Michael S.I. Hwang

Michael S.I. Hwang, professionally known as Michael Hwang, is a Canadian business lawyer, commercial REALTOR®, business broker, entrepreneur and educator with more than 35 years of experience advising business owners, investors and entrepreneurs. Called to the British Columbia Bar in 1990, he has worked with businesses on formation, growth, acquisitions, divestitures, restructuring, franchising, commercial real estate and ownership succession. His practice spans mergers and acquisitions, corporate and commercial law, business sales and complex transactions.

Michael serves as General Counsel and a commercial REALTOR® with RE/MAX Commercial Advantage. He brings together legal practice and hands-on commercial brokerage experience in business acquisition and sale matters, including negotiation, transaction structuring, diligence, financing considerations and risk management. He has also practised in association with Coal Harbour Law.

Michael founded ProBX.ca, a Canadian marketplace and professional collaboration platform designed to improve how privately owned businesses are bought, sold, valued, financed and transitioned. Recognizing fragmentation in Canada's business brokerage market, he aims to connect sellers and prospective buyers with qualified business brokers, M&A advisors, lawyers, accountants, business valuators and other relevant professionals.

His long-term vision is a professional-led, exchange-like marketplace combining confidential matching, technology, education and trusted advisors to support business transitions. ProBX is not a regulated securities exchange; contemplated services remain part of that long-term vision, rather than a claim of current availability.

Michael created and teaches Business Brokerage Essentials (BBE), a practical professional development course for REALTORS®, business brokers, M&A advisors, lawyers and others involved in business transactions. The current course is accredited by the BC Real Estate Association (BCREA) for 12 PDP hours, distinct from an older 10-hour Law Society CPD format.

Topics include valuation fundamentals, confidentiality and marketing, asset versus share acquisitions, deal structuring, negotiation, due diligence, legal and regulatory considerations, and professional obligations.

Throughout his career, Michael S.I. Hwang has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community development, economic vitality, entrepreneurship, and social responsibility in British Columbia.

In 2018, he chaired the BC Small Business Task Force, contributing recommendations to strengthen the province's small business sector. He also served on the BC Small Business Roundtable. His leadership in local economic development includes six years as a founding director and president of the North Road Business Improvement Association, as well as serving as a director and president of the Downtown New Westminster Business Improvement Association.

His community service extends well beyond business development. Michael served six years as a director representing British Columbia with Presbyterian World Service & Development (PWS&D), supporting international humanitarian relief and sustainable development initiatives. He also served six years as a director of SHARE Family & Community Services Society, supporting families and individuals in the Tri-Cities. He currently serves as a director of The New Vista Society, which provides affordable housing and long-term care services for seniors.

In recognition of his contributions to community and business, Michael received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal and was named Businessperson of the Year by the Tri-Cities Chamber of Commerce.

These experiences reflect his belief that successful businesses and strong communities are mutually reinforcing, and that professional leadership carries a responsibility to contribute to the broader public good.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts from Simon Fraser University and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. He works in English and Korean.