Core Insights - Standard Chartered Hong Kong conducted a survey under the Hong Kong Monetary Authority's "Digital HKD+" project to assess high-net-worth investors' engagement with digital assets, revealing a growing demand for such investment products [1][2] - The survey indicated that nearly 80% of respondents are interested in participating in digital asset investments within the next 12 months, with over 30% already owning digital assets [1] - Wealthier clients show greater confidence in diversifying investments through digital assets, with most starting with small investments, allocating 20% or less of their portfolios to this asset class [1] Investment Behavior - Respondents who have invested in digital assets use an average of 2.5 investment platforms, indicating a preference for diversification and familiarity with different platforms [1] - Key barriers to investment include product price volatility, platform security, and a lack of relevant knowledge [1] Future Developments - Standard Chartered Hong Kong completed the first phase of the "Digital HKD" offline payment test last year and is exploring the feasibility of allowing investors to purchase tokenized assets directly through digital HKD or tokenized deposits for transaction settlements [1] - The bank plans to launch virtual asset ETF trading services in November, aiming to provide clients with more diversified asset allocation and financial options [2]

Group 1: Industry Overview - The Hong Kong asset management and private equity industry is demonstrating resilience amidst global geopolitical uncertainties and uneven economic recovery, solidifying its position as a financial hub in the Asia-Pacific region [1][13][18] - By the end of 2024, the total assets under management in Hong Kong's asset and wealth management industry are expected to grow by 13% year-on-year, reaching HKD 35.1 trillion, with net inflows surging by 81% [1][18][21] Group 2: IPO Market Performance - In the first half of 2025, Hong Kong raised HKD 107.1 billion through IPOs, marking the highest level since 2021, driven by "A+H" listings contributing 72% of the total financing [1][21][22] - The strong performance of the IPO market is supported by a robust pipeline of companies in technology, healthcare, and consumer sectors, with a record 26 A-share companies seeking dual listings in Hong Kong [1][21] Group 3: Industry Consolidation and Trends - Global asset management is experiencing significant consolidation, with firms seeking to expand scale and product offerings through mergers and acquisitions, a trend also evident in Hong Kong [2][27][28] - The rise of a "multi-strategy supermarket" model is emerging, where firms offer a wide range of investment solutions to meet the diverse needs of Asia's growing middle class [2][27] Group 4: Regulatory Developments - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is enhancing scrutiny of asset management firms, focusing on potential risks in private fund management and aiming to improve compliance standards [2][34][37] - Key regulatory priorities include investor protection, cybersecurity, and the implementation of robust internal controls to mitigate risks in the digital age [2][34][39] Group 5: Tax Policy Optimization - Hong Kong is reforming its Unified Fund Exemption (UFE) system to include more investment categories and simplify approval processes, enhancing tax certainty for fund managers [3][43][44] - The proposed reforms aim to attract international fund managers by providing clearer guidelines and expanding the scope of tax exemptions [3][43][45] Group 6: Private Equity and Alternative Investments - Despite geopolitical tensions, the Chinese mainland market remains vibrant, with active RMB funding providing exit opportunities for foreign investors [3][48] - The emergence of structured liquidity solutions is accelerating the development of the secondary private equity market, catering to the growing demand for liquidity and exit strategies [3][48] Group 7: Cross-Border Cooperation and Technological Innovation - Hong Kong is enhancing cross-border investment facilitation, with initiatives like "Cross-Border Wealth Management Connect 2.0" expanding participation and product offerings [4][13] - Technological innovations, particularly in artificial intelligence and virtual assets, are reshaping the industry landscape, improving operational efficiency and attracting retail investors [4][5][13] Group 8: Family Offices and Wealth Management - The number of family offices in Hong Kong is projected to grow by 43% by 2025, driven by government initiatives to attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals [5][13] - Local asset management firms are expanding services to include wealth management and tax consulting, enhancing Hong Kong's appeal to global family offices [5][13]

Core Insights - The KPMG report highlights the resilience of Hong Kong's asset management and private equity industry amidst global uncertainties, projecting growth opportunities and challenges ahead [1][11][12]. Industry Overview - By the end of 2024, the total assets under management in Hong Kong's asset and wealth management sector is expected to reach HKD 35.1 trillion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 13% and a significant net inflow increase of 81% [1][16]. - The IPO market in Hong Kong is performing strongly, with HKD 107.1 billion raised in the first half of 2025, driven by a surge in "A+H" listings and a robust pipeline from sectors like TMT and healthcare [1][19]. Industry Consolidation - The report notes an acceleration in industry consolidation, with global and Hong Kong asset management firms pursuing mergers and acquisitions to achieve scale and efficiency, leading to the emergence of a "multi-strategy super market" model [1][25][26]. Regulatory Developments - The Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) is enhancing scrutiny on asset management firms, focusing on private fund management deficiencies and liquidity risk management, while also introducing guidelines for AI governance and virtual assets [1][32][60]. Tax Environment - Reforms to the Unified Fund Exemption (UFE) are expected to broaden the exemption scope and enhance the attractiveness of the tax environment, potentially drawing more funds and investors to Hong Kong [1][41][42]. Private Equity and Alternative Investments - The mainland China market remains a significant area for private equity, with Hong Kong asset managers positioned to capitalize on the growing interest in alternative assets from investors [1][46][47]. - Emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia present new investment opportunities, while mature markets such as Japan and Australia offer stable investment paths [1][48]. Cross-Border Opportunities - The opening of the mainland market provides Hong Kong asset managers with a unique position to serve the global allocation needs of mainland investors, supported by ongoing improvements in cross-border financial mechanisms [2][55]. Artificial Intelligence - The application of AI in asset management is moving towards systematic implementation, driven by the need for operational efficiency and cost reduction, although challenges related to data privacy and regulatory compliance remain [2][59][60]. Virtual Assets - Hong Kong is advancing in the virtual asset space, having granted licenses to ten virtual asset trading platforms, with expectations for growth in related products and services [2][64][66]. Tokenization - The rise of tokenization technology is set to transform wealth management, with regulatory support paving the way for new investment opportunities, although challenges in market liquidity and infrastructure need to be addressed [2][71][72].