Hong Kong: A Strategic Harbour for Generational Wealth

With trade tensions unsettling global supply chains and geopolitical uncertainty on the rise, ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) and wealthy families are rethinking how – and where – to safeguard generational wealth.

In this climate, stability has never been more essential. Family offices are seeking safe harbours that not only preserve capital but also provide platforms for long-term growth.

Hong Kong stands out as one such destination. The city combines legal certainty, institutional strength, and access to both global and Chinese markets—offering a rare blend of security and opportunity.

At the heart of Hong Kong’s appeal is its legal system. Under the “One Country, Two Systems” framework, it retains the common law tradition and an independent judiciary, ensuring transparency and strong property rights. This regulatory environment aligns with international standards, allowing family offices to manage cross-border trusts, foundations, and philanthropic vehicles with confidence.

This solid foundation is reflected in global rankings. In the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI 37) released in March, Hong Kong placed first in Asia-Pacific and third worldwide.

Despite headwinds, Hong Kong’s entrepreneurial spirit remains undiminished. Businesses continue to thrive, driven by a culture of dynamism and resilience. This has helped the city maintain its edge in global capital markets: in the first half of 2025, it led the world in initial public offerings (IPOs), raising US$14 billion (S$17.9 billion) and capturing nearly a quarter of global market share. Much of this momentum came from the biotech, healthcare, and consumer sectors—areas where family offices are increasingly seeking exposure to early-stage innovation.

Another key advantage is Hong Kong’s proximity to China’s innovation hubs. As investors pursue opportunities in artificial intelligence, green energy, and digital infrastructure, the city’s role as a bridge between East and West has become ever more critical. Its free-port status and open capital markets offer a neutral, flexible platform for cross-border investment—particularly valuable in today’s geopolitical climate.

Beyond markets, Hong Kong’s supportive tax environment, efficient corporate procedures, and clear regulatory framework make establishing a family office straightforward. The government has gone further by offering attractive tax incentives, enhancing the city’s competitiveness as a wealth hub.

But what truly sets Hong Kong apart is its ecosystem. For generations, Asia’s wealthiest dynasties—spanning real estate to shipping—have called the city home. Over time, this has created a sophisticated network of private bankers, trust lawyers, governance advisors, and tax specialists, all attuned to the complexities of multi-generational wealth management.

In today’s volatile world, wealth protection requires more than a low-tax jurisdiction. Families seek strategic locations that combine legal certainty, growth opportunities, access to capital, and robust governance.

Whether the focus is intergenerational transfer, diversification, or impact-driven investment, Hong Kong continues to offer both resilience and relevance—a city where legacy wealth can not only be preserved but positioned to grow.