David Webb, influential advocate for shareholder rights in Hong Kong, passes away at age 60

David Webb, Renowned Hong Kong Shareholder Advocate, Dies at 60

David Webb, a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s financial community and a tireless champion for shareholder rights and corporate transparency, has passed away at the age of 60.

Originally an investment banker, Webb became a respected voice in the city’s business circles, earning recognition for his relentless efforts to improve governance among publicly listed companies and for exposing major corporate misconduct.

According to a statement released on his social media accounts, “David M. Webb MBE passed away peacefully in Hong Kong on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, after battling metastatic prostate cancer. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and supporters.”

Webb was the founder of a nonprofit online resource established in 1998. The platform, which remains freely accessible, has long served as a valuable source of company data for journalists, investors, analysts, and legal professionals. Through this initiative, Webb played a crucial role in defending minority shareholder interests and advancing transparency in the corporate sector.

One of Webb’s most significant contributions came in 2017, when he revealed the “Enigma Network”—a web of interconnected Hong Kong companies with hidden relationships and cross-shareholdings. His findings prompted investors to steer clear of these stocks and led to a criminal investigation.

In recognition of his dedication to improving corporate governance in Hong Kong, Webb was honored last year as a Member of the Order of the British Empire.

Career and Personal Life

Born in London in 1965, Webb began his career at Barclays and relocated to Hong Kong in the 1990s, where he remained for the rest of his life. He served as an independent director on the board of Hong Kong’s stock exchange from 2003 to 2008, resigning in protest over what he described as mismanagement.

Webb publicly revealed his diagnosis of metastatic prostate cancer in 2020, expressing hope to live past 60. He celebrated his 60th birthday in August.

Advocacy and Legacy

In recent years, Webb also spoke out about political developments in Hong Kong, including his concerns about increased self-censorship among commentators following the introduction of a sweeping national security law by Beijing in 2020, after widespread pro-democracy demonstrations.

During a farewell gathering at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in May last year, Webb reflected on his activism, describing it as deeply fulfilling. “However long or short my life, unfortunately, it’s shorter than I expected,” he remarked. “I will die confident that I did my best and Hong Kong is my home.”

Tributes from the Community

Kenneth Leung, a former legislator who often debated policy with Webb on radio, described him as exceptionally intelligent and well-informed. While Webb’s work sometimes caused discomfort for certain companies, Leung emphasized his strong sense of social responsibility.

“He made significant contributions to Hong Kong’s small investors,” Leung told The Associated Press.