Family offices are at the heart of a pivotal shift in global wealth management. As the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals continues to rise, these offices are not just stewards of intergenerational wealth transfer, but also engines that drive both innovation and social impact through forward-thinking investments.
A global platform for wealth, impact
Now in its third edition, the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit (WGHK) will return to the city on March 26. As a flagship event for global leaders in family office finance and philanthropy, the summit builds on the success of last year’s gathering, providing a platform for global elites to network while reinforcing Hong Kong’s reputation as a leading international financial centre. We are showcasing Hong Kong as a hub for global family offices that offers abundant business opportunities and helps bring big dreams to life.
Building on the Report on the Work of the Government adopted at the recently concluded National People’s Congress, which emphasised the need to deepen international engagement and co-operation, we have set the theme of this year’s forum as “Hong Kong of the World, for the World”. Amid global uncertainty and escalating trade tensions, Hong Kong takes a more crucial role as a “super-connector” and a “super value-adder” for the Mainland and the world than ever. With a distinct and independent regulatory and legal regime, Hong Kong will continue to deepen its co-operation with the international community, championing the city’s steadfast values and unique high-growth opportunities on the global stage.
The forum will bring together global leaders, influential family office principals and innovators from business and wealth management. With the aim to collaborate and create a better future, they will share insights on topics such as technology and artificial intelligence, philanthropy, and arts and culture.
Building momentum through “Wealth & Investment Mega Event Week”
Anchored by the WGHK, Hong Kong’s “Wealth & Investment Mega Event Week” at the end of March will feature several high-profile international gatherings. These include the Global Investors’ Symposium organised by the Milken Institute, the HSBC Global Investment Summit, the Bloomberg Family Office Summit, and a number of sustainability-themed events hosted by the World Economic Forum, which will showcase Hong Kong’s forward-looking vision in green finance and sustainable development. Each of these notable events unites global family offices, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore new opportunities, igniting fresh momentum in wealth management and global investment.
A stronger wealth management powerhouse
Hong Kong consistently excels in wealth management. We are Asia’s largest hedge fund centre and the second-largest private equity fund management centre after the Mainland. The number of open-ended fund companies in Hong Kong has doubled year-on-year to over 500, and we are on track to become the world’s largest cross-border wealth management centre by 2028. These achievements not only reflect international investors’ confidence in the Hong Kong market, but also showcase the city’s strength as a leading international financial centre.
To further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as the world’s premier wealth management centre, we are now formulating additional tax incentive schemes for funds, single-family offices, and carried interest. This will enhance Hong Kong’s appeal to global capital, foster the vibrant development of the family office ecosystem, and fuel the expansion of Hong Kong’s international asset and wealth management industry. Our plan is to engage with industry stakeholders this year, before submitting proposals to the Legislative Council for deliberation next year. If approved, the relevant measures will take effect from the 2025-26 financial year.
A stronger family office ecosystem
The FamilyOfficeHK team established by InvestHK has now entered its third year. With a commitment to providing diverse bespoke services for global family offices, it has earned recognition from family offices and high-net-worth individuals worldwide.
There are over 2,700 single-family offices in Hong Kong, more than half of which hold assets exceeding US$50 million. To date, our dedicated team has assisted over 160 family offices in establishing or expanding their operations in Hong Kong, and we are confident in achieving our goal of attracting 200 family offices to our city with the assistance of the dedicated team.
Last year, we launched the Hong Kong Family Office Nexus in a joint initiative with Bloomberg L.P., with the goal of attracting family offices from around the world to establish or expand their presence in Hong Kong.
From March 1 this year, we optimised the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme to allow investments from eligible private companies wholly owned by applicants, specifically family-owned investment holding vehicles managed by qualified single-family offices, to be used for assessment purposes. This creates a synergistic effect with the tax concession system for single-family offices, further driving their growth and solidifying Hong Kong’s position as a leading global asset and wealth management hub. The scheme has been open for applications since March 1 last year, and as of the end of February this year, it has received over 910 applications, with an estimated investment amount of over $27 billion for Hong Kong.
Shaping the future of global finance
This March, Hong Kong will again be in the spotlight as a global hub of finance and international collaboration. Once again, Asia’s world city will showcase its unrivalled strength in connecting the world and shaping the future. By attracting international businesses, talent and capital, Hong Kong is not only reinforcing its position as an international metropolis, but also leveraging its distinct strengths to open a new chapter of global economic growth.
Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui wrote this article and posted it on his blog on March 12.
