Hong Kong and mainland China are set to see more corporate restructuring and liquidation in commercial real estate, restaurants and retail shops in 2026 due to the weak economy and changes in consumer behaviour, according to veteran liquidator Derek Lai Kar-yan.
The challenging economic environment, however, provides opportunities for experts like Lai, 60, who is known in the industry as the “King of Liquidation”. He left Deloitte after 36 years with the firm and last week was appointed by EY as senior partner and leader of Asia-Pacific turnaround and restructuring.
Lai plans to expand EY’s restructuring team from 80 to 130 people next year as he believes many struggling companies need help from experts.
“I believe it is the right…