Established in 1957, the HK4As is managed and run by an Executive Committee and Sub-Committees. Committee members, elected from the senior management of member agencies, deal with issues concerning the future of the advertising industry and the business of member agencies.

There are currently around 28 Full Members which are major advertising agencies sharing common objectives. These include the setting and maintaining of standards of business ethics, enforcing an advertising standards code, acting as a means of arbitration between agencies, and providing a forum for the exchange of views between advertising agencies and other engaged in the industry.

The Association organizes training programmes, membership activities and awards to recognize and honour the best work created in Hong Kong and China.