Kerby Lau was invited by the Hong Kong Trustees Association and STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners) Hong Kong to attend the Joint Seminar on Fiduciary Powers under Scrutiny: Proper Exercise and Legal Constraints on 8 September 2026.
Kerby kickstarted the Joint Seminar by sharing on recent landmark cases on fiduciary powers to set the scene for the discussion sessions that followed. During the talk, Kerby led the audience of lawyers, trustees and trust professionals and advisers in navigating the difficult and complex landscape concerning the exercise of fiduciary powers. Kerby also shared his first-hand experience in recent cases where similar issues have arisen, and practical tips in this ever-evolving area of law.
Key cases discussed include:
- Grand View Private Trustee v. Wong [2022] UKPC 47: duties when
exercising fiduciary powers; the criteria and application of the proper purpose
rule - FS Capital v. Adams [2025] EWCA Civ 53: remedial consequences of the
breach of the proper purpose rule - Dawson-Damer v Grampian Trust Co Ltd [2025] UKPC 32: ascertaining
intentions of a corporate settlor; application of the adequate consideration rule - A v. C (Re X Trusts) [2026] UKPC 11: veto powers of protectors
Thanks to the Hong Kong Trustees Association, STEP Hong Kong and the generous host HFW, the Joint Seminar provided an excellent opportunity for lawyers, trustees and other professionals in the private wealth sector to connect and share their expertise across professions to deliver the best solutions.
