The Hong Kong Federation of Insurers (HKFI) announced today (Monday, 20 February 2017) the appointment of Mr Robert Y H Pang, SC as the new Chairman of the Insurance Agents Registration Board (IARB) for a term of two years commencing today, succeeding Mr Ambrose Cheung, BBS, MH, JP.

Mr Pang has been a member of the IARB since July 2010.  He is a Senior Counsel with areas of practice covering both criminal law and civil law.  He is now the Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, a fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a CEDR Accredited Mediator.

In welcoming Mr Pang, HKFI Chairman Mr Ronnie W F Ng said: "Mr Pang has an eminent legal background and deep knowledge of the operations of the IARB.  Under his leadership, I am sure that the IARB will maintain its robust self-regulatory framework to promote best practices and protect the interests of consumers”.

“I am most honoured to take up this important role as Chairman of the IARB given the tremendous challenge that lies ahead in view of the establishment of the Independent Insurance Authority,” said Mr Robert Pang.  “I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to ensure a smooth and seamless transition to the new regulatory framework,” added Mr Pang. 

The IARB, which was established on 1 January 1993, performs the dual role of registering qualified insurance agents and administering the Code of Practice for the Administration of Insurance Agents.  When the IARB considers that a complaint is substantiated, it will take disciplinary action including termination of registration to those insurance agents who are found to have breached the relevant Code or guidelines.

Taking this opportunity, Mr Ng would like to thank Mr Ambrose Cheung, BBS, MH, JP, the immediate past Chairman of the IARB, for his great contributions to the insurance industry and in leading and improving the functioning of the IARB over the years.  “Under his distinguished service in the past 12 years, the IARB has grown from strength to strength and firmly established itself as a highly credible, effective self-regulatory body,” remarked Mr Ng.
 

Biography of Mr Robert Y H Pang, SC:

Mr Pang was educated in Hong Kong and was awarded the LLB degree by the University of Hong Kong.  He has been in full practice at the Hong Kong Bar since 1989 and was appointed Senior Counsel in 2012.  He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and a CEDR Accredited Mediator.  His area of practice covers both criminal law and civil law.

Mr Pang was first appointed a member of the Insurance Agents Registration Board in July 2010.  He is now the Vice-Chairman of the Hong Kong Bar Association, member of the Duty Lawyer Service Council, the Law Reform Commission and Deputy Chairman of the Administrative Appeals Board.  He has judicial experience as Temporary Magistrate at Eastern Magistracy, Deputy District Judge and Deputy High Court Judge.