Bankruptcy

Simple Guide on Bankruptcy


Important Note

This Guide sets out the procedures for filing a debtor's petition. Information about the impact of bankruptcy and a bankrupt's duties are set out in 'Simple Guide On Bankruptcy' which is obtainable from the Official Receiver's Office free of charge.

You are strongly advised to consider whether Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA) would be appropriate for resolving the problem of debts before filing a petition for bankruptcy. Further information about IVA can be obtained from the Official Receiver's Office and other bodies experienced in insolvency matters such as accountants, solicitors, etc.

The information concerning bankruptcy and IVA can also be obtained from the website https://www.oro.gov.hk or by fax-on-demand through telephone number 2867 2448.

Important Notice : Disclaimer

The information provided in this publication is for reference only. The Government gives no express or implied warranty to the accuracy of the information provided in nor will be responsible for the content of this publication.

The Government does not accept any responsibility and liability for any loss or damage whatsoever arising in contract, tort or any cause whatsoever in connection with this publication. The Government is entitled to delete, suspend or edit all information on this publication at any time at its absolute discretion without giving any reason. Users are responsible for making their own assessments of all information contained in or in connection with this publication and are advised to verify the authenticity of such information or seek independent advice before relying on the information.


Introduction

1.1The Bankruptcy Ordinance provides the legal framework to enable:
(a)A creditor to file a bankruptcy petition with the Court against an individual, a firm or a partner of a firm who owes him/her money; and
(b)A debtor who is unable to repay his/her debts to file a bankruptcy petition against himself/herself with the Court.
1.2The main objectives of the bankruptcy legislation are:
(a)To collect and realise all the bankrupt's assets and distribute them amongst his/her creditors; and
(b)To investigate the causes of insolvency and to punish the bankrupt if any breach of the bankruptcy provisions is involved.
1.3The Bankruptcy Ordinance also provides for an alternative to bankruptcy - Individual Voluntary Arrangement (IVA):
(a)Under the IVA, a debtor makes a repayment proposal to the Court and the creditors. If it is approved, it will legally bind all creditors.
(b)The advantages of IVA are:-
(i)A debtor can avoid the stigma of bankruptcy;
(ii)He/She will be free from the legal restrictions provided for under the Bankruptcy and other Ordinances; and
(iii)He/She may be able to retain his/her job/profession.

Debtors are strongly advised to consider whether IVA would be appropriate for resolving the problem of debts before filing a petition for bankruptcy. Further information about IVA can be obtained from the Official Receiver's Office and other bodies experienced in insolvency matters such as accountants, solicitors, etc.

Procedures for Filing Petition

Creditor's Petition

2.1The procedures for filing a creditor’s petition for bankruptcy are:
(a)Complete a Creditors’ Bankruptcy Petition on Form 10, 10A or 10B of Bankruptcy (Forms) Rules, as appropriate, after serving the Statutory Demand on the debtor using Form 162, 163 or 164 of Bankruptcy (Forms) Rules, as appropriate, or upon failure of execution of Judgment obtained against the debtor;
(b)Have the Petition attested and verified by affidavit;
(c)Prepare an affidavit proving service of the Statutory Demand, if appropriate;
(d)Deposit with the Official Receiver a sum of $11,250 to cover the fees and expenses to be incurred by the Official Receiver (or Trustee);
(e)Go to the Registry of the High Court to:
(i)pay a Court fee of $1,045;
(ii)obtain a date for the hearing of the Petition; and
(iii)file the Petition;
(f)Deliver a sealed copy of the petition to the debtor; and
(g)Submit a copy of all documents filed to the High Court in connection with the bankruptcy proceedings to the Official Receiver.

Debtor's Petition

2.2The procedures for filing a debtor’s petition for bankruptcy are :
(a)Complete a "Debtor’s Bankruptcy Petition" on Form 3 of Bankruptcy (Forms) Rules and a "Statement of Affairs (Debtor’s Petition)" on Form 28C of Bankruptcy (Forms) Rules. These forms are contained in ‘Debtor’s Bankruptcy Petition Procedural Guide’ which can be obtained free of charge by downloading it from the website of the Official Receiver's Office at
https://www.oro.gov.hk/eng/our_services/publications/bankruptcy/index.html.
It can also be obtained by the following ways at $28 each :-
(i)Calling the Publications Sales Section of ISD at 2537 1910;
(ii)Visiting the online Government Bookstore at https://www.bookstore.gov.hk/;
(iii)Downloading the order form from the ISD website at https://www.isd.gov.hk/eng/index.htm and submit the order online or by fax to 2523 7195;
(iv)Placing order with ISD by e-mail at puborder@isd.gov.hk; or
(v)Purchasing at the Official Receiver’s Office.
(b)Deposit with the Official Receiver a sum of $8,000 to cover the fees and expenses to be incurred by the Official Receiver (or Trustee);
(c)Have the Petition attested and the Statement of Affairs sworn;
(d)Go to the Registry of the High Court to :
(i)pay a Court fee of $1,045;
(ii)obtain a date for the hearing of the Petition; and
(iii)file the Petition and the Statement of Affairs; and
(e)Submit a sealed copy of the Petition and a copy of the Statement of Affairs to the Official Receiver immediately after (d)(iii) above.

Effects of Bankruptcy

3.1Upon the making of the bankruptcy order, no action or other legal proceedings can be taken by a creditor in respect of a debt provable in bankruptcy against the bankrupt or the bankrupt's assets without the leave of the Court.
3.2The Official Receiver becomes the Provisional Trustee upon the making of the Bankruptcy Order. In case of a debtor’s petition, the Official Receiver may appoint any qualified person as Provisional Trustee if the assets of the bankrupt are unlikely to exceed $200,000.
3.3Upon the making of the bankruptcy order, all the bankrupt’s assets (including interest in real estate) are vested in the Trustee and will remain so after the bankrupt’s discharge from bankruptcy. The bankrupt’s discharge from bankruptcy does not mean that the assets of the bankrupt vested in the Trustee will revert to the bankrupt.
3.4The Provisional Trustee/Trustee will take control of the assets of the bankrupt, including the accounting books and records in the case of a trading bankrupt. When the assets are vested in the Trustee, the Trustee has the power to continue to administer the assets even after the bankrupt's discharge from bankruptcy and to realize the assets at any time for the benefit of the creditors. In general, the sale and purchase of the vested properties shall be based on their prevailing market value at the time of disposal and the market value may vary from time to time. As regards the premises wherein the bankrupt normally resides which forms part of his/her assets, depending on the circumstances, the bankrupt may be allowed to continue living therein for a certain period of time to enable him/her to make other housing arrangements and to discuss with the Trustee how the bankrupt’s interest may be realised.
3.5A bankrupt may not be able to practise in certain professions for example, as a lawyer, an estate agent, an insurance agent, a securities dealer or act as a director of a limited company. A bankrupt working in the banking sector is required, under the Banking Ordinance, to inform his/her employer of his/her bankruptcy.

Duties of a Bankrupt

4.1Upon the making of the Bankruptcy Order and throughout the bankruptcy period, a bankrupt must fully co-operate with the Provisional Trustee/Trustee in the investigation of his/her bankruptcy and the realisation of assets. He/She must provide information regarding his/her assets and liabilities, financial dealings and other relevant matters.
4.2The duties of a bankrupt include :
(a)Physically attending at the place designated by the Provisional Trustee/Trustee for an initial interview as soon as possible upon the making of the Bankruptcy Order on a day appointed by the Provisional Trustee/Trustee; providing the Provisional Trustee/Trustee at the initial interview with information concerning the bankrupt’s affairs, dealings and property; and attending other subsequent meetings with the Trustee whenever notified by the Trustee;
(b)Handing over all assets to the Provisional Trustee/Trustee (see 3.3 and 3.4 above);
(c)Submitting a completed Preliminary Examination Questionnaire and a completed Monthly Income and Expenses Assessment Form;
(d)Submitting a Statement of Affairs in the case of creditor's petition;
(e)Submitting accounting books and records in the case of a trading bankrupt;
(f)Stop using credit cards and accounts in banks and other financial institutions immediately. However, a bankrupt may, with the permission of the Provisional Trustee/Trustee, open a savings account for the purpose of receiving his/her income;
(g)Refraining from obtaining further credit;
(h)Not making payments direct to individual creditors;
(i)Attending all meetings of creditors;
(j)Making contribution towards his/her estate in bankruptcy out of his/her personal income as assessed by the Provisional Trustee /Trustee;
(k)Informing the Provisional Trustee/Trustee immediately of any change in name, address and telephone number (also fax number and email address, if any) in Hong Kong and elsewhere;
(l)Responding to the Trustee's inquiries within a reasonable period of time;
(m)Returning to Hong Kong if requested by the Trustee to do so; and
(n)Submitting to the Trustee an annual statement of earnings with details of any property acquired.
Note 1: Pursuant to section 83 of the Bankruptcy Ordinance, if a bankrupt or any of the creditors or any other person is aggrieved by any act or decision of the Trustee, he may apply to the Court, and the Court may confirm, reverse or modify the act or decision complained of, and make such order in the premises as it thinks just.

Rights of Creditors

5.1Following the making of a bankruptcy order, any creditor of the bankrupt may request the Provisional Trustee to summon a general meeting of the bankrupt's creditors for the purpose of appointing a Trustee.
5.2If there is no request from creditors, the Provisional Trustee will decide whether or not to summon a general meeting of the bankrupt's creditors for the purpose of appointing a Trustee. Where the total value of all the property of the bankrupt is unlikely to exceed $200,000, the Provisional Trustee may apply to the High Court for an order that the bankrupt's estate be administered in a summary manner, i.e. there will be no general meeting of creditors and the Provisional Trustee will be appointed as the Trustee.
5.3Creditors must complete a Proof of Debt Form in order to prove for any debt contracted by the bankrupt and submit it to the Provisional Trustee/Trustee together with any supporting documentary evidence and a non-refundable filing fee of $35. The filing fee is waived in the case of claims for wages/salary or debts not exceeding $250. At the general meeting of creditors, only proving creditors have the right to vote on the appointment of :
(i)a Trustee; and
(ii)a creditors' committee.
5.4Creditors are entitled to obtain a copy of the Statement of Affairs on payment of the prescribed fee.
5.5Any creditor with the concurrence of not less than 1/4 in value of the bankrupt's creditors may request the Trustee to apply to the Court for a public examination of the bankrupt in open Court. This may be attended by all proving creditors.

Distribution of Dividend

6.1If after the deduction of fees and expenses, there are funds remaining in the estate of the bankrupt, the Trustee will distribute this sum to proving creditors by way of dividends.

Discharge from Bankruptcy

7.1For a bankrupt who has not previously been adjudged bankrupt and who has fully complied with the provisions under the Bankruptcy Ordinance, he will be automatically discharged from bankruptcy four years from the date of the Bankruptcy Order provided that: (I) section 30A(10)(b)(ii) of the Bankruptcy Ordinance does not apply (see 7.2 below); (II) there is no non-commencement order made under section 30AC of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (see 7.3 below); or (III) there is no order made under section 30A(3) of the Bankruptcy Ordinance (see 7.4 below) (Note 2).
7.2For cases with Bankruptcy Orders made before 1 November 2016, pursuant to section 30A(10)(b)(ii) of the Bankruptcy Ordinance, after the making of the Bankruptcy Order, if a bankrupt fails to return to Hong Kong on a date or within a period specified by the Trustee, the relevant period of bankruptcy shall not continue to run during the period he is absent from Hong Kong and until he notifies the Trustee of his return.
7.3For cases with Bankruptcy Orders made on or after 1 November 2016, where the bankrupt fails to physically attend the initial interview with the Provisional Trustee/ Trustee or has physically attended the initial interview, but failed to provide the Provisional Trustee/Trustee at the initial interview with all of the information concerning the bankrupt’s affairs, dealings and property as reasonably required by the Provisional Trustee/Trustee, the Provisional Trustee/Trustee may apply to the Court for a non-commencement order against the bankrupt under section 30AB of the Bankruptcy Ordinance. If the Court approves the application under section 30AC of the Bankruptcy Ordinance, the relevant period of bankruptcy will be treated as not commencing to run until the bankrupt complies with the relevant terms specified by the Court in the non-commencement order. The Provisional Trustee/Trustee must file a notice with the Court within 14 days after a bankrupt has complied with the relevant terms. The relevant period will commence to run on the date on which the terms are complied with.
7.4The creditors or the Trustee may object to the automatic discharge of the bankrupt on any of the grounds set out in section 30A(4) of the Bankruptcy Ordinance which include non-cooperation, unsatisfactory conduct, failure to prepare an annual report of his earnings and acquisitions, etc. If the objection is accepted by the Court, the Court may make an order under section 30A(3) of the Bankruptcy Ordinance with the effect of extending the bankruptcy for a period not exceeding four years (Note 3)
Note 2: For a bankrupt who has previously been adjudged bankrupt, the relevant period of bankruptcy is five years from the date of the Bankruptcy Order.
Note 3: For a bankrupt who has previously been adjudged bankrupt, the relevant period of bankruptcy may be extended for a period not exceeding three years.

Bankruptcy Offences

8.1The bankruptcy offences are summarised in Schedule 1.

Reference Materials

9.1For further information, please refer to:
  • Simple Guide On Individual Voluntary Arrangement
  • Bankruptcy: The Main Processing Stage
  • Bankruptcy: How to Get a Certificate of Discharge
  • Bankruptcy: Your Duties as a Bankrupt
  • Bankruptcy: Your Rights as a Creditor
  • Frequently Asked Questions about Bankruptcy
9.2These documents can be obtained from the Official Receiver's Office free of charge, or from the website https://www.oro.gov.hk/eng/home/home.html or by fax-on-demand through telephone number 2867 2448.

Enquiries/Complaints

10.1If further information/complaint is required, please contact us:
Mail : The Departmental Secretary
Official Receiver's Office
10/F-12/F, High Block
Queensway Government Offices
66 Queensway, Hong Kong
Telephone : 2867 2448
Fax : 3105 1814
E-mail : oroadmin@oro.gov.hk


SCHEDULE 1
BANKRUPTCY OFFENCES

Bankruptcy Ordinance
(Cap. 6) Section		 Description of the Offence Penalty
43A Failure to submit annual statement of earnings

An undischarged bankrupt shall submit to the Trustee annually a statement of his earnings during the preceding year and details of any property he acquired during such period, failing which he shall be guilty of an offence and liable to imprisonment.

 Liable to imprisonment up to a maximum of six months.
129 (1) Fraudulent Debtors

Any persons who has been adjudicated bankrupt shall in each of the following be guilty of an offence if :-

(a)the bankrupt does not fully discover to the Trustee all his property and such disposal;
(b)the bankrupt fails to deliver up to the Trustee all such property in his custody or control;
(c)the bankrupt does not deliver up to the Trustee all books and records in his custody or under his control relating to his property or affairs;
(d)after the presentation of a bankruptcy petition or within 12 months next before such presentation (the "Relevant Period"), the bankrupt conceals any part of his property to the value of HK$50 or upwards or conceals any debts due to or from him;
(e)during the Relevant Period, the bankrupt fraudulently removes any part of his property to the value of HK$50 or upwards;
(f)the bankrupt makes any material omission or misstatement in any statement relating to his affairs;
(g)the bankrupt fails to inform the Trustee within one month after knowing or having any reason to believe that a false debt had been proved by any person under his bankruptcy;
(h)after presentation of a bankruptcy petition, the bankrupt prevents or is party to preventing the production of any books and records affecting or relating to his property or affairs;
(i)during the Relevant Period, the bankrupt removes, conceals, destroys, mutilates or falsifies any book or document affecting or relating to his property or affairs;
(j)during the Relevant Period, the bankrupt makes any false entry in any book or document affecting or relating to his property or affairs;
(k)during the Relevant Period, the bankrupt fraudulently parts with, alters or makes any omission in any documents affecting or relating to his property or affairs;
(l)after the presentation of a bankruptcy petition or at any meeting of his creditors within 12 months next before such presentation, the bankrupt attempts to account for any part of his property by fictitious losses or expenses;
(o)during the Relevant Period, the bankrupt pawns, pledges or disposes of any property which he has obtained on credit and has not paid for unless such pawning, pledging or disposing is in the ordinary way of the bankrupt's trade;
(p)the bankrupt is guilty of any false representation or other fraud for the purpose of obtaining the consent of his creditors or any of them to an agreement with reference to his affairs or to his bankruptcy.
 Liable to imprisonment for up to a maximum of two years except for 129(1)(o).

Liable on summary conviction to imprisonment up to a maximum of one year or upon conviction on indictment to imprisonment up to a maximum of five years.
130(1) Certain offences by persons other than the bankrupt

If any manager, accountant or book-keeper in the employment of the bankrupt does any act which if committed by the bankrupt would be a contravention of any of the provisions of section 129(1)(i) or (j), such manager, accountant or book-keeper shall be deemed to be guilty of an offence.

 Liable to imprisonment for up to a maximum of two years.
130(2)

Where any person pawns, pledges or disposes of any property in circumstances which amount to an offence under section 129(1)(o), every person who takes in pawn or pledge or otherwise receives the property, knowing it to be pawned, pledged or disposed of in such circumstances as aforesaid, shall be guilty of an offence and liable for imprisonment.

 Liable on summary conviction to imprisonment up to a maximum of one year or upon conviction on indictment up to a maximum of five years.
130(3)

A person who knowingly makes a false statement when proving a debt in bankruptcy or knowingly makes a false statement in an affidavit required under the Bankruptcy Ordinance is guilty of an offence and is liable to a fine and to imprisonment.

 Liable to a fine and to imprisonment up to a maximum of six months.
131 Undischarged bankrupt obtaining credit

It is a criminal offence for a bankrupt to :-

(a)obtain credit of HK$100 or upwards either alone or jointly with any other person, without first informing the person from whom he obtains credit that he is an undischarged bankrupt; or
(b)engage in any business in a different name from that under which he was adjudicated bankrupt and in the course of such trade or business obtain credit from any persons without first disclosing to such person the name under which he was adjudicated bankrupt; or
(c)engage in any business in a different name from that under which he was adjudicated bankrupt without first publishing in the Gazette particulars of the business under which he was adjudicated bankrupt.
 Liable to imprisonment for up to a maximum of two years.
132 Frauds by bankrupts

Any person who has been adjudged bankrupt shall be guilty of an offence if :-

(a)he has made or caused to be made any gift or transfer of or charge on his property with intent to defraud his creditors; or
(b)with intent to defraud his creditors, he had concealed or removed any part of his property since or within 2 months before the date of any unsatisfied judgment or order for payment of money obtained against him; or
(c)with intent to defraud his creditors, he has caused or connived at the levying of any execution against his property.
 Liable to imprisonment for up to a maximum of two years.
133(1) Gambling etc.

Any adjudged bankrupt who having been engaged in any trade or business and having outstanding at the date of the bankruptcy order any debts contracted in the course and for the purposes of such trade or business, shall be guilty of an offence if :-

(a)he has within two years prior to the presentation of the bankruptcy petition materially contributed to or increased the extent of his insolvency by gambling or by rash and hazardous speculations and such gambling or speculations are unconnected with his trade or business; or
(b)he has between the date of the presentation of the petition and the date of the bankruptcy order lost any part of his estate by such gambling or rash and hazardous speculations as aforesaid; or
(c)on being required by the Official Receiver at any time, or in the course of his public examination by the court, to account for the loss of any substantial part of his estate incurred within a period of a year next preceding the date of the presentation of the bankruptcy petition or between that date and the date of the bankruptcy order, he fails to give a satisfactory explanation of the manner in which such loss was incurred.
 Liable to imprisonment for up to a maximum of two years.
134(1) Failing to keep proper accounts

Any person who has been adjudged bankrupt shall be guilty of an offence if, having been engaged in any trade or business during any period in the two years immediately preceding the date of the presentation of the bankruptcy petition, he has not kept proper books of account throughout the period and throughout any further period in which he was so engaged between the date of the presentation of the petition and the date of the bankruptcy order, or has not preserved all books of account so kept unless the bankrupt proves that in the circumstances in which he traded or carried on business the omission was honest and excusable.

 Liable to imprisonment for up to a maximum of two years.
135 Bankrupt absconding with property

Any person who is adjudged bankrupt shall (unless he proves that he had no intent to defraud) be guilty of an offence if after the presentation of a bankruptcy petition, or within six months before such presentation, quits Hong Kong and takes with him, or attempts or makes preparation to quit Hong Kong and take with him, any part of his property to the amount of HK$100 or upwards, which ought by law to be divided among his creditors.

 Liable to imprisonment for up to a maximum of two years.
136 Debtor concealing himself to avoid service

Any person against whom a bankruptcy order is made shall be guilty of an offence if he conceals or absents himself from his usual or last known place of abode or business or quits Hong Kong, with intent to avoid service of any process in bankruptcy or to avoid examination in respect of his affairs or otherwise to defeat, embarrass or delay any proceedings against him in bankruptcy.

 Liable to imprisonment for up to a maximum of two years.


Companies Ordinance
(Cap. 622) Section		 Description of the Offence Penalty
480(1) (Companies Ordinance) Undischarged bankrupt acting as director

A person who is an undischarged bankrupt must not act as director of, or directly or indirectly take part or be concerned in the management of, a company, except with the leave of the Court by which the person was adjudged bankrupt.

 Liable on summary conviction to imprisonment up to a maximum of one year and fine up to a maximum of HK$150,000 or upon conviction on indictment to imprisonment up to a maximum of two years and fine up to a maximum of HK$700,000.