Company records in Hong Kong Significance for journalists probing issues in Hong Kong and related to China

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the significance of company record for journalist when investigating projects relating to conflict of interest that occurs in Hong Kong and in and connected with China. Design/methodology/approach The paper describes what company records are available, and how they are accessible for the public in Hong Kong. It then compares with the company record accessibility in China. The paper uses investigative projects done by the author and other journalists to illustrate how the records are significant. Some of the investigative projects that are related to China are used to illuminate the importance for the company record in Hong Kong for investigating issues in China. Findings Hong Kong maintains an efficient access to the company record that benefits the journalists for probing into the issues of conflict of interest. This efficient system has faced threats when the government proposed to withdraw some of the important records from the general public access. Originality/value This paper will be of interest to journalists and journalism students and scholars who are interested to know the practical uses of company records. Policymakers will also learn from this paper that a restriction in the public access to the company record will make a huge impact to the justice-seeking journalist work.