Citywealth Forum 2026 Speaker spotlight: Daisy Ip, Head of Investment Promotion, Invest Hong Kong
Daisy Ip focused on Hong Kong’s rapid growth as a global wealth hub, highlighting the expansion of family offices, government incentives and the increasing demand for diversification. She positioned Hong Kong as a gateway between East and West, combining tax simplicity, legal familiarity and access to Asian markets.
Daisy Ip set out the scale of Hong Kong’s growth in wealth management.
She pointed to a sharp increase in the number of single family offices, alongside a growing population of ultra-high-net-worth individuals. The pace of expansion over recent years reflects both policy support and broader demand from internationally mobile families.
In her view, this growth is not incremental but structural, with Hong Kong strengthening its position as a leading global centre for private wealth.
A coordinated government strategy
A central theme in her contribution was the role of government in driving that growth.
Ip highlighted a series of measures designed to attract family offices and capital, including tax incentives, investment-linked residency schemes and the development of dedicated institutions to support wealth management.
This is not just about attracting assets, but about building a broader ecosystem: bringing together advisers, structures and supporting infrastructure in one place.
Expanding the investment framework
She also emphasised how Hong Kong is adapting to changing investment demand.
The range of qualifying investments is being widened, including areas such as commodities, gold and digital assets, reflecting a clear shift in how portfolios are being constructed.
This sits alongside growing interest from families seeking diversification, both geographically and across asset classes.
A gateway between regions
Ip positioned Hong Kong primarily as a connector.
Its role is not only as a domestic market, but as a link between Western capital and Asian growth. The combination of a common law legal system, relatively simple tax framework and direct access to mainland China and Southeast Asia remains a key part of its appeal.
For international families, this creates a practical base from which to manage regional exposure.
Stability and scale
She was also clear on the importance of scale.
Hong Kong’s position is underpinned by the size of its financial markets and the depth of its professional services sector. That combination provides a level of stability and expertise that remains attractive, particularly in uncertain global conditions.
Responding to global uncertainty
Ip linked recent growth partly to wider global uncertainty.
As families seek stability and flexibility, there is increased demand for jurisdictions that can offer both strong infrastructure and international connectivity.
She noted this is not limited to any one region, but reflects broader shifts in how wealth is managed and where it is based.
Beyond finance: lifestyle and infrastructure
She briefly touched on lifestyle factors, which remain part of Hong Kong’s proposition.
Alongside its financial strengths, the city offers a developed international environment, education infrastructure and a mix of urban and natural space, factors that continue to influence location decisions for families as well as businesses.
A changing global role
Her overall message was that Hong Kong’s role is evolving rather than static.
Growth in family offices, expansion of investment frameworks and continued government support are all part of a longer-term repositioning.
In an increasingly mobile and globalised wealth environment, Hong Kong is positioning itself not just as a financial centre, but as a hub for managing international wealth.
Key Quotes
“We are now home to over 3,380 single family offices.”
“That is a 25% growth since 2023.”
“We are housing over 17,000 ultra-high-net-worth individuals.”
“We have a dedicated team promoting family offices to set up in Hong Kong.”
“We are widening the scope of qualifying investments.”
“We are seeing rising demand for diversification.”
“There is no mutually exclusive destination: different centres have different strengths.”
“Hong Kong is where East meets West.”
Moderator:
James Penny, Barclays Private Bank
Speakers:
Connie Smith, Business Barbados
Daisy Ip, Invest Hong Kong
Magali Jacquet-Lagrèze, Monaco For Finance, AMAF (Association Monégasque des Activités Financières)
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