Core Insights - T. Rowe Price released the "2025 Hong Kong Retirement Survey," indicating that over half of respondents believe they need more than HKD 5 million in savings for a comfortable retirement [1] - The survey reveals a shift in retirement perceptions, with 52% of respondents changing the traditional view of retiring at 65, favoring flexible retirement options like "micro-retirement" and "post-retirement employment" [1] Summary by Categories Retirement Savings Expectations - 36% of respondents believe they need HKD 5.01-10 million for retirement, while 16% think they need over HKD 10 million [1] - 38% of respondents feel that HKD 2-5 million is sufficient for retirement, and 10% believe HKD 2 million or less is adequate [1] Changing Retirement Trends - 52% of respondents are moving away from the traditional retirement age of 65 [1] - 47% are inclined towards innovative retirement models such as "micro-retirement" and "post-retirement employment" [1] Micro-Retirement Insights - 80% of respondents prefer "micro-retirement," which involves planned short-term breaks during their careers [1] - The ideal age for "micro-retirement" is perceived to be after 50, lasting over a year, with most indicating a need to accumulate over HKD 2 million in assets before considering it [1] High-Income Respondents - 70% of high-income individuals prefer flexible retirement options [1] - Only 51% of high-income respondents have set retirement savings goals, the lowest among all income groups [1] Investment Strategy Implications - The emergence of trends like "micro-retirement" and "post-retirement employment" suggests that investment strategies should evolve accordingly [1]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Group NPAT increased by over 9% to $131 million, driven by cash flows in wealth businesses and efficiency improvements despite absorbing over 3% inflation [2][10] - EPS improved by 18% in the half, positively impacted by operating performance and share buybacks [2][10] - Total revenue rose to $632 million, with controllable costs decreasing by over 4% to $300 million, resulting in a 14% EBIT improvement [10][25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Platforms AUM grew over 11% to $83.2 billion, with margin holding steady at 43 basis points [11][12] - Superannuation and Investments AUM increased by over 8% to $58.5 billion, with a slight margin decrease to 62 basis points [12][17] - AMP Bank NPAT rose to $36 million, reflecting careful management of volume and margin, with NIM growing by 2 basis points [19][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - New Zealand AUM increased by 9.6% to $12.2 billion, driven by market movements despite modest margin compression [12][22] - Partnerships in China delivered strong results, with NPAT up 35% to $27 million, while other partnerships saw a decline due to property valuations [22][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to innovate in retirement solutions and enhance advisor efficiency through AI [5][32] - Focus on scaling AMP Bank Go while seeking niche lending opportunities to improve margins [32] - Continued emphasis on cost discipline and business simplification, with a target to maintain controllable costs at $600 million [28][90] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains optimistic about the growth potential in China, expecting a 10% growth rate through the cycle [38][39] - The economic environment in New Zealand is challenging, but diversified income streams provide some protection [7][22] - Management is cautious about maintaining NIM due to competitive pressures in the banking sector [40][43] Other Important Information - An interim dividend of $0.02 per share was announced, franked at 20% [2] - The business simplification program is expected to conclude slightly later than anticipated but remains within the guided investment envelope of $150 million pretax [28][29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Earnings growth outlook for China partnerships - Management expects continued strong growth in the China partnerships, supported by government pension reforms and a favorable macro backdrop [38][39] Question: NIM trajectory and full-year expectations - Management maintains a cautious outlook for NIM, expecting it to remain around 1.3% for the full year due to competitive pressures and deposit volume fluctuations [40][43] Question: S and I business margin outlook - Management indicated that margin dynamics are influenced by customer mix and retention, with a focus on onboarding new clients to improve margins [52][53] Question: Capital management and future outlook - Management is optimistic about capital position but remains cautious due to ongoing uncertainties, including class action litigation [48][49] Question: AMP Bank Go performance and target market - The initial focus has been on personal banking, but management expects to see a shift towards SME offerings as more products are launched [58]

Core Viewpoint - BlackRock has launched the BlackRock Wealth Navigator Fund Series to meet the diverse retirement planning needs of local retail investors, initially available exclusively to HSBC Hong Kong customers for the first six months [1] Group 1: Fund Offerings - The BlackRock Wealth Navigator Fund Series includes three comprehensive retirement solutions: the BlackRock Wealth Navigator Growth Fund, the BlackRock Wealth Navigator Growth and Income Fund, and the BlackRock Wealth Navigator Income Fund [1] - The Growth Fund is designed for early-career investors aiming for wealth accumulation and long-term compounding [1] - The Growth and Income Fund targets pre-retirees, balancing wealth appreciation and income [1] - The Income Fund provides stable income for retirees, addressing withdrawal phase needs [1] Group 2: Market Context and Strategy - Justin Christofel, the fund manager, emphasized the importance of tailored retirement plans amid rising inflation and market volatility, advocating for a diversified global investment portfolio that considers capital growth, income, and risk [1] - The fund series combines active and passive strategies across equities, fixed income, and alternative assets, offering a one-stop comprehensive solution for retirement financial planning [1] - Lei Minuo, head of wealth business for Greater China at BlackRock, highlighted the increasing demand from local investors for investment products that break traditional financial tools and cater to personal needs due to rising inflation and increasing life expectancy [1]