Nearly half of Hong Kong respondents fear wealth succession risks, Sun Life survey finds

About 44 percent of Hong Kong respondents worry their wealth may not be passed on, while 64 percent of high-net-worth respondents fear assets could trigger family disputes, according to a survey by Sun Life Financial.

The survey found that wealth continuity is the most important legacy goal for Hong Kong residents, with nearly one-third of respondents saying they most want to pass assets to the next generation.

When asked about the priorities of succession planning, 65 percent of respondents said safeguarding family financial stability was the most critical factor, followed by ensuring sufficient wealth for heirs and establishing a clear estate distribution plan to reduce misunderstandings or conflicts, at 52 percent and 50 percent, respectively.

Long-term wealth growth also ranked high among respondents, with 46 percent saying they aim to build wealth through financial assets, life insurance or family businesses. Among high-net-worth individuals, that figure rose to 59 percent.

Inheritance is also viewed as a foundation for family security and future opportunity. About 43 percent of respondents said inherited assets should help cover basic living needs such as housing and healthcare, while 41 percent said inheritance should fund education from primary school through university or vocational training.

Concerns over wealth succession are intensifying amid longer life expectancy and market volatility, underscoring the need for earlier and more comprehensive planning, said Christine Yeung, life and health deputy chief executive at Sun Life Hong Kong.

Regarding the redomiciliation regime, chief executive officer Clement Lam Ka-yin stated that the company will eventually return to Hong Kong, as the company's business is based here, adding that moving back would also remove the regulatory burden of being registered in Bermuda.

The number of its advisor team increased 700 to over 3,500 this year, bringing the estimated advisors to surpass 5,000 at the end of 2026, which is projected to be the biggest hiring year for advisors on record, Sun Life said.

In the first half, Sun Life's annual premium equivalent rose 18 percent yearly to HK$5 billion, with the full-year target at over HK$10 billion, the insurer said.