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Hong Kong economy
Opinion
Opinion
SCMP Editorial

Cross-border wealth hub crown latest sign Hong Kong is roaring back

City overtook Switzerland in BCG wealth report, underscoring vital ‘superconnector’ role between mainland and international capital markets

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People walk through the Central district of Hong Kong on January 26. Photo: Jelly Tse
Editorials represent the views of the South China Morning Post on the issues of the day.
Another welcome sign that Hong Kong’s economy is roaring back arrived this week with news that the city has surpassed Switzerland as the world’s largest cross-border wealth hub. It is a milestone to be celebrated. International consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG) said in its latest global wealth report released on Wednesday that cross-border wealth booked in Hong Kong climbed 10.7 per cent last year to US$2.95 trillion. The figure was narrowly above Switzerland’s US$2.94 trillion, which had risen 7.6 per cent.

BCG said the rise was driven by an initial public offering (IPO) bonanza and capital inflows from mainland China. The report also noted Hong Kong was “cementing its role as China’s gateway to global markets” with cross-border wealth growth of around 9 per cent annually projected through to 2030.

The pace is envisioned to be enough to secure Hong Kong’s leading position over the next five years. BCG managing director and report co-author Michael Kahlich said the shifts were “reshaping the geography of global wealth” and Hong Kong’s rise “reflects the growing gravitational pull of Asian wealth and capital markets”.

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Hong Kong officials have in recent years said the city was poised to outpace the European banking and finance powerhouse. Recent developments have supported that prediction.

The city has seen IPO flows coming not only from the mainland, but also from Southeast Asia and many countries elsewhere. As gold becomes a safe haven investment, Hong Kong has seized opportunities to trade in the precious metal. The city is also sharpening its competitive edge as an offshore yuan hub. Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) finance ministers will meet in Hong Kong in October.
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There has also been greater cross-border integration with mainland China, especially across the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. The city is preparing its first five-year plan to dovetail with the national 15th five-year plan, with finance and innovation among the key areas covered.

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