Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau (FSTB)

【Wealth for Good in Hong Kong 2025: Robert Buchbauer — Hongkongers Are Full of Entrepreneurial Spirit】 The Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, the city’s annual flagship event for family offices, concluded successfully last week to widespread industry acclaim. The event further reinforced Hong Kong’s position as a global hub of choice for family offices. Centered on themes of future opportunities and intergenerational legacy, the summit showcased the city's diverse potential across finance, innovation and technology, and cultural sectors. Robert Buchbauer, the Vice Chairman of Swarovski International Holding, spoke during the summit’s panel on art, culture and luxury, highlighting Hong Kong’s vibrant business environment as one of its key attractions. He remarked: “When I look at Hong Kong, I see a city that offers stability, predictability, and an environment that is business-friendly - key elements for any family office seeking a solid foundation for long-term growth. People in Hong Kong want to do business, and that entrepreneurial spirit hasn’t changed. It's what makes Hong Kong so dynamic and a perfect place for legacy-focused companies like ours to explore new partnerships and paths for growth.”

【Wealth for Good in Hong Kong 2025: Horst Bente — Hong Kong Is the Gateway to the Asian Market】 Under the "one country, two systems" principle, Hong Kong has the distinctive advantage of enjoying strong support of the country and being closely connected to the world. As one of the most liberal and easiest places to do business in the world, Hong Kong plays important roles as a "super-connector" and a "super value-adder" between the Mainland and the rest of the world, serving as a two-way springboard for attracting overseas enterprises and for Mainland enterprises to "go global". At last week’s Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, the annual flagship event for family offices, Horst Bente, Founder of ADLEGACY, shared how his family leveraged Hong Kong as a strategic base to expand into Asia, emphasising the city’s unmatched advantages for businesses entering the region. He remarked: "Hong Kong has always been a special place for our family. The expansion of the company in the 1960s and 1970s to Asia came through Hong Kong. My parents and I were here when I was a little boy, so we've spent a lot of time in this city. To me, Hong Kong has always been the gateway to Asia. Investors are here, money is here, and obviously the talent is here. Hong Kong has a dynamic energy, brand-new facilities, and a genuine enthusiasm for sports. We want to be part of that and help create something that doesn't exist here yet."

【Wealth for Good in Hong Kong 2025: Joe Tsai — Hong Kong Is the Ideal Place for Business and Family Office Development】 The annual family office flagship event, Wealth for Good in Hong Kong, successfully concluded last week. This year’s summit featured a lineup of distinguished guest speakers who shared insightful perspectives on key issues that matter to family office decision-makers. Many speakers agreed that Hong Kong remains the top location for establishing a family office. In a fireside chat, Mr. Joe Tsai, Co-Founder and Chairman of Alibaba Group, remarked: “I first discovered Hong Kong in the 1980s, and it struck me as a truly international city with unmatched entrepreneurial energy. Even through challenging times, Hong Kong’s free-market DNA, vibrant financial markets, and supportive tax environment stand out—making it, in my view, one of the best places for businesses and family offices to thrive.”

【Hong Kong Family Office Nexus Digital Knowledge Hub Officially Launched to Empower Family Offices in Seizing Global Wealth Opportunities】 Secretary Christopher Hui officially launched the Hong Kong Family Office Nexus Digital Knowledge Hub today at the inaugural Bloomberg Family Office Summit. This brand-new online platform will serve as a key resource for family offices to stay ahead of the latest trends in wealth management, leveraging Hong Kong’s position as an international financial center to seize boundless opportunities in Asia for wealth growth and legacy planning. The Hong Kong Family Office Nexus is a strategic initiative jointly introduced last October by FSTB, InvestHK, the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy, and Bloomberg L.P. to support the development of the family office sector through various projects and resources. The Digital Knowledge Hub, launched today, is a dedicated one-stop information platform for family offices in Hong Kong and worldwide. It covers key areas such as ecosystem development, industry knowledge, technology support, and philanthropic initiatives, providing the latest market trends, expert insights, and best practices in wealth management. The hub’s content is carefully curated and regularly updated, covering investment strategies, asset management, technological applications, and philanthropy, while also featuring noteworthy industry reports and event information. Registered members will have access to exclusive content, offering deeper insights into market trends. Secretary Hui stated: "With this knowledge hub, we are not just providing information; we are building a dynamic, evolving resource tailored to the needs of family offices. Whether it is navigating emerging investment trends, leveraging technology, or deepening philanthropic impact, this platform will serve as a trusted guide. Family offices are shaping the future of global wealth management, and Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to support their growth. We look forward to seeing family offices thrive in Hong Kong and contribute to the broader financial and philanthropic landscape." The Hong Kong Family Office Nexus Digital Knowledge Hub is now live, and industry professionals are encouraged to explore this dedicated resource platform: 🔗 https://lnkd.in/giD2jkmJ

【Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit 2025 Successfully Concludes, Showcasing Hong Kong’s Unique Advantages to the World】 The third Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit successfully concluded on 26 March! WGHK brought together around 360 influential family office decision-makers, visionary leaders, and industry pioneers from around the world. It effectively showcased Hong Kong’s dynamic growth in innovation, investment, and cross-cultural collaboration, as well as its unparalleled role as a bridge between East and West. Secretary Christopher Hui stated that the well-received event reaffirmed Hong Kong's stature as a pre-eminent global hub for family offices. He said, "This vibrant city - a beacon of opportunity, a super connector between East and West, and a thriving hub for over 2 700 single family offices - is where your vision, your capital, and your passion can flourish. Together, we stand on the cusp of a new era, one where wealth is not just preserved but harnessed as a force for good, transcending borders and generations. I invite you to join us in a shared mission: to build, to learn, and to give. These three pillars will define our collaboration, inspiring you to leverage Hong Kong's unique ecosystem to create a lasting impact." Jointly organised by FSTB and InvestHK, the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit featured renowned international speakers who shared profound insights on creating positive value through wealth. The summit served as a powerful platform for collaboration and innovation, bringing together global family offices to explore how wealth can drive social progress and long-term impact. The summit concluded with a gala dinner, providing attendees with an opportunity to network and engage in in-depth discussions on family legacy and emerging opportunities while experiencing Hong Kong’s unique energy, entrepreneurial spirit, and relentless pursuit of innovation and collaboration.

【Hong Kong maintains third place globally with higher rating in Global Financial Centres Index】 Hong Kong maintained third place globally, with the overall rating increasing by 11 points to 760, slightly closing the gap in rating with first place, in the Global Financial Centres Index (GFCI) 37 Report published today (March 20) by Z/Yen from the United Kingdom and the China Development Institute from Shenzhen. Hong Kong also continued to rank first in the Asia Pacific.   The report fully recognises Hong Kong's leading status and strengths as an international financial centre. Hong Kong's rankings in the areas of 'human capital', 'infrastructure', and 'financial sector development' rose to second in the world, while rankings in 'business environment' and 'reputational and general' rose to third globally.   Hong Kong also ranked among the top in various financial industry sectors. Among these, Hong Kong ranked first globally in "investment management", "insurance" and "finance", and ranked third globally in "banking". In addition, the report assessed the financial centres' fintech offering, and Hong Kong's ranking leapt further by five places to fourth in the world. Secretary Christopher Hui said, "Hong Kong's rating in the latest Global Financial Centres Index has risen, securing its position among the top three global financial hubs. This fully demonstrates our strength and advantages as an international financial centre. With the strong support of our country, Hong Kong will continue to leverage the unique advantages of the 'One Country, Two Systems' framework, deepen international cooperation, and promote high-quality development in financial markets. We will actively enhance financial connectivity, expand offshore RMB business, and drive innovation in green finance, asset management, and fintech to further boost market dynamism and competitiveness. I firmly believe that, through joint efforts between the Government and the industry, Hong Kong will continue to strengthen its leadership as an international financial centre, creating more opportunities for global investors and enterprises."

Prominent Speakers Gather at the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit   The Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit (WGHK), set for its third occurrence on March 26, will be a key event in 'Hong Kong Super March' and a highlight of the 'Wealth and Investment Mega Event Week.' Participants from around the world will engage in in-depth discussions on three major topics: arts and culture, philanthropy, and technology and artificial intelligence investments. These dialogues aim to explore how wealth can drive social progress, inspire creativity, and create profound impacts.   Secretary Christopher Hui said, "World-class speakers and decision-makers of family offices will gather in Hong Kong to showcase the city’s distinctive advantages of enjoying strong support of the Mainland and being closely connected to the world. They are going to feel for themselves the unparalleled opportunities that Hong Kong has to offer as a global family office hub for wealth stewardship driving sustainable growth and touching lives far beyond our city through our strong financial and legal infrastructure, global connectivity, and thriving professional and philanthropic ecosystem."   List of prominent speakers at WGHK   ·      Mr Luis Alvarado, Head of GAEA, World Economic Forum; ·      Mr Horst Bente, Founder of ADLEGACY; ·      Mr Robert Buchbauer, Vice Chairman, Swarovski International Holding; ·      Dr Adrian Cheng, Chairman of the Board, Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy; ·      Mr Steve Davis, Senior Advisor and Director, Gates Foundation; ·      Mr Simone Gibertoni, Chief Executive Officer of Clinique La Prairie; ·      Mr Gregg Lemkau, Co-Chief Executive Officer, BDT & MSD Partners; ·      Mr James Peng, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pony. ai; ·      Mr Pandu Patria Sjahrir, Chief Investment Officer, Danantara Indonesia; ·      Mr Joe Tsai, Co-founder and Chairman, Alibaba Group; ·      Professor Irene Tracey, Vice-Chancellor of University of Oxford; ·      Ms Supaluck Umpujh, Chairwoman of The Mall Group; and ·      Ms Yeyi Yun, Co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of MiniMax

【Wealth for Good in Hong Kong: Of the World, For the World】   Secretary Christopher Hui announced in his blog that the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit (WGHK) will return to the city on March 26. Now in its third edition, this flagship event for global leaders in family office finance and philanthropy provides a platform for global elites to network and collaborate, while reinforcing Hong Kong’s reputation as a leading international financial centre. This year, the theme is "Hong Kong of the World, for the World". Hong Kong’s role as a "super-connector" and “super value-adder” between the Mainland and the world is more crucial than ever amid global uncertainty and escalating trade tensions. With a distinct and independent regulatory and legal regime, Hong Kong will continue to deepen its cooperation with the international community, championing the city's steadfast values and unique high-growth opportunities on the global stage. Secretary Hui also announced that at the end of March, Hong Kong will host the "Wealth and Investment Mega Event Week", featuring several high-profile international gatherings. These include the Global Investors' Symposium organized by the Milken Institute, the HSBC Global Investment Summit, the Bloomberg Family Office Summit, and several 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 will bring together global family offices, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore new opportunities, driving fresh momentum in wealth management and global investment. Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/g6pdvAEG

【FSTB Welcomes IMF’s Recognition: Hong Kong to Steadily Navigate Changes in the International Landscape】 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) released a Staff Report yesterday, giving high recognition to Hong Kong's economic recovery and the resilience of its financial system. Secretary Christopher Hui welcomed the IMF's positive evaluation, noting that the report fully acknowledges Hong Kong's status as an international financial centre. It also highlights Hong Kong's resilience and ability to respond to challenges, supported by its sound institutional framework and the Linked Exchange Rate System. Additionally, in the earlier preliminary assessment, it was projected that Hong Kong's real GDP would grow by 2.7% in both 2024 and 2025. The IMF Staff Mission also commended the Hong Kong SAR Government's efforts in developing new growth drivers, including advancing the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area development plan, increasing investment, and attracting overseas talent and high-end industries to Hong Kong. "The IMF report once again confirms the solid foundation of Hong Kong's economy and financial system, showcasing our resilience and stability amidst global economic uncertainties. As a highly open economy, Hong Kong leverages its extensive financial services sector and close integration with international markets to remain competitive amidst global economic shifts, further strengthening its position as a preferred platform for international investors," said Secretary Hui. "Hong Kong will continue to capitalise on the unique advantages of the 'One Country, Two Systems' principle, deepening its connections with both mainland China and international markets, promoting financial innovation, green transformation, and globally aligned policy development. We will also strive to enhance Hong Kong's attractiveness as a hub for capital, talent, and innovative technologies, ensuring that Hong Kong moves steadily forward in the ever-changing international environment and maintains its leading position."

【Showcasing Financial Power and Continuously Expanding Influence】 Secretary Christopher Hui summarised the two-day 18th Asian Financial Forum (AFF) via his blog. AFF, which concluded successfully last Tuesday (14 January), is Hong Kong’s annual first-in-line flagship mega event and a significant forum highly anticipated by the region’s financial community. This year, the forum has attracted about 3 600 policymakers and business leaders from about 50 countries and regions, featuring numerous highlights.  This year’s AFF, themed “Powering the Next Growth Engine”, discussed ways to ignite new growth engines in 2025 and achieve breakthroughs in a challenging landscape. The forum featured a distinguished lineup of more than 130 renowned speakers, including senior government officials, representatives of central banks and regulatory agencies, financial and business leaders, scholars, and economists, who offered unique opinions on various hot topics including global economic and financial development, growth potential in emerging markets like ASEAN and the Middle East, artificial intelligence (AI), fintech, sustainable development, family offices, and philanthropy, etc. The forum also featured the AFF Deal-making session, bringing together more than 270 investors and over 560 investment projects with more than 700 one-on-one meetings held, covering a wide spectrum of sectors such as fintech, healthtech, environmental technology, etc. The forum attracted top-notch financial and business leaders from around the world, reflecting the attractiveness and significant position of Hong Kong as an international financial centre. FSTB will continue to leverage Hong Kong’s strengths, power the next growth engine, and contribute to the overall development of the region and the world. Read the full blog article: https://lnkd.in/gV4ic56s