Thomas Martin is a barrister specializing in financial crime, regulatory matters, and general crime. Practicing out of Pegasus Chambers in Hong Kong, Thomas has handled complex commercial crime cases, including fraud offences, misconduct in public office and regulatory breaches. His practice also extends to quasi-criminal matters such as contempt, extradition, and asset-freezing proceedings.

Prior to joining Pegasus Chambers, Thomas served as a Judicial Associate in the Criminal Division of the Hong Kong Court of Appeal, where he gained exposure to criminal appellate work. Thomas has represented directors, contractors, and companies in cases involving breaches of departmental regulations and corporate liability under Hong Kong law. His advisory work spans insider dealing and other matters under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (he has frequently advised on responses to Notices of Proposed Disciplinary Action and Restriction Notices), as well as money laundering liability and ancillary issues under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance.

Examples of cases include:

• Appeals:
  ~ HKSAR v Fewa China Construction – represented a large subcontractor on appeal concerning multiple health and safety regulation breaches.
  ~ HKSAR v Nawaz – represented a defendant charged with manslaughter at the appellate level.
  ~ HKSAR v Tsang Tsz Tong – represented a defendant charged with insurance fraud in a leave-to-appeal application before the Court of Appeal.
  
  
• Trials:
  ~ HKSAR v Kwok – Defended a principal charged with misconduct in public office as part of a conspiracy to fabricate examination documents (led by Ms. Herbert).
  ~HKSAR v Brian Fok & Others – acted for one of the defendants in a five-week long trial where the defendants were charged with having conspired to fix football games in the Hong Kong football league.
  ~HKSAR v Gammon Construction & Anor – represented a subcontractor in a four-week trial over allegations of unsafe systems at work.
  ~HKSAR v Leighton Contractors Asia Ltd & Anor – represented a company charged with breaches of the Factories & Industrial Undertakings Ordinance.
  ~HKSAR v Rory Mackay – defended a director of a travel tour company, at both trial and appellate levels, charged with carrying out an unlicensed operation as a travel agent.

• Publication:
  ~ Financial Crime and Market Misconduct in Hong Kong (Lexis Nexis, 2025)

Thomas’ practice is complemented by his advisory role for both local and international companies on their regulatory and quasi-criminal liability under Hong Kong law. He has also represented business professionals charged with contempt proceedings and other matters relating to mutual legal assistance. Thomas has also acted in arbitration proceedings in the HKIAC.