A recent survey by Sun Life reveals that 68% of Hong Kong high-net-worth individuals are anxious about transferring wealth due to escalating market volatility and family conflicts, underscoring growing demand for structured estate planning and private banking services.
- 68% of Hong Kong high-net-worth individuals express anxiety about wealth transfer due to market volatility
- 56% cite family disputes as a significant barrier to effective succession planning
- Only 34% of respondents have formal estate plans in place
- Increase in demand for private banking and trust services, up 40% over six months
- Hang Seng Index (HSI) experienced a 12% decline in Q3 2025 and 7% recovery in Q4
- Key stocks 00001.HK and 00011.HK remain central to asset portfolios and succession concerns
A growing number of Hong Kong’s high-net-worth individuals are expressing deep concern over the future of their wealth transfer, driven by economic uncertainty and internal family tensions, according to findings from a recent Sun Life survey. With the Hang Seng Index (HSI) fluctuating significantly over the past year—experiencing a 12% drop in the third quarter and a 7% rebound in November—investors are increasingly wary of passing down assets amid unpredictable market conditions. The survey, conducted across 500 affluent households in Hong Kong, found that 68% of respondents fear their wealth may not be preserved or distributed equitably due to financial volatility, while 56% cited unresolved family disputes as a major obstacle to succession planning. The data reveals a clear trend: only 34% of respondents have formal estate plans in place, despite 82% acknowledging the importance of such strategies. This gap is particularly evident among investors holding assets tied to the Hong Kong dollar (HKD) and major blue-chip stocks such as 00001.HK (HSBC Holdings) and 00011.HK (CK Hutchison). Among those with existing plans, nearly half reported that their strategies were outdated or not aligned with current market realities. The lack of proactive planning is increasingly seen as a risk factor, especially as intergenerational wealth transfer becomes more complex in a region where property and financial assets remain tightly linked to geopolitical and economic shifts. Market participants, including private banks and wealth advisory firms, are responding to the rising demand. Institutions are reporting a 40% increase in consultations related to estate structuring and trust vehicles over the past six months. Regulators and financial advisors are now emphasizing the need for transparent communication, legal safeguards, and diversified investment portfolios to mitigate both financial and familial risks during wealth transitions.