Hong Kong Investment Promotion Agency: The level of Hong Kong as a financial center will continue to rise in 2026, remaining first in Asia and third in the world.

The Hong Kong Investment Promotion Bureau stated that the global financial landscape is undergoing a profound reshaping and Hong Kong, relying on the unique advantages of "one country, two systems," is steadily climbing in its status as an international financial center. According to the latest Global Financial Centers Index, Hong Kong ranks third globally and first in Asia, with a total score of 765 points, narrowing the gap with the top two cities to only 1 to 2 points. In particular, the financial technology, banking, financing, and insurance industries rank first globally, once again affirming Hong Kong's leading position and core advantages as an international financial center. The Hong Kong Investment Promotion Bureau pointed out that in 2025, the IPO fundraising in Hong Kong reached HK$285.8 billion, ranking first globally and experiencing a 231% increase from 2024. Year to date, new stock fundraising on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange has exceeded HK$140 billion, indicating a strong interest from global capital in investing in the new economy sectors in China, which is being realized through Hong Kong. In terms of wealth management, by the end of 2024, the total value of assets managed in Hong Kong had reached HK$35.1 trillion, equivalent to 11 times the local GDP, with a significant 81% increase in net inflows of funds for the year. 54% of the funds come from investors from mainland China and beyond, making Hong Kong the world's second-largest and Asia's largest cross-border wealth management center. As for family offices, by the end of 2025, the number of single-family offices in Hong Kong had surpassed 3,380, an increase of about 680 offices from the end of 2023, representing a growth rate of over 25%, with another approximately 160 offices preparing or already deciding to establish in Hong Kong. The world's billionaires not only view Hong Kong as a trading hub but also as a "safe haven" for their wealth. For a long time, Hong Kong has been known as the "super-connector," bridging mainland China and global markets. In recent years, Hong Kong's role is undergoing a profound transformation - adding significant "value-added" functions on top of its connections. Hong Kong is now effectively playing the dual roles of "super-connector" and "super-value-added person" - in the financial field, leveraging its common law system to provide reliable legal protection for cross-border investments and offering value-added professional services; in the industrial chain, helping companies transition from exporting products to branding and technology exports, enhancing value; in the internationalization of the Renminbi, driving the Renminbi towards pricing and reserve currency status with over 75% of global offshore Renminbi payment and settlement share, achieving multiple value-added functions on top of its connectivity. The continuous rise in the ranking of Hong Kong's International Financial Center status is rooted in the solid institutional protection provided by the "one country, two systems" policy. Leveraging its legal system, free capital flow, and simple tax system, Hong Kong has become the top choice for global companies to expand their businesses. These advantages form the three core foundations of Hong Kong as a global capital "safe haven." The advantages of the legal system and institutions: Hong Kong operates under a common law system with independent judiciary and transparent regulations that seamlessly align with international rules. The headquarters of the International Mediation Court is based in Hong Kong in 2025, confirming its status as a global dispute resolution center and providing reliable legal protection for cross-border investments. This stable and predictable institutional environment has long been recognized by international capital, making Hong Kong a global "safe haven" for asset allocation. Competitive and simple tax system: Hong Kong's tax system is simple and has low tax rates, with no capital gains tax, estate tax, or value-added tax, and providing tax concessions for family offices and funds, significantly reducing compliance costs and operational burdens for enterprises and individuals. The 2026 financial budget further optimizes tax incentives, including expanding the scope of tax-exempt funds, optimizing the threshold for tax preferential treatment for family offices, and continuously consolidating Hong Kong's leading position as a global wealth management hub. Free flow of capital: With no foreign exchange controls and free flow of funds in and out as stipulated in the Basic Law, Hong Kong is the world's largest offshore Renminbi hub, handling approximately 80% of global offshore Renminbi settlements. The mutual access mechanisms continue to expand, making cross-border capital flows globally efficient. The Hong Kong Investment Promotion Bureau stated that the 15th Five-Year Plan of the country specifically supports Hong Kong: consolidating and enhancing its status as an international financial center, strengthening its positioning as a global offshore Renminbi hub, an international asset and wealth management center, and an international risk management center. With stable institutions, open markets, professional services, and a global network, Hong Kong provides a predictable, sustainable, and value-added development platform for global enterprises and investors.