting for sibling to challenge a will for lack of mental capacity and breach of execution requirements (Property, Trusts and Probate List, Chancery Division).
  • Tao Soh Ngun v HSBC International Trustee Ltd [2019] HKCFI 1268 – Breach of trust claim involving multi-billion dollar family trust of prominent Hong Kong tycoon. Successful defence of trustee after 32-day trial.
  • Re Estate of Fok Ying Tung Henry [2015] 2 HKLRD 212 (Hong Kong Court of Appeal) – Challenge to settlement agreement relating to multibillion-dollar estate of famed Hong Kong business magnate. Acted as sole advocate before the Court of Appeal (representing the eldest son, with 4 other parties represented by Senior Counsel).

Wilson has significant experience of acting as counsel in international commercial arbitrations, as well as arbitration-related court applications (such as applications to stay court proceedings in favour of arbitration and applications to resist enforcement of arbitral awards).

Recent Cases

  • Acting as counsel in arbitral proceedings over investment introductory services relating to brokerage of a deal between a global asset management firm and a major Middle East sovereign wealth fund (LCIA Rules).
  • Acting as counsel in arbitral proceedings over a manufacturing joint venture in China relating to a leading multi-national elevator company (UNCITRAL Rules).
  • Acting as counsel in arbitral proceedings over directors and officers liability insurance (UNCITRAL Rules). Successful resistance of insurance claim on ground of illegality.
  • Chan Shu Chun v Right Margin Ltd [2015] 3 HKLRD 409 – Anti-suit injunction to restrain Chinese arbitration in relation to company dispute in China.

Wilson’s banking practice covers contentious work for both banks and customers.

Recent Cases

  • HSBC v SMI Holdings Group [2020] 1 HKC 515 – Acted as sole advocate for HSBC in a successful winding-up petition against a client who argued that the bank had breached its ‘Quincecare’ duty.
  • Re Li Xiaoming [2020] HKCFI 361 – Acted as sole advocate for UBS (with the other side represented by Senior Counsel) in a bankruptcy petition relating to a mortgage of a private jet.
  • Chang Pui Yin v Bank of Singapore [2017] 4 HKLRD 458 (Court of Appeal) & [2016] 5 HKC 329 (first instance) – Successful investment mis-selling claim against private bank; leading case in Hong Kong on Unconscionable Contracts Ordinance.
  • Bank of China v Ho Chi Lui (31 Aug 2016) HCA 10239/1999 – Acted as sole advocate for Bank of China in a claim against guarantor; striking out for want of prosecution.

Wilson has acted in a range of property litigation, including disputes over the terms of land grants and lease modifications, claims for breach of warranty of fitness for purpose, landlord-and-tenant disputes, and challenges to planning decisions.

Recent Cases

  • Baynard Ltd v Secretary for Justice [2020] 2 HKC 165 – Acted for a major property developer in dispute over the legality of lease modification letters granted by the Hong Kong government.
  • Greens Nursery & Tree Planting Design Ltd v Secretary for Justice [2018] HKCFI 2558 – Acted as sole advocate for the Hong Kong government (with the other side represented by Senior Counsel) at trial to successfully defend against a tenant’s claim for breach of warranty that land be fit for a specific purpose.
  • Real Estate Developers Association v Building Authority (2016) 19 HKCFAR 243 – Acted for trade association of leading property developers in Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal to challenge the government’s policy for building plan submission.

Wilson has acted in a range of enforcement and disciplinary proceedings before specialist tribunals and courts.

Recent Cases

  • Re Egana Goldpfeil (Holdings) Ltd [2020] 3 HKLRD 664 & [2020] 3 HKLRD 606 – Acted for Hong Kong Securities & Futures Commission in the trial of HK$622m claim and disqualification proceedings against former directors of a listed company.
  • Re Yorkey Optical Int’l (Cayman) Ltd – Acted for a listed company in Hong Kong Market Misconduct Tribunal proceedings for failure to disclose price-sensitive information.
  • Dr Fung Yee Leung Wilson v Medical Council [2019] HKCFA 15 & [2018] HKCA 393 – Acted for Hong Kong Medical Council (before Court of Final Appeal and Court of Appeal) to successfully uphold its suspension order for a doctor’s inappropriate prescription.
  • Law Yiu Wai v Medical Council [2016] 4 HKC 1 – Acted as sole advocate for Hong Kong Medical Council regarding the complainant’s challenge to the Preliminary Investigation Committee’s dismissal of the complaint against the doctor.

Wilson has acted in numerous judicial reviews of government decisions and constitutional challenges.

Recent Cases

  • A v Secretary for Justice [2020] 2 HKLRD 86 – Acted as sole advocate (with the other side represented by Senior Counsel) in a judicial review against the Hong Kong government’s refusal to grant compensation for wrongful conviction.
  • Li Chiu Wah Joseph v Hong Kong Society of Notaries [2020] HKCFI 2271 and [2020] HKCFI 1789 – Acted as sole advocate (with the other side represented by Senior Counsel) for Hong Kong Society of Notaries to successfully defend against a member’s judicial review against the imposition of late payment fees.
  • MK v Government of HKSAR [2019] 2 HKLRD 978 – Acted as sole advocate for Kowloon Union Church and other religious groups to intervene in judicial review re same-sex marriage.
  • QT v Director of Immigration (Leave to Intervene) (2018) 21 HKCFAR 150 – Acted as sole advocate for 31 major banks and law firms to intervene at the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal in a judicial review against dependant visa policy for same-sex couples.
  • Wong Chi Fung v Secretary for Justice [2016] 3 HKLRD 835 – Challenge to the minimum age for Hong Kong Legislative Council candidacy.

Recent Cases

  • Zarin v Commissioner of Inland Revenue [2020] HKCA 147; [2020] 2 HKLRD 229 & [2019] HKCFI 3101 – Acted for Hong Kong Commissioner of Inland Revenue as sole advocate (before the Board of Review, Court of First Instance, and Court of Appeal) in salaries tax appeal; whether vesting of share grant represented sums from employment.
  • Acted for Hong Kong Commissioner of Inland Revenue (before the Board of Review) in a HK$300 million claim for profits tax against a major retail conglomerate; dispute over whether intra-group trademark royalties were deductible expenses.
  • Dairyfarm Establishment v CIR [2018] 5 HKLRD 179 – Judicial review against order to purchase tax reserve certificates as security for appeal against multiple alternative assessments.
  • Commissioner of Inland Revenue v Sheng Kung Hui (2016) 19 HKCFAR 54 – Acted for Hong Kong Commissioner of Inland Revenue in Court of Final Appeal; leading case in Hong Kong on inferring intention to trade from property enhancement activities.

Testimonials

“Wilson has superb in-depth knowledge of the law of insolvency. His advice is always considered, clear and concise.”

Legal 500, 2026, Insolvency (leading junior, Tier 3), London Bar

“Wilson has a great knowledge of insolvency law, and is a clever and resourceful barrister.”

Legal 500, 2025, Insolvency (leading junior, Tier 4), London Bar

“Wilson has an exceptional ability to listen carefully and distil the relevant from the irrelevant and apply the law to the relevant facts. He is also an excellent advocate, with a calm, approachable and unflappable manner in court.”

Legal 500, 2025, Commercial Litigation (leading junior, Tier 5) , London Bar

“Several interviewees identify him as one of Hong Kong’s most accomplished younger barristers…‘He is one of my favourite juniors, and I would recommend any solicitor to approach him.’”

Chambers & Partners, 2022, Commercial Disputes (leading junior, Band 2), Hong Kong Bar

“Very focused, hardworking and extremely thorough in his preparation. A fearless advocate in court.”

Legal 500, 2022, Commercial Disputes (leading junior, Tier 2), Hong Kong Bar

“Bright and hard-working junior counsel”, “quick-witted and confident advocate”, “on his own, he is always a safe pair of hands.”

Chambers & Partners, 2021, Commercial Disputes (leading junior, Band 2), Hong Kong Bar

“Always well-prepared with an excellent command of the facts and the relevant law. His written work is first-class.”

Legal 500, 2021, Commercial Disputes (leading junior, Tier 2), Hong Kong Bar

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Latest

Recent Cases

Webster v ESMS Global Ltd [2025] EWHC 3107 (Ch)

Daniel Lightman KC and Wilson Leung represented the defendants in a High Court case addressing a novel point of law under section 292 of the Companies Act 2006.

07.01.26
Cases

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Serle Court is pleased to support the INSOL International Channel Islands Seminar once again.

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Yesterday, Serle Court was proud to take part in the London Legal Walk.

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Email Wilson
+44 (0)20 7242 6105
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For general enquiries and instruction advice, please contact our Practice Management Team:

Call: +44 (0)20 7242 6105
or email: clerks@serlecourt.co.uk

Appointments

    • Attorney General’s B Panel of Counsel (England & Wales)
    • Fellow, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (FCIArb)
    • Diploma in International Commercial Arbitration (DipICArb), Chartered Institute of Arbitrators
    • Fellow, Hong Kong Institute of Arbitrators (FHKIArb)
    • Accredited Mediator, Hong Kong Mediation Accreditation Association
    • Council Member, Hong Kong Bar Association (2020-2021)
    • Hong Kong Bar (2008)

    Recommendations

    • Insolvency, The Legal 500 (UK Bar) (2025-2026)
    • Commercial Litigation, The Legal 500 (UK Bar and Hong Kong Bar) (2021-2023, 2025-2026)
    • Commercial Litigation, Lexology Index (formerly Who’s Who Legal) (UK Bar and Hong Kong Bar) (2020-2025)
    • Commercial Dispute Resolution, Chambers & Partners (Hong Kong Bar) (2017-2022)

    Publications

    • “Tianrui v Shanshui: Privy Council affirms shareholders’ personal right to sue for improper share allotment”, ThoughtLeaders4 FIRE Magazine, Issue 21 (June 2025)
    • Editor of Atkin’s Court Forms Hong Kong: Bankruptcy, March 2025 (Issue 108) and July 2021 (Issue 80)]
    • “Directors’ Liability to Third Parties – The Supreme Court’s Judgment in Lifestyle Equities v Ahmed”, ThoughtLeaders4 FIRE Magazine, Issue 19 (Dec 2024)
    • “Insolvency proceedings vs parties’ agreement on forum”, ThoughtLeaders4 FIRE Magazine, Issue 18 (Sept 2024)
    • “Appointing an interim receiver in bankruptcy proceedings”, ThoughtLeaders4 FIRE Magazine, Issue 16 (Mar 2024)
    • “Tiered arbitration clauses: admissibility or jurisdiction?”, SerleSpeak, Issue 32 (Jan 2024)
    • “Does an exclusive jurisdiction clause override the court’s insolvency jurisdiction?”, ThoughtLeaders4 FIRE Magazine, Issue 14 (Sept 2023)
    • “Unexplained Wealth Orders in the UK”, ICC Fraudnet Global Annual Report (Aug 2023), co-authored with Andrew Moran KC
    • “Criminal contempt: the pendulum swings”, New Law Journal, June 2023
    • “Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal endorses wide meaning of ‘damage’ in tort gateway for service out of the jurisdiction”, ThoughtLeaders4 Disputes Magazine, Issue 8 (March 2023)
    • “Hong Kong’s top court relaxes the ‘benefit’ requirement for winding up a foreign company”, ThoughtLeaders4 FIRE Magazine, Issue 11 (Dec 2022)
    • Editor of Annotated Ordinances of Hong Kong: Bankruptcy Ordinance, 7th edn 2022
    • “Liquidators: A duty to deal with trust assets?”, International Insolvency & Restructuring Report 2022/23, June 2022, co-authored with Lance Ashworth KC

    Education & Qualifications

    • Postgraduate Certificate in Laws (Distinction), University of Hong Kong
    • GDL (Commendation), BPP Law School
    • MSc Political Science (GPA 5.0 out of 5.0), Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    • BSc Philosophy (First Class) (ranked top four in year, across all departments), London School of Economics

    Languages

    • Cantonese (native)
    • Mandarin (fluent)

    Scholarships and Prizes

    • Bar Scholarship (Hong Kong Bar Association)
    • Charles Ching Memorial Scholarship (Hong Kong Bar Association)
    • John Griffiths Prize in Advocacy (University of Hong Kong)
    • Graduate Fellowship (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)
    • CS MacTaggart Prize (London School of Economics)
    • Andrea Mannu Prize (London School of Economics)

    BSB Registration

    Wilson Wan Shun Leung

    VAT Number

    410281839

    LEADING SET:
    UK Bar 2026

    WINNER:
    MENA Awards 2026 - English Bar in the Middle East: Commercial Set of the Year

    WINNER:
    Best Chambers for Work / Life Balance 2026

    SHORTLISTED:
    UK Bar Awards 2025 - Chancery Set of the Year

    SHORTLISTED:
    Bar Awards 2025 - Chancery Set of the Year

    SHORTLISTED:
    Chambers of the Year Award 2025

    WINNER:
    Bar Awards 2024 - Chancery Set of the Year

    WINNER:
    Middle East Awards 2024 - Middle East-Wide Dispute Resolution: Leading UK Barristers' Set

    SHORTLISTED:
    Bar Awards 2024 - Intellectual Property Set of the Year

    SHORTLISTED:
    Bar Awards 2024 - Commercial Litigation Set of the Year

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