Business Daily Business Daily meets: Activist investor David Webb
8 snips
Jun 12, 2025 David Webb, an activist investor and founder of Webb-site, has dedicated his career to fighting for investor rights in Hong Kong. In this engaging conversation, he discusses the challenges of corporate governance and the monopolistic practices affecting investors. David reflects on his terminal cancer diagnosis, sharing insights into the importance of living a fulfilled life without regrets. He examines the future of Hong Kong under the 'one country, two systems' principle, emphasizing the need for transparency and change in the financial landscape.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From London to Permanent HK Resident
- David Webb moved from London to Hong Kong in 1991 for a brief investment banking role and ended up staying permanently.
- He became a permanent resident after seven years, ensuring he couldn't be deported for anything he said.
Investor Rights Challenged in HK
- Most Hong Kong listed companies have controlling shareholders and so-called independent directors are often nominated by those owners.
- This structure undermines true investor fairness and independence in corporate governance.
Hong Kong's Economic Shift
- Hong Kong's government has shifted from free-market policies toward mainland China's central planning style.
- Large government spending on technology hubs risks misallocating capital and undermining efficient market resource distribution.