Hong Kong is emerging as a leading centre for family offices and impact investment, according to industry experts, as new data reveals that ESG investments now account for a significant share of portfolios globally.
A survey released by the Sustainable Finance Initiative (SFI) found that nine in ten family offices worldwide allocate part of their portfolios to ESG-related projects. Nearly 20 per cent said that sustainable investments make up at least half of their assets, while close to 60 per cent dedicate 10 per cent or more.
“Family offices want their investments to have a positive impact on society and the environment while generating strong returns,” said Katy Yung, CEO of SFI. “These figures demonstrate that family offices have not only maintained their focus, but also refined strategies to capture both social impact and financial performance.”
The survey gathered insights from 144 family office representatives across 15 countries during the SFI Impact Summit in Hong Kong in May. Nature-based solutions – including reforestation, wetland restoration and regenerative agriculture – were ranked the top priority this year, overtaking food and agriculture, while healthcare came third.
Industry observers say Hong Kong stands to benefit directly from this shift. Tom Chan Pak-lam, permanent honourable president of the Institute of Securities Dealers, noted that government efforts to promote both family offices and sustainable finance, alongside mandatory ESG disclosures by listed companies, have strengthened the city’s appeal.
“With ESG projects requiring significant capital, family offices can leverage Hong Kong’s stock market as a platform for investment,” Chan said. The Hang Seng Index has risen 29 per cent so far this year, following an 18 per cent increase in 2024, with the city also regaining its position as the world’s largest IPO market in the first eight months of 2025.
The study also highlighted regional preferences, with 42 per cent of family offices targeting Asia-Pacific for ESG investments, followed by Africa (16 per cent), Europe and North America (15 per cent each), Latin America (6 per cent) and the Middle East (5 per cent). Private equity and direct investments remain the preferred channels, accounting for nearly half of all allocations.
“From last year’s early signals to this year’s robust and refined data, our findings underscore the dynamism and determination of family offices in Asia-Pacific,” Yung added.
