HSBC Private Bank Report: Entrepreneurs strengthen wealth corridors as globalisation enters new phase

Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong are among the most globally minded in the world, according to research from HSBC Private Bank.

HSBC Private Bank’s Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2025 shows how business owners are seizing opportunities and benefiting from deepening international wealth corridors, as globalisation enters a new and dynamic phase. It reveals a decisive shift in how wealth is being diversified and managed internationally, with a strong focus in Asia and the Asia-Middle East corridor. Data shows that nearly three in five entrepreneurs globally (59 per cent) are diversifying wealth internationally, and nearly one in ten are considering moving personal assets to Hong Kong.

The report shows Hong Kong’s particular appeal to entrepreneurs in Asia looking to diversify, ranking as the preferred international choice for entrepreneurs in mainland China (22 per cent) and Taiwan (26 per cent) to diversify their wealth. Similarly, entrepreneurs in mainland China are one of the most interested in expanding their business to Hong Kong (78 per cent). Global entrepreneurs cite Hong Kong’s access to a wider customer/client base, better professional services and more advanced technologies as key reasons for wanting to conduct business here.

High optimism among Hong Kong entrepreneurs

Despite market volatility and geopolitical uncertainty, the vast majority (93 per cent) of entrepreneurs in Hong Kong are positive about their business outlook, and 84 per cent feel optimistic about their personal wealth prospects, with outlook for their business (51 per cent) and performance from their investment portfolio (46 per cent) as the top two driving factors.

Global mobility and multi-residency

Hong Kong entrepreneurs are particularly internationally mobile, ranking third globally with 80 per cent holding multi-residency status, significantly higher than the global average of 56 per cent. More than half (54 per cent) of the entrepreneurs in Hong Kong hold dual residency in mainland China or Singapore, with the rest spread across Taiwan, Japan, the UK and France. On the business front, 42 per cent of Hong Kong entrepreneurs plan to expand their business into new markets in the next 12 months.

Technological influence

Globally, technology or advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are seen as major drivers of business optimism, with more than three in five (62 per cent) of entrepreneurs worldwide citing tech advancements or AI as the top factors driving positivity for their business, while investing in AI is the most popular strategy for expansion. In Hong Kong, investing in technology is also a key strategy for business expansion.

Luxury spending trends

Hong Kong entrepreneurs are enthusiastic luxury consumers. Nearly half (49 per cent) spend on luxury goods such as high-end fashion and jewellery, followed by real estate for personal use (48 per cent) and cars (47 per cent). Hong Kong entrepreneurs are more likely than the rest of the world to spend on art and collectibles (33 per cent) compared with a global average of 24 per cent.

Challenges ahead

Hong Kong entrepreneurs outweigh their international counterparts on a number of concerns about the next generation taking on the business. Most notably, 63 per cent worry that inheriting significant wealth will erode the values and work ethic of the next generation, higher than the global average of 50 per cent, while the same proportion (63 per cent) find it difficult to discuss which roles or responsibilities in the business are best suited to members of the next generation (versus a global average of 45 per cent). Other concerns include fearing that a large inheritance will create disputes within the family (58 per cent, versus 50 per cent globally) and finding it difficult to discuss money with the next generation (52 per cent, versus 40 per cent globally).

Lok Yim, Regional Head of HSBC Global Private Banking, Asia Pacific, said: “We remain confident in Hong Kong’s enduring role as a pivotal international wealth hub. In the past year alone, we have seen a growing number of entrepreneurs choose Hong Kong to drive globalisation and diversification, particularly from mainland China, where 78 per cent of entrepreneurs are looking to expand their businesses here.”

“As we anticipate trillions in wealth transfers across Asia in the next five years, our research reveals that Hong Kong entrepreneurs express significantly greater concerns than most of their international peers about passing on their wealth and businesses. This highlights the urgent need for thoughtful and strategic wealth planning by professional wealth planners, who can guide entrepreneurial families navigate this complex transition smoothly and ensure that their values and legacies are passed on for generations.”

HSBC Private Bank is committed to supporting entrepreneurs across different stages of their business and wealth journeys in Asia, from expanding businesses to managing family wealth and securing lasting legacies. This year, the Bank launched an enhanced entrepreneurial wealth proposition in Hong Kong and mainland China, with more markets to follow.

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