Long Read: Hong Kong Bids Farewell to Legendary Investor and Transparency Advocate

Independent investor and corporate governance advocate David Webb, now suffering from terminal cancer, has spent much of his life exposing hidden networks and fighting for minority shareholders

David Webb speaks at his farewell ceremony Monday at the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club. Photo: Caixin

On a sunny May afternoon, a crowd of journalists, politicians and business figures gathered in the historic Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents’ Club.

They were not there for a typical luncheon address by a visiting dignitary or a local power player seeking to convey a message. Instead, they were attending what was described by some as a “living farewell” — possibly the last public appearance of David Webb, a legendary activist investor and transparency advocate.

At 59 years old, diagnosed with aggressive prostate cancer in 2020 and with perhaps only months left, Webb’s greatest wish is simply to blow out the candles on his 60th birthday cake this August.

This slight Englishman, while resented by some of Hong Kong’s tycoons, has earned the unwavering respect and affection of investors for his fierce dedication to fairness, transparency and good corporate governance. His impending departure marks the end of an era for market activism and independent scrutiny in one of Asia’s major financial hubs.