Hong Kong is seeing growing interest from European family offices as it strengthens its position as the world’s leading centre for offshore wealth management. According to InvestHK, around 30 European family offices are planning to establish a presence in the city, representing nearly one-fifth of the 160 family office projects currently being handled by the agency.
The trend reflects a broader shift among wealthy European families looking towards Asia for new investment opportunities. Attractive tax incentives, access to China’s fast-growing technology sector, and changing geopolitical dynamics are encouraging investors to diversify beyond their traditional focus on Europe, the United States, and the Middle East.
Jason Fong, InvestHK’s global head of family office, said interest from Europe has increased significantly, with several Italian families engaging with the agency after attending the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit earlier this year. He noted that Hong Kong offers a combination of stability, innovation, resilience, and growth opportunities that is increasingly appealing to international investors.
Hong Kong’s rising status as a wealth management centre has added to its appeal. According to Boston Consulting Group’s latest Global Wealth Report, the city recently surpassed Switzerland in offshore assets under management, holding approximately $2.95 trillion compared with Switzerland’s $2.94 trillion. The report forecasts that Hong Kong’s lead will continue to expand over the coming years.
The family office ecosystem has also grown rapidly. Research commissioned by InvestHK and conducted by Deloitte found that the number of single-family offices in Hong Kong increased by 25% over the past two years, reaching roughly 3,384 by the end of 2025. These firms contribute an estimated $12.6 billion annually to the local economy through operating expenditure.
Tax benefits remain a key attraction. Single-family offices that meet certain investment, staffing, and spending requirements can qualify for exemptions from Hong Kong’s 16.5% profits tax on income generated from stocks and bonds. Authorities are also considering expanding these exemptions to include additional investment products.
European advisers say recent geopolitical tensions have prompted wealthy families to reassess where they deploy capital. Jennifer Chan, co-founder of advisory firm Orientis, noted that an increasing number of European investors are exploring opportunities across Hong Kong and wider Asia. Her firm has organised several visits for wealthy families from countries including Germany, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Italy, with some subsequently establishing family offices in the city.
Many investors are particularly interested in two areas: China’s technology sector and Hong Kong’s property market. Growing enthusiasm for Chinese innovation, especially in artificial intelligence, has drawn international capital, while Hong Kong’s real estate market is viewed by some investors as offering attractive value following recent price declines.
The Hong Kong government has actively promoted the city to international wealth owners through roadshows and outreach initiatives. At the same time, financial institutions are expanding services for affluent clients. French insurer AXA recently launched a dedicated private wealth platform in Hong Kong, offering insurance, wealth management, and succession planning solutions for high-net-worth families across Asia.
Industry experts believe Hong Kong’s role as a gateway to mainland China and the Greater Bay Area will continue to attract European capital. With rapid advances in China’s technology and AI sectors creating new investment opportunities, the city is increasingly being viewed as a strategic base for family offices seeking exposure to Asia’s long-term growth story.
