DESMOND ANG is co-head of the Litigation group in Hong Kong and a member of the firm’s Global Arbitration, Trade and Advocacy practice. He handles international commercial litigation and arbitration, with an emphasis on high-stakes disputes involving business relationships and investments with companies in China, Taiwan, and Japan. Desmond also has an established restructuring and insolvency practice involving the representation of debtors and creditors in dispute matters associated with complex cross-border debt restructurings, insolvency, and distressed scenarios. In addition to his practice, Desmond serves in the Firm’s Office of General Counsel.
Desmond has represented clients in proceedings conducted under ICC, HKIAC, SIAC, CIETAC, JCAA, ICDR, and UNCITRAL arbitration rules, as well as before the Hong Kong courts. He has significant experience in disputes involving M&A, joint ventures, and private equity investments, in both arbitration (seated in Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, California, and Switzerland) and litigation proceedings in Hong Kong .
Desmond develops practical dispute resolution strategies underpinned by a thorough analysis of the relevant facts. He crafts these strategies to fit into the overall commercial goals of his clients with the ultimate objective of providing high-quality, responsive, and cost-effective legal representation. He has counseled individuals and businesses in a wide spectrum of industries, including retail (luxury and mass market), private equity, asset management, pharmaceuticals, real estate, oil and gas, technology and telecommunications, natural resources and mining, and sports.
Desmond also serves as arbitrator under ICC, HKIAC, and SIAC arbitration rules in Hong Kong, Singapore, London, Shanghai, and Geneva.
Desmond has received numerous independent recognitions. He has recently been listed in the inaugural Hong Kong edition of the Legal 500 Private Practice Powerlist List – Arbitration and is recommended by Chambers Greater China. Desmond is also recommended by Legal 500 Asia Pacific in Dispute Resolution: International Arbitration as well as Restructuring and Insolvency. In Chambers Greater China Region 2025, clients commented that Desmond “has an Asia practice, but his tentacles spread internationally.” Another client described him as “consistently demonstrating an exceptional level of client service and professionalism. His strategic approach and ability to navigate intricate legal issues reflect the depth of his experience.” In Chambers Greater China Region 2024, praise from clients included that Desmond is “a determined advocate who misses nothing” and “very practical, technically strong, commercial and a safe pair of hands". Another client added that “Desmond is extremely impressive with written submissions.” In Chambers Greater China Region 2023, clients highlighted that Desmond “is an excellent lawyer in the field of international arbitration. He pays attention to every detail, controls the overall situation, and provides strategies. He is good at making full use of the dominant position from the perspective of legal knowledge, procedure, and practice, promoting the disadvantages and expanding the advantages.” He is also “very thoughtful and responsive to requests. He is very hands-on and is willing to go into details of the case. His Chinese is perfect, and he is good at taking care of PRC-related matters.” Legal 500 Asia Pacific 2025 praised that Desmond “is serious and knowledgeable” and “stands out for contentious insolvency and has been the leading practitioner in this area during the China property downturn.” Desmond was recognized as a “Litigation Star” in Insolvency and International Arbitration categories by Benchmark Litigation Asia Pacific 2025. Desmond was also selected as one of the world’s leading arbitration practitioners in the Who's Who Legal: Thought Leaders Global Elite 2024 and recommended in Who’s Who Legal: Arbitration 2024 and ranked as one of the most highly regarded Future Leader based in APAC in its Arbitration 2023 edition, citing praise for his “energetic, brilliant and sensible approach” to international arbitration proceedings.
Desmond is fluent in English, Mandarin Chinese, and Cantonese.