Learn more about our comprehensive legal services.
Advising our clients on different opportunities and challenges of the industry.
Developing a unique culture, which blends traditional client care with modern technology and working practices since 1851.
Stay up to date on the latest news and legal insights.
News & Insights
The manner of holding general meetings of Hong Kong-incorporated companies is governed by the provisions in the Companies Ordinance (Chapter 622 of the Laws of Hong Kong) (CO) as well as provisions of the companies’ own articles of association. Under the current provisions of the CO, a general meeting can be held at two or more places, by using technology that enables effective communication amongst participants and voting by members. There has been general consensus that these provisions facilitate hybrid meetings, namely, a physical meeting together with a form of electronic participation using tele-conferencing, video-conferencing or other means (e.g. online platform). However, the validity of holding fully virtual general meetings is less clear, in particular because the relevant provisions refer to a place or places for holding general meetings, which would appear to suggest that there must be a physical venue for general meetings.
For companies listed in Hong Kong (whether incorporated in Hong Kong or elsewhere), the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Exchange) do not impose any requirement on the mode of general meetings. In light of the earlier public gathering ban affecting listed companies’ general meeting arrangements, the Exchange clarified in an FAQ last year that where allowed under company laws and the issuer’s own articles of association, general meetings may be held virtually in entirety.
The Companies (Amendment) Ordinance 2023 (Amendment Ordinance), which was gazetted on 27 January 2023, will come into operation on 28 April 2023, modernising the CO and the Model Articles to expressly cater for the scenario of Hong Kong-incorporated companies holding fully virtual or hybrid general meetings by:
Companies are advised to review their articles to see if a fully virtual or hybrid general meeting is permissible. In this regard, please note that the Amendment Ordinance will allow companies to hold general meetings by using virtual meeting technology without amending their articles, notwithstanding their articles: |
The Amendment Ordinance does not remove the option of holding physical general meetings. Companies should choose the most appropriate mode of meeting and will need to consider, in addition to convening a valid meeting in accordance with the law and their articles, whether a physical general meeting continues to be the most appropriate mode or that holding a fully virtual or hybrid general meeting may promote better engagement with and maximise participation by members.
To facilitate implementation of the Amendment Ordinance, the Companies Registry has set up a new thematic section on its website, which contains, among others, the full text of the Amendment Ordinance, “Guidance Note – Good Practice on Holding Virtual or Hybrid General Meetings” and a list of frequently asked questions.
The Guidance Note provides general information and good practices on the holding of fully virtual or hybrid general meetings by Hong Kong-incorporated companies. For example, companies are encouraged to:
Subscribe to Publications
Sign up for our regular updates covering the latest legal developments, regulations and case law.