An increasing number of wealthy Europeans are establishing family offices in Hong Kong as they look to expand their investments across Asia, according to BNP Paribas. At the same time, affluent investors from mainland China are using the city as a gateway to acquire assets in Europe, highlighting Hong Kong’s growing role as a bridge between East and West.
Lemuel Lee, BNP Paribas’ head of wealth management in Hong Kong, said the bank is seeing stronger two-way capital flows between Europe and mainland China, with Hong Kong serving as a strategic hub for both regions.
Lee explained that European investors seeking opportunities in Asian technology companies and other businesses are choosing Hong Kong as a base for their family offices because it offers an ideal location for conducting due diligence, negotiating transactions and managing regional investments.
Family offices, which oversee investments, succession planning and other wealth-related matters for ultra-wealthy families, have become a priority for Hong Kong. Since 2023, the government has introduced tax incentives and other measures to attract more of these firms.
The city’s efforts appear to be paying off. Earlier this year, InvestHK revealed it was supporting 30 European family offices looking to establish a presence or invest in Hong Kong. A recent Deloitte report also found that the number of single-family offices in the city grew by 25% over the past two years, reaching around 3,384 by the end of 2025.
Hong Kong is also helping wealthy mainland Chinese families expand into Europe. According to Lee, BNP Paribas has assisted clients in acquiring assets such as French vineyards and retail properties in Paris, using Hong Kong as their international investment platform.
Looking ahead, Lee believes Hong Kong should strengthen its support for philanthropic activities, as many wealthy families increasingly view charitable giving as an essential part of preserving their legacy.
He noted that while first-generation entrepreneurs typically focus on creating wealth and the next generation concentrates on investing it, many families eventually shift their attention to making a lasting social impact through philanthropy.
To meet this growing demand, BNP Paribas launched the BNP Paribas Bridge Foundation in February. The donor-advised fund platform is designed to help Asian family offices and high-net-worth individuals manage charitable giving efficiently, ensuring donations are administered in a compliant and well-governed way while creating meaningful social impact.
