More than 9,000 bankruptcy applications were made in Hong Kong last year, the highest annual number in almost a decade.

Data released by the Official Receiver's Office on Friday showed 9,190 petitions for bankruptcy were recorded, up 17 percent from 2023.

It was the highest number since 9,875 applications were made in 2015.

There were 781 applications in December alone, representing a 16 percent increase year-on-year.

The number of bankruptcy orders by the court last year also rose, standing at 8,553.

The office also received 740 compulsory winding-up petitions, a 30 percent jump over the number in 2023 and the highest figure since 2009.

There were 443 court orders last year for companies to be liquidated.