China’s richest families have become one of the most influential groups of asset owners in the global financial system, with recent estimates suggesting they have more than $5tn of assets under management.

A new report from OMFIF’s Wealth Strategy Institute investigates the willingness and ability of these families to adapt their investment approach to a new environment and a looming generational change in the Chinese wealth market. Launched ahead of OMFIF’s second annual China-UK conference on 22 November in London, the report analyses:

• The shift from generating high returns to a more stable, low-risk approach;
• The need for advice as they seek to diversify their investments;
• The growing role of family offices and the professionalisation of asset management for Chinese ultra-high-net-worth individuals;
• The battle for offshore assets between Hong Kong, Singapore and the Middle East;
• The rise of next-generation investors and their growing interest in alternative investments such as hedge funds, private equity, infrastructure and sustainable financial products;
• The perspectives of next-generation investors with differing business horizons to their respective first-generation family offices;
• Opportunities and challenges in moving capital outside China and avenues to access international markets.

Lily Zhu, managing director of the Wealth Strategy Institute, said: ‘For wealthy families in China, the shift from the first generation to the second is a pivotal moment. They are more likely to catalyse progress in global phenomena such as artificial intelligence, digitalisation and sustainable investing. Meanwhile, during these uncertain times, it is clear that safeguarding wealth, effective risk management and sound estate planning have become ever more imperative for all high-net-worth individuals and families.’

For more information about the report and OMFIF’s Wealth Strategy Institute, including our calendar of events in 2024, please contact:
Lily Zhu, Managing Director, at lily.zhu@omfif.org