"A well-deserved elevation to Silk in the white collar crime and regulatory space who is both quick thinking and tactically astute, as well as being strong on the law. " - The Legal 500, 2021

“Derek Chan SC is a market-leading white-collar crime specialist with significant experience working on high-profile disputes” – Who’s Who Legal, 2022, ranking Derek as a “Thought Leader in Business Crime Defence”

“Derek Chan SC of Plowman Chambers maintains his reputation as one of Hong Kong's most impressive silks in the white-collar crime arena. He frequently acts in matters involving alleged instances of commercial fraud, insider trading, market manipulation and securities-related misconduct. Interviewees testify extensively to his status as a true specialist and ‘a go-to name’ for white-collar crime cases, one source observing: ‘His is probably the first name that comes to mind,’ while another calls him ‘absolutely brilliant and a real standout.’” Chambers and Partners, 2022.

Leading Silk - Legal 500 (2024 ed)

Derek obtained his law and commerce degree (majoring in accounting) in New Zealand. He was awarded the Bar Scholarship by the Hong Kong Bar Association in 2003 and was called to the Hong Kong Bar in 2004.  He took silk in 2018.

Derek’s practice focus is on commercial crime, corruption, criminal cases initiated by various regulators and misconduct in the securities market resulting in tribunal proceedings or criminal prosecutions initiated by the Securities and Futures Commission. He regularly appearsas counsel in high profile criminal cases, including the corruption trial of the ex-Chief Executive of the HKSAR.  He also regularly appears for and against the Securities and Futures Commission on matters concerning market manipulation, insider dealing and other securities related market misconduct.

Derek has also developed a significant appellate practice, appearing regularly in criminal appeals both in the Court of Appeal and in the Court of Final Appeal. He also appeared as amicus curiae in the Court of Final Appeal in HKSAR v Ho Yau Yin (2010) 13 HKCFAR 217 and HKSAR v CHENG Wing Kin (2020) 23 HKCFAR 83, in the Court of Appeal in SJ v Fung Chi Hoi [2019] 4 HKLRD 188, and in the Court of First Instance in Ng Shek Wai v The Medical Council of Hong Kong [2015] 2 HKLRD 121.

Derek has served as a Deputy High Court Judge in 2020 and 2021.  Derek is currently the vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association. 

Derek is now serving as a Recorder of the Court of First Instance of the High Court for a term of three years, commencing from 1 May 2022. 

Appearances in notable appellate cases:

HKSAR v Yuong Ho Cheung & Ors (2020) 23 HKCFAR 311 – appeared for a number of Uber drivers charged with driving a motor vehicle for the carriage of passengers for hire or reward.

HKSAR v CHENG Wing Kin (2020) 23 HKCFAR 83 – appeared as amicus curiae on a matter concerning the definition of “corrupt conduct” in offences concerning the District Council Election in 2015.

Chan Lai Yin Tommy & Ors v SFC [2020] 3 HKLRD 266 – appeared for some of the appellants on an issue concerning the proper approach to the test of price sensitivity where the trading of listed securities of the company in question had been suspended on the stock exchange.

SFC v Young Bik Fung & Ors CACV 33/2016, [2016] 1 HKLRD 1249, (2018) 21 HKCFAR 537 - appeared for the appellants accused of insider dealing but tried under s.300 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571) in the context of s.213 proceedings.

SJ v Wong Ho Ming & Ors [2018] HKCA 173, [2018] HKCFI 77, [2018] 1 HKLRD 109 - appeared for the Secretary for Justice in a series of contempt of court cases arising out of the Occupy Central protests.

SFC v Young Bik Fung & Ors CACV 33/2016, [2016] 1 HKLRD 1249 - appeared for the appellants accused of insider dealing but tried under s.300 of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571) in the context of s.213 proceedings.

HKSAR v Chan Chi Wan Stephen & Anor (2017) 20 HKCFAR 98, CACC 92 & 182 of 2014 - appeared for the 2nd Respondent in a case stated appeal concerning allegations of bribery against the General Manager of Television Broadcasts Ltd.

HKSAR v Yeung Ka Sing Carson (2016) 19 HKCFAR 279, CACC 101/2014 - appeared for the former President of the Birmingham City Football Club in relation to allegations of money laundering involving over HK$600M.

SJ v Global Merchant Funding (2016) 19 HKCFAR 192 - appeared for the respondent concerning the applicability of the Money Lenders Ordinance to a contract for the sale and purchase of future credit card receivables.

SFC v Pacific Sun Advisors Ltd & Anor [2014] 1 HKLRD 1168, (2015) 18 HKCFAR 138 - appeared for the SFC in a case stated appeal concerning the issue of unauthorised advertisements relating to a collective investment scheme, contrary to the Securities and Futures Ordinance.

SJ v Florence Tsang Chiu Wing & Ors (2014) 17 HKCFAR 739 - an appeal concerning an application to disclose to the Director of Public Prosecutions documents obtained in the course of discovery in a high profile matrimonial proceeding.

HKSAR v Ho Hung Kwan Michael (2013) 16 HKCFAR 525 - appeared for a government doctor charged with the common law offence of misconduct in a public office.

HKSAR v Yip Kim Po & Ors CACC 353/2010 - appeared for the ex-Chairman of Ocean Grand Holdings Ltd alleged of conspiring to defraud the listed company through machinery purchase contracts involving over HK$170M.

HKSAR v Egan & Ors (2010) 13 HKCFAR 314 – A high profile case involving a solicitor and a barrister accused of conspiring to pervert the course of justice in relation to the alleged interference of a potential witness who was cooperating with the ICAC.

To Shu-fai v Securities and Futures Commission (2009) 12 HKCFAR 758 – Appearing in the Court of Final Appeal on behalf of the Securities and Futures Commission.

SJ v Shum Chiu & Ors [2008] 1 HKLRD 155 (CA), FAMC 5/2007, DCCC 687/2004, CACC 424/2008 – criminal proceedings in relation to an application for permanent stay of proceedings on the basis of an alleged invasion of legal professional privilege on part of the investigating authority.

HKSAR v Luo Xian Ping [2007] 3 HKLRD 203 (CA) – an appeal concerning the propriety of a direction on recklessness to be given to the jury in a rape case when recklessness was not an issue at trial.

Chan Kar-leung & Ors v HKSAR (2006) 9 HKCFAR 827 – Appeal allowed on the basis of a fundamental error in the directions given to the jury.

HKSAR v Tam Lap-fai (2005) 8 HKCFAR 216 – An appeal concerning the breadth of the offence of obstructing a police officer in the execution of his duties.

Appeared in notable trials and tribunal hearings:

K v Commissioner of Police [2020] 1 HKLRD 606 – appeared for the Commissioner of Police in an application for judicial review concerning a search warrant issued for obtaining from a hospital certain medical records relating to the applicant.

HKSAR v Tsang Yam Kuen Donald HCCC 484/2015, (2019) 22 HKCFAR 176  - appeared for the ex-Chief Executive of the HKSAR on allegations of corruption and misconduct in public office.

An inquiry of the Market Misconduct Tribunal into Mayer Holdings Limited - Appeared for three specified persons in an inquiry into whether a breach of the disclosure requirements under Part XIVA of the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap 571) may have taken place.

An inquiry of the Market Misconduct Tribunal into CITIC Limited - Appeared as Assistant Presenting Officer in an inquiry relating to an announcement made by CITIC Pacific Ltd in September 2008 and the impact of structured foreign exchange derivative contracts on the financial position of CITIC Pacific Ltd. 

HKSAR v Koon Wing Yee & Ors HCCC 66/2010 - Represented the 1st Defendant accused of blackmailing the Chairman of a listed company for 200M shares.

SFC v Chui Wing Nin ESS 27729-30/2011, [2013] 4 HKLRD 492 - Represented the Securities and Futures Commission in the prosecution of the ex-Assistant Director of CITIC Pacific Ltd, accused of trading on inside information relating to CITIC's losses on its foreign exchange structured derivative contracts.

HKSAR v Duncan Chiu & Ors DCCC 1086/2010 - Represented the ex-Managing Director of Far East Holdings International Co Ltd on allegations of conspiracy to defraud and theft involving over HK$60M of the funds of the listed company.

HKSAR v Lionel Krieger & Anor DCCC 316/2010, CACC 99/2012 - Represented the ex-General Manager of Swire SITA Waste Services Ltd (the 2nd Defendant) accused of conspiring to offer MOP 29M in advantages to Ao Man Long, the former Secretary for Transport and Public Works of the Macao Government.

HKSAR v Leung Sze Chit Eric DCCC 615/2010 - Represented a senior manager in KPMG accused of accepting an advantage in the listing of Hontex International Holdings Co Ltd on the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong.

HKSAR v Chu Chien Tung & Ors HCCC 320/2010 - A High Court fraud trial concerning alleged falsification of sales during applications to list on the Main Board and on the GEM Board of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange by Tungda Innovative Lighting Holdings Ltd.  Represented the 5th Defendant who was the former Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director of the company.

HKSAR v Nancy Ann Kissel HCCC 113/2004, HCCC 55/2010, [2014] 1 HKLRD 460 – A high profile murder trial involving a wife alleged of killing her expatriate husband who was a director of a well-known investment bank.  

HKSAR v Cheung Chi-ying Teresa DCCC 203/2008 – Represented the ex-Legal Manager General of the MTR Corporation Ltd accused of misconduct in a public office.

HKSAR v Ngai Chiu-fan & Ors. DCCC 1012/2007 – Represented the ex-CEO of a listed company in Singapore alleged of corruption related activities in Hong Kong.

HKSAR v Chan Chin-yuen & Ors. DCCC 497/2006 – Represented the 3rd defendant accused of market manipulation involving over HK$60M.

HKSAR v Tai Chi-wah & Anor. HCCC 39/2005, CACC 297/2006, FAMC 18/2008 – Represented the ex-Managing Director of Goldface Holdings Ltd on allegations of fraud involving over HK$400M, the amount representing the proceeds of the pre-completion sale of a residential development in Tuen Mun.