Where money comes to grow: why Hong Kong leads the future of global finance
A dynamic new video campaign from the Financial Services Development Council showcases the city as a top destination for capital growth
The Financial Services Development Council (FSDC) certainly has a great story to tell about what’s happening in Hong Kong, and it is now sharing that message with the widest possible audience through an innovative promotional campaign that reaffirms the city’s standing as a pre-eminent international financial centre.
A series of four sharp and stylish short-form videos on the theme of “Where Money Comes to Grow” spotlights Hong Kong’s unparalleled strengths in meeting the diverse needs of investors, entrepreneurs, institutions and other practitioners.
It also makes clear how Hong Kong’s key advantages, ranging from an open economy and liquid capital markets to a robust legal framework and excellent connectivity, can facilitate deal-making, wealth preservation and the search for new opportunities.
The videos use a narrative device, with an actor personifying “Money” – the sharp and witty protagonist of the series – who represents “Capital” and extols the benefits of Hong Kong as the ideal home for growing wealth.
The series makes it possible to touch on the many different aspects of what the city has to offer, not just as a specialised financial ecosystem, but also as a magnet for global talent and a great place to work and enjoy a lifestyle like no other.
“Hong Kong shapes capital flows in ways no other financial centres can,” says Benjamin Hung, chairman of the FSDC, which was established to map out the strategic direction for the financial services sector in collaboration with key industry players.
“For decades, the city has been the world’s premier financial marketplace, where businesses find capital connectivity seamless. We need to convey our distinctive edge globally – in more confident and creative ways. This campaign is our bold affirmation, where Hong Kong plays anchor to the next era of international finance.”
The video series begins by highlighting the city’s low-tax regime, free flows of capital and clear regulations, which provide a stable framework that can empower dreams.
These strengths enable long-term investors, global brands, multinationals, start-up pioneers and game changers to build for the future. Businesses have the scope and freedom to find new markets, take a stake in cutting-edge industries, scale without ceilings, build their own legacies and, when necessary, secure the financial backing to fund their ambitions.
Compelling evidence of Hong Kong’s influential and leading role as a global hub for international business and finance can be found in a number of independent reports and surveys.
For instance, Bloomberg Intelligence has projected that by the end of this year, the city will surpass Switzerland as the world’s largest centre for cross-border wealth management, with the industry worth an estimated US$2.9 trillion.
Separately, the Global Financial Centres Index 38 recently ranked Hong Kong first in Asia and third globally for its efficiency and effectiveness as an international financial hub. In terms of global competitiveness, the Fraser Institute 2025 survey ranked Hong Kong as the world’s freest economy.
Another key theme from the video campaign is the city’s proficiency in raising funds, and engineering opportunities for capital to thrive during uncertain times and in an ever-evolving world.
With its deep pool of liquidity, efficient financial infrastructure and numerous cross-border portfolio flow channels, Hong Kong has made itself the largest global offshore renminbi business hub. In the first half of this year, it led the way in initial public offerings, raising about US$13.7 billion, and is on track to retain that position by the end of the year, according to accountancy firm PwC.
With total market capitalisation equivalent to US$5.4 trillion at the end of June, the local stock market was ranked sixth globally by that measure, with new inflows increasing the likelihood of it climbing higher still.
Hong Kong, which is home to more than 12,500 ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) individuals and about 2,700 single-family offices, will continue to provide the diverse funding sources needed to unlock investment potential and pursue capital growth in new areas and emerging sectors.
Some of those new and emerging sectors are linked to the continuing expansion of mainland China’s economy and hi-tech industries in Southern China’s Greater Bay Area and beyond. Others stem from advances in the digital sphere of AI, blockchain and Web3 technologies, or can be found in start-up enterprises, sustainability initiatives or alternative funds.
These finance activities offer proof of the advantages of Hong Kong’s unique innovation-driven environment, its unrivalled access to capital, low corporate and personal tax rates, strong rule of law and strict anti-fraud regulations.
Importantly, Hong Kong adopts a careful yet accommodating approach to digital banking innovations and cryptocurrency assets. The city is actively developing its digital asset sector by establishing a comprehensive regulatory framework. To date, 22 banks are allowed to distribute digital asset-related products.
Based on Hong Kong Monetary Authority data, transactions related to digital assets and tokenised assets in banks experienced year-on-year growth of more than 230 per cent in the first half of this year.
The city also stands out in other ways, with this year’s IMD World Talent Ranking published by Swiss-based IMD Business School placing the city first in Asia and fourth globally, reflecting confidence in times of change and background uncertainties.
Factors contributing to Hong Kong’s success in attracting and retaining talent include its international schools and world-class universities, safe urban environment, the convenience of travel and proximity to nature – with numerous hiking trails, beaches and islands located within easy distance of the urban hubs.
In addition, the city offers a vibrant lifestyle filled with world-class cultural and culinary offerings. It boasts outstanding museums and art exhibitions, a crowded calendar of mega-events and an enticing mix of local eateries and Michelin-starred restaurants serving cuisines from around the world.
“This video captures the essence of Hong Kong as a global financial powerhouse – where money comes to grow, ambition meets funding, and capital is protected by trusted rules and robust frameworks,” says Amy Lo, convenor of the FSDC market development committee.
“We set out to create something distinctive that speaks the language of global financial stakeholders and addresses what matters most to them. With unmatched scale, deep liquidity, a culture of innovation and a vibrant lifestyle that attracts top global talent, we are delivering a clear message that Hong Kong works for capital.”