Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) has taken a significant step in the global financial dialogue by collaborating with the World Economic Forum (WEF) to host its inaugural financial services event in Hong Kong on March 26, 2025. The Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems 2025 Symposium gathered top business leaders, public officials, tech innovators, and academics to discuss pressing global themes relevant to Asia, including emerging technologies, fintech, growth financing, and sustainability.
The event, held at HKEX Connect Hall, commenced with welcome remarks from HKEX Chairman Carlson Tong, who expressed enthusiasm for the partnership with WEF. “We are delighted to be strengthening our long-term partnership with the World Economic Forum by bringing this important global dialogue from Davos to Hong Kong,” Tong stated. He emphasized the event’s significance in showcasing Hong Kong’s resilience and its pivotal role in shaping the future of global finance, highlighting the opportunity to present Asian perspectives on critical issues.
Following Tong’s remarks, a fireside chat featured Paul Chan, Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR), who discussed the importance of collaboration in addressing the challenges facing the financial sector. Chan’s participation underscored the event’s relevance as a platform for dialogue among leaders in finance.
The Symposium was co-chaired by Bonnie Y Chan, CEO of HKEX, alongside notable corporate leaders such as Jenny Johnson, President and CEO of Franklin Templeton Investments; Fred Hu, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Primavera Capital Group; and Rishi Kapoor, Vice-Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Investcorp. Bonnie Y Chan remarked on the extraordinary growth of Asia, positioning the region as a global economic powerhouse driven by China’s advancements in innovation and sustainability.
Matthew Blake, Head of the Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems at WEF, emphasized the importance of the Symposium as a response to global uncertainties stemming from geopolitical, technological, and economic shifts. “As a critical bridge to APAC, a region home to 60% of the world’s population and accounting for US$40 trillion in GDP, Hong Kong is an ideal location to host the World Economic Forum’s inaugural Centre for Financial and Monetary Systems 2025 Symposium,” Blake stated.
The discussions held during the event not only continued the global dialogues initiated at WEF’s Annual Meeting 2025 in Davos but also helped inform the agenda for the upcoming Annual Meeting of the New Champions (Summer Davos) in Tianjin, scheduled for June 24-26, 2025.
In a related event on the same day, Financial Secretary Paul Chan welcomed attendees to the third Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, further solidifying Hong Kong’s reputation as a premier financial center for family offices. Chan highlighted the vital role family offices play in preserving wealth and creating a lasting legacy for future generations. “Family offices are not just about financial returns; they are visionaries, philanthropists, and next-generation leaders committed to creating positive social and environmental impacts that benefit humanity,” he noted.
Chan pointed to the recent surge in the Hong Kong stock market, with the Hang Seng index rising approximately 20% since the beginning of 2025, building on an 18% increase throughout 2024. This growth reflects investor optimism regarding technology in China and underscores Hong Kong’s essential role in connecting regional opportunities with global investors.
Moreover, Chan indicated that Hong Kong’s asset and wealth management industry is thriving, managing about US$4 trillion in assets, with two-thirds originating from outside the city. He noted that more than 2,700 family offices have chosen Hong Kong as their home, with half managing assets exceeding US$50 million. This trend positions Hong Kong to become the world’s largest cross-border wealth management center by 2028.
Chan also highlighted the supportive regulatory environment for family offices, noting that Hong Kong has no capital gains tax, no estate tax, and no tax on dividends, making it an attractive destination for investment. “Global capital feels at ease in Hong Kong,” he stated, emphasizing the stability provided by the “one country, two systems” arrangement.
In addition to financial discussions, Chan outlined Hong Kong’s commitment to innovation and technology, detailing the government’s investment in creating a green tech and green finance center. He mentioned the establishment of the Hong Kong Investment Corporation (HKIC) with a capital of US$8 billion, which supports tech firms in their early stages and has invested in over 90 projects to date.
As the city prepares for upcoming events like Art Basel and the Hong Kong Sevens, Chan emphasized Hong Kong’s vibrant arts and culture scene, which complements its financial prowess. He encouraged attendees to explore the city as a meeting point for East and West, tradition and innovation.
In conclusion, the collaboration between HKEX and WEF marks a pivotal moment for Hong Kong as it seeks to strengthen its position in the global financial landscape. The discussions at both the Symposium and the Wealth for Good Summit reflect a collective commitment to leveraging wealth for societal good while fostering innovation and sustainability in the financial sector.
