A probe into the collapse of Peregrine Investments Holdings is expected to be completed within the next week, when an independent inspector hands a report to the Financial Secretary.
The investigation by Richard Farrant, former chief operating officer of Britain's Financial Services Authority, will determine whether there was any malpractice behind the collapse.
However, it is anticipated that due to time and budget constraints the report will not be an extensive insight into the demise of one of Asia's largest investment banks.
Mr Farrant was appointed by Financial Secretary Donald Tsang Yam-kuen in April, a move endorsed by the High Court. The probe is expected to cost less than $10 million.
Peregrine collapsed in January 1998 under the weight of a $265 million loan made to Indonesian taxi company Steady Safe.
Of particular interest will be the extent that the report refers to the role played by former Peregrine directors, in terms of the disclosure of information given to creditors prior to the group's collapse.
A number of announcements were made on behalf of directors and the group to dispel market rumours that Peregrine was in serious financial trouble in the months leading up to its demise.