Author: HKFA Media Team

Why Hong Kong Trusts Remain Immune to Global Banking Risks

The Fragility Behind Modern Banking   Even high-net-worth clients are not immune to the systemic vulnerabilities of global banking. Frozen accounts, politically motivated sanctions, unexpected insolvency events, or cross-border enforcement actions have made banking risks a growing concern for internationally exposed families.   Bank deposits remain legally owned by the account holder. Therefore, if regulatory action targets an individual or entity, banks must comply, regardless of client profile or wealth level. The legal title remains attached to the individual’s name, exposing assets to seizure, disputes, or restrictions.   Trust Law Creates Legal Separation   Fortunately, a trust legally separates asset ownership from personal identity. Assets transferred into a properly structured trust are no longer held in the settlor’s name. Instead, trustees hold legal title and administer the assets for the benefit of named beneficiaries according to the trust deed.   This legal distance prevents personal liabilities, regulatory actions, or disputes from directly affecting trust-held assets. As a result, even if an individual faces investigation or sanctions, properly drafted trusts remain operational and legally insulated.     Why Hong Kong Trust Law Is Different   Hong Kong operates under common law, with codified trust statutes that allow precise legal separation. Specifically:   Assets inside a trust are not subject to the personal obligations of the settlor or beneficiaries. Trustees hold enforceable fiduciary duties, providing stable, professional asset management. No public trust registry exists, preserving confidentiality. The TCSP licensing regime ensures trustee service providers are regulated and accountable.   Unlike jurisdictions that rely on secrecy or weak regulation, Hong Kong’s model combines enforceability with professional oversight. Consequently, both legal and reputational risks are reduced.   Scenario: Avoiding Banking Disruption   Consider a Dubai-based investor who holds significant international assets, including accounts in multiple financial centres. He faces unexpected political pressure in one jurisdiction, leading to frozen personal bank accounts.   However, his core investment holdings—real estate, securities, and digital assets—are held through a Hong Kong trust structure under trustee-managed corporate entities. As a result, these assets remain unaffected, as they are not legally tied to his personal identity. The trust’s independence preserves continuity and access despite the banking crisis.   Assets Commonly Shielded Inside Hong Kong Trusts   Global real estate portfolios Private banking accounts via underlying companies Investment funds and securities Crypto wallets and digital assets Private equity and venture capital interests Family operating businesses   The trust framework transforms personally exposed wealth into legally protected holdings governed by enforceable fiduciary arrangements.   Preserving Access Beyond the Banking System   Banking systems operate within national frameworks that remain vulnerable to political, financial, or legal shocks. Fortunately, Hong Kong trusts, governed by independent legal principles, provide HNW families with true asset segregation, cross-border security, and continuity regardless of personal events or jurisdictional disputes.

How Hong Kong Trusts Simplify Cross-Border Succession Planning

The Cross-Border Inheritance Dilemma   High-net-worth families increasingly hold assets, businesses, and property across multiple jurisdictions. As a result, when it comes to succession, this creates complex legal exposure. Different countries apply conflicting inheritance laws, forced heirship rules, or tax obligations that may override personal wishes.   Standard wills often fail to address cross-border scenarios effectively. Consequently, assets located abroad may trigger unexpected legal challenges, probate delays, or forced distribution patterns under foreign law.   Forced Heirship and Jurisdictional Conflict   In some countries, forced heirship laws dictate mandatory shares for certain heirs, regardless of the settlor’s wishes. Furthermore, Sharia-based jurisdictions apply their own inheritance formulas. Tax authorities may impose inheritance or estate taxes on foreign-held property.   Without careful planning, wealth intended for designated beneficiaries may be diluted, contested, or diverted by local statutes. In many cases, this leads to court disputes or significant tax leakage.     How Hong Kong Trusts Centralise Succession Logic   Fortunately, a properly structured Hong Kong trust allows settlors to bypass conflicting national rules by placing all targeted assets under a single legal structure governed by common law principles:   Trust assets are held outside the personal estate. The trust deed defines who receives assets, when, and under what conditions. Probate processes are avoided entirely for trust-held assets. Beneficiaries receive distributions according to pre-agreed instructions, not government formulas.   By isolating assets within a Hong Kong trust, families centralise control and simplify succession, regardless of where heirs or assets are physically located.   Scenario: Dubai Family with Global Exposure   Consider a Dubai-based entrepreneur who holds property in London, business interests in Singapore, investment accounts in Switzerland, and children studying in multiple countries. He creates a Hong Kong trust, transferring international holdings into trustee-managed entities.   When the settlor passes, the trustee distributes assets according to the terms of the trust deed. Therefore, UK inheritance tax, forced heirship claims, or cross-border probate conflicts do not interfere. The structure creates seamless, private wealth transition across generations.   Role of Trustees in Cross-Border Coordination   Hong Kong trustees manage:   Legal title across multiple jurisdictions Tax compliance in host countries Distribution logistics based on beneficiary residence Communication with global tax advisors, legal counsel, and family offices   As a result, their professional obligations ensure that even complex, multi-country holdings can be administered smoothly under a single structure.   Unifying Global Succession Under One Structure   For globally mobile families, fragmented inheritance laws create legal minefields. Hong Kong trusts consolidate wealth into a single, enforceable legal framework. Therefore, jurisdictional conflicts are overridden, probate is eliminated, and family wealth transfer proceeds according to precise instructions — globally, across generations.

WEB3 High-Value Assets in Hong Kong: Security & Compliance Seminar a Success

On 13 June 2025, the “Seminar on How WEB3 High-Value Assets Can Achieve Security and Compliance in Hong Kong (Hong Kong Session)” was successfully held at the Kowloon Shangri-La Hotel in Hong Kong.   Organised by the Hong Kong Fiduciary Association Limited, the seminar received strong support from partners including Hong Kong Trust Capital Management Limited, Inheritance Asset Management Limited, Hong Kong Enterprises Association Limited, HKTWeb3, and Pearl Technology Group (HK) Limited. Numerous WEB3 industry professionals from both local and overseas markets gathered at the Shangri-La to explore the path of compliance and development within the sector.   The seminar featured both keynote presentations and open discussions. The keynote session was honoured to have Mr. Keith Chan, Business Development Director of Inheritance Asset Management Limited, and Mr. Melvin Mui, Chief Operating Officer of Hong Kong Trust Capital Management Limited, deliver in-depth analyses on Hong Kong’s WEB3 policies and the future development of the industry.   Mr. Keith Chan commenced with an in-depth presentation titled “Hong Kong WEB3 Market Analysis and Outlook.” With his unique and sharp industry perspective, Mr. Chan systematically reviewed the development trajectory, notable achievements, and potential opportunities of the WEB3 industry in Hong Kong. He also conducted a thorough analysis of current challenges and future trends, providing participants with valuable and forward-looking insights.     Following this, Mr. Melvin Mui addressed the crucial topic of how WEB3 assets can achieve compliant implementation in Hong Kong.   Drawing upon his extensive experience in the trust sector, Mr. Mui explained, through professional frameworks and practical case studies, the vital role of trust structures in enabling WEB3 users to securely manage virtual assets.   Mr. Mui elaborated on how trust mechanisms provide reliable security protection for WEB3 assets. He further discussed how trust arrangements facilitate the orderly inheritance of virtual assets, as well as their practical application in daily transactions. His insights offered new perspectives for virtual asset management and valuable references for the compliance development of the industry.     After the seminar, the organiser arranged a refined and diverse tea break, allowing guests to continue networking and exchanging ideas in a relaxed atmosphere, thereby further expanding professional networks and strengthening relationships.     As a leading global financial centre and an international hub for innovation, technology, and culture, Hong Kong is becoming a strategic location for the compliant establishment of global WEB3 projects, supported by forward-looking policies and a highly competitive tax regime.   The “Seminar on How WEB3 High-Value Assets Can Achieve Security and Compliance in Hong Kong”, organised by the Hong Kong Fiduciary Association Limited, will continue to bring together authoritative experts and seasoned practitioners in the WEB3 sector to focus on core issues of compliance for WEB3 projects operating in Hong Kong.   Future sessions will explore critical topics such as the innovative integration of trust structures with the WEB3 ecosystem, comprehensive security and compliance implementation strategies, and the development of practical solutions combining policy compliance with commercial feasibility. These discussions aim to support individual investors and enterprises in building a new paradigm for WEB3 development on Hong Kong’s international stage.  

Family Office vs Trust: Which Structure Protects High Net-Worth Wealth Better?

Clarifying Two Distinct Concepts   High-net-worth individuals often hear both terms — family office and trust — yet these serve fundamentally different roles in wealth management. Therefore, understanding the distinction is essential for building an effective long-term protection strategy.   A trust is a legal ownership structure. A family office is an operational management structure. In most advanced cases, they serve complementary but separate functions.   Asset Ownership vs Wealth Management   A trust legally separates ownership from personal identity. Once assets are placed inside a trust, they are no longer held directly by the individual. Legal title passes to a trustee, who manages assets for the benefit of named beneficiaries under the trust deed.   In contrast, a family office provides administrative, investment, and advisory services. For example, it handles tasks such as:   Portfolio management Tax reporting Family governance support Lifestyle management and concierge services Philanthropy administration   However, a family office does not provide legal asset protection unless paired with a suitable ownership structure.     Which Risks Require Legal Trust Structures   Without a trust, personally owned assets remain exposed to:   Legal disputes and creditor claims Forced heirship or inheritance challenges Tax authorities in multiple jurisdictions Cross-border probate delays Political or regulatory action   A trust creates legal insulation. Meanwhile, family offices, while valuable, cannot shield assets from legal claims or jurisdictional conflicts on their own.   How Family Offices Operate Within Trusts   Many sophisticated families combine both structures:   The trust holds legal ownership of assets. The family office operates under the trustee or alongside trustees, executing administrative functions. The trustee remains responsible for legal compliance and distributions. The family office supports daily financial operations, reporting, and family coordination.   As a result, this combination allows families to retain personalised management while benefiting from legal separation and enforceability.   Scenario: Dubai HNWI with Complex Family Holdings   Consider a Dubai-based business owner who operates several companies across Asia, Europe, and North America. He creates a Hong Kong trust, transferring ownership of company shares, investment accounts, and property holdings into the trust.   Alongside this, he establishes a single-family office to handle financial reporting, manage philanthropic projects, and coordinate tax advisors across multiple jurisdictions. Consequently, the trustee focuses on legal oversight, while the family office handles daily administration, with both roles defined by the trust deed.   Combining Governance with Legal Control   Family offices optimise wealth management. Trusts protect wealth ownership. Therefore, for serious HNW wealth preservation, combining a Hong Kong trust with a professional family office structure delivers both legal protection and operational efficiency. Without trust-backed ownership, even the most well-run family office remains exposed to jurisdictional risk.

How to Register a Trust in Hong Kong: Guide for Dubai Residents

What Is a Trust?   A trust is a legal structure where assets are transferred to a trustee, who holds and manages them on behalf of beneficiaries. Often used in estate planning and wealth structuring, it allows the settlor to control how and when assets are distributed.   For a full definition of a trust, the concept has long been used in common law jurisdictions to preserve privacy, protect assets from disputes, and avoid delays in inheritance processes.   Why People Register Trusts   Whether you’re building a family legacy or safeguarding international holdings, trust structures offer flexibility and long-term control. Common reasons for setting up a trust for expats include:   Protecting assets from litigation or forced heirship Managing inheritance discreetly Planning for dependants with special needs Holding international property or business shares Supporting cross-border succession goals   These motivations are especially relevant for individuals in Dubai whose lives and assets span multiple jurisdictions.     Trust Registration in Dubai: Limited but Growing   In the UAE, trust registration is still relatively niche. While frameworks exist in zones like DIFC and ADGM, the concept remains unfamiliar to many residents. Most UAE-based individuals exploring wealth protection eventually look offshore — favouring common law trust jurisdictions that offer predictability and discretion.   Comparing these options requires understanding what each jurisdiction allows in terms of flexibility, control, and enforcement. While the UAE has made progress, the maturity of other regions can be compelling.   Why Consider Offshore Trust Setup in Hong Kong?   Hong Kong remains a preferred jurisdiction for offshore trust setup thanks to its legal clarity, infrastructure, and global neutrality. It operates under English common law, which is widely recognised and enforced. The legal structure of trusts in Hong Kong allows for modern, purpose-built planning.   As a financial hub, it supports cross-border banking, regulated trustees, and long-term asset management. Trust registration in Hong Kong is straightforward, private, and supported by a well-established ecosystem.   Who Uses This?   For example, a Dubai-based business owner with overseas property and children living in different countries might register a Hong Kong trust to consolidate holdings, ensure clarity in distribution, and avoid local court involvement. The trust would allow controlled access to assets, managed by professionals, regardless of where the family relocates.   What Can a Trust Hold?   Trusts can be structured to include:   Shares in private companies Overseas real estate Investment portfolios Digital assets such as crypto Reserved income for dependants or spouses Life insurance proceeds   These are managed by appointed trustee services in Hong Kong, who act according to the terms of the trust deed while ensuring compliance and safeguarding.   Trustee Services in Hong Kong   Registered trust companies provide trustee services in Hong Kong. These firms administer assets, execute distributions, and ensure alignment with both settlor intent and evolving regulations.   Licensed professionals are required to comply with Hong Kong’s Trust and Company Service Provider (TCSP) licensing regime, which adds a layer of protection for clients. Their role ensures that once the trust is established, it operates securely, efficiently, and without unnecessary exposure.   Final Thoughts   Registering a trust isn’t just about tax or inheritance. It’s about defining your terms — who benefits, when, and how — with legal precision.   For Dubai residents who value long-term control, international flexibility, and privacy, offshore trust setup in Hong Kong provides a clear, proven path. As families grow, assets spread, and obligations become more complex, using a trust structure for wealth protection becomes not just smart — but essential.   Creating a trust is increasingly seen as a foundational wealth planning strategy. It lets you manage tomorrow’s complexity, today — from anywhere.

5 Outdated Assumptions About Trust Law and How Hong Kong Broke the Mould

  Assumption 1: “Trusts Can’t Last Forever”   Many assume that trusts must dissolve after a set number of years, often 80 to 100 depending on the jurisdiction. That is no longer the case in Hong Kong. Following reforms to the Trustee Ordinance in 2013, non-charitable trusts can now last indefinitely. The jurisdiction’s updated trust law explicitly removed the perpetuity requirement for private trusts.   What this means: Settlor families can use perpetual structures across generations, without forced asset distributions or re-establishment.   Assumption 2: “Trusts Are Inflexible Once Created”   In older jurisdictions, settlors often lose all influence once a trust is formed. In modern structures, especially in Hong Kong, reserved powers are allowed. The legal updates in 2013 confirmed settlor flexibility in investment direction, trustee appointment, and veto powers under the amended statute.   What this means: You can give trustees discretion but still retain powers such as removing them, changing investment advisors, or blocking specific actions.   Assumption 3: “Protector Roles Are Unreliable or Undefined”   Some jurisdictions treat protector roles as informal or even challenge their legal standing. Hong Kong formally recognises protector appointments and sets out their functions under its revised framework. The Trust Law (Amendment) Bill 2013 clearly provides for a protector’s ability to supervise or intervene in major trust decisions.   What this means: You can appoint someone you trust to act as a counterweight to the trustee with legal recognition, not just informal influence.   Assumption 4: “Trust Law Reform Is Slow or Cosmetic”   While many offshore centres remain static, Hong Kong took the lead with its 2013 reforms and continues to update its legal tools in response to global needs. The shift was not symbolic but functional — expanding trustee powers, clarifying duties, and making provisions for new asset classes and cross-border considerations.   What this means: Hong Kong is not resting on tradition. It is legislating for modern families, cross-border investors, and evolving wealth strategies.   Assumption 5: “Trusts Aren’t Useful in Regulated, Transparent Systems”   Some believe that trusts only belong in opaque tax havens. But Hong Kong combines strong compliance oversight with practical confidentiality. There is no public trust register, yet all trustee service providers must be licensed under the TCSP regime. Its legal infrastructure now provides robust asset protection without relying on secrecy.   What this means: Clients benefit from regulation and professionalism without exposing private wealth records or undermining privacy.   Jurisdictional Outlook   This legislative flexibility, combined with common law consistency and regulatory credibility, positions Hong Kong as a practical jurisdiction for families and advisors managing complex, cross-border trust structures.

Crypto Is Evolving. Your Wealth Structure Should Too.

The Problem No One Wants to Admit     You’ve built a portfolio in Bitcoin, ETH, or private tokens. It is worth millions. But there is no legal structure around it.   Most high-net-worth crypto holders still rely on:   Wallets registered in their own name No written succession mechanism No protection from seizure or contested ownership No plan for family access after death or incapacity   The decentralisation that makes crypto powerful also makes it fragile. If something happens to you or your private keys, your wealth may simply vanish.   What Happens Without a Structure?   Without legal structuring, crypto assets:   Cannot be formally inherited May trigger tax issues in multiple jurisdictions Are difficult to enforce in legal disputes Can be frozen or lost without remedy   These assets fall outside traditional estate planning tools unless intentionally structured.   The Trust Solution   Hong Kong trusts allow crypto holders to create clear ownership, define succession logic, and shield assets from common vulnerabilities.   Within a discretionary trust, holders can:   Place wallets or custodial entities under trustee control Create conditions for access or conversion (e.g. based on inactivity) Include DeFi revenue or token allocations Define multi-step inheritance pathways without probate   This formality transforms informal wealth into a secure, enforceable structure.   Why Hong Kong?   Several jurisdictions are still hesitant on crypto. Hong Kong is not one of them.   It offers:   Common law recognition of  crypto as property No capital gains tax on trust-held crypto gains TCSP-licensed professional trustees Flexible trust deed construction and settlor guidance Regulatory credibility with financial infrastructure   These features make Hong Kong a logical home for serious crypto portfolios.   Scenario: Preserving Crypto Without Risk   A regional tech founder stores 70% of his wealth in digital assets across cold wallets and exchanges. He creates a Hong Kong trust with a set of detailed provisions:   Wallets held under an entity structure Trustee receives distribution instructions via secure protocols Beneficiaries access funds in stages based on predefined triggers Non-family members excluded through protective clauses   The structure prevents key loss, blocks legal challenges, and enables cross-border continuity without probate.   What Can Be Held in Trust?   Hardware wallets and digital tokens NFTs, tokenised IP, and smart contracts Stablecoins and staking rewards Private equity tokens and digital securities Exchange accounts via holding companies   All assets are treated as legally ownable and transferable under Hong Kong trust law.   Strategic Planning for Digital Wealth   High-net-worth crypto holders are turning to trust-based planning, not only for tax purposes but to maintain access control and prevent irreversible asset loss. Modern structures often combine custodial services, legal trigger mechanisms, and carefully drafted trust provisions. Guidance from estate and crypto specialists is becoming standard.   Structuring Takeaway   Hong Kong offers a rare combination: legal recognition of crypto, flexible trust tools, and institutional-grade trustee services. For digital wealth that needs to last, cross borders, and remain accessible, this is not just a suitable jurisdiction — it is a strategic one.

Hong Kong and Dubai Cross-border Market Development Summit 2025

On 16 April, the “Hong Kong and Dubai Cross-border Market Development Summit 2025” was successfully held at The St. Regis Shenzhen.   Organised by the Hong Kong Fiduciary Association Limited, the event featured representatives from Invest Hong Kong, a department of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, and the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority.   Invest Hong Kong is a government department responsible for promoting foreign direct investment, committed to strengthening Hong Kong’s position as an international business hub in Asia and attracting enterprises from overseas and Mainland China to set up or expand in Hong Kong.   The Dubai International Financial Centre Authority is the UAE’s first financial centre and the largest, most established financial and innovation ecosystem in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia.   The forum was strongly supported by partners such as Hong Kong Trust Capital Management Limited, Hong Kong Enterprise Association Limited, and Inheritance Asset Management Limited. Over 200 industry professionals from Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Dubai, and other regions gathered to discuss frontier issues in cross-border enterprise development and to promote regional financial cooperation and innovation.       The summit comprised guest presentations and interactive sessions. Prior to the formal sessions, the organiser, Hong Kong Fiduciary Association Limited, hosted a token appreciation ceremony. Mr. Lawrence Chan, Operations Director of the Association, presented customised commemorative gifts to Mr. King Leung, Global Head of Financial Services, FinTech and Sustainability at Invest Hong Kong, Ms. Xiaoxi Guo, China Representative of the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority, and Mr. Melvin Mui, Chief Operating Officer of Hong Kong Trust Capital Management Limited, to express sincere gratitude.       Following the ceremony, Mr. King Leung, Ms. Xiaoxi Guo, and Mr. Melvin Mui delivered detailed and insightful presentations.   Mr. King Leung opened with a keynote on “Hong Kong: A Global Financial Centre”, highlighting Hong Kong’s policy advantages and mature market environment. He explained how Invest Hong Kong supports enterprises and investors through Hong Kong’s international financial platform.   Mr. Leung elaborated on Hong Kong’s core competitiveness from the perspectives of policy, market trends, cross-border cooperation, corporate finance, and tax advantages. His sharing provided forward-looking guidance for cross-border cooperation and wealth management strategies, which received high praise from the audience.     Ms. Xiaoxi Guo followed with a keynote titled “Leading the Future of Finance”. She explored the Dubai International Financial Centre’s strengths in business environment, legal framework, and innovation ecosystem, and discussed how these factors drive the sustainable development of enterprises in regional and global markets.   Ms. Guo also detailed Dubai’s strategic positioning as a financial hub, supported by concrete examples. She highlighted Dubai’s advantages in attracting international capital, fostering financial innovation, and supporting cross-border cooperation, particularly in setting up offshore structures.     Mr. Melvin Mui concluded the session with a presentation on “Hong Kong Trust as Your Best Partner for Overseas Expansion”, underscoring the role of Hong Kong trusts in asset protection, tax optimisation, and cross-border investment.   Mr. Mui explained how an efficient trust structure can facilitate entry into markets like Dubai, offering innovative and practical solutions for international expansion.   He also shared real-world examples to demonstrate the flexibility and foresight of Hong Kong trusts in cross-border wealth management and investment strategies, inspiring participants on sustainable international growth.     During breaks, speakers engaged in live Q&A sessions with the audience. Selected highlights:   Q: In the current international environment, how can Invest Hong Kong strengthen Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector”? A: Mr. King Leung emphasised that Hong Kong’s policy advantages, mature market, and global financial hub status position it as an ideal gateway between Mainland China and the international market. He added that Hong Kong will continue to empower policies, build market bridges, promote cross-border cooperation, and optimise services to maintain and strengthen this role.       Q: What role will the Dubai International Financial Centre Authority play in cross-border market development, especially regarding Dubai and the Middle East? A: Ms. Xiaoxi Guo stated that DIFC serves as a bridge between East and West markets and provides a stable, transparent business environment with benefits such as zero taxes and 100% foreign ownership. She highlighted DIFC’s ability to offer an “onshore offshore” solution that supports sustained cross-border business growth.   Q: What are the unique advantages of cross-border asset allocation through Hong Kong trusts compared to traditional offshore investment methods? A: Mr. Melvin Mui explained that Hong Kong trust structures offer greater flexibility and efficiency, particularly in asset protection and tax optimisation. The mature financial market and robust regulatory framework in Hong Kong provide transparent and effective channels for cross-border investment and orderly wealth inheritance.   After the summit, a tea break was arranged, providing guests with a relaxed atmosphere to network, exchange insights, and foster future cooperation.       The “Hong Kong and Dubai Cross-border Market Development Summit 2025” is designed to serve as a high-end international platform for the financial and business communities of both jurisdictions, aiming to promote cross-border cooperation and explore new opportunities.   The forum also focuses on supporting Chinese enterprises in their global expansion, leveraging policy backing and the safe investment environments offered by Hong Kong and Dubai.   Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Fiduciary Association Limited will continue to work with professional partners to expand and deepen exchanges between Hong Kong and Dubai, supporting the internationalisation of Mainland enterprises and contributing to the high-quality development of both regions in the global financial market.

4th Hong Kong Trust Global Financial Forum Held in Jining

On 22 March 2025, the 4th session of the Hong Kong Trust Global Finance Forum Series was successfully held at Wanda Realm Jining, Shandong Province. Sponsored by Hong Kong Fiduciary Association Limited (HKFA), this event was co-organised by a number of professional institutions, including Hong Kong Trust Capital Management Limited, Dacheng Law Offices, Beijing Changzhou Private Equity Fund Management Co., Ltd., Hong Kong Enterprise Association Limited, Inheritance Asset Management Limited, etc. More than 100 professionals from the financial, tax and corporate sectors in Shandong and the rest of China gathered together. Focusing on the impact of “New Nine Guidelines” issued by China’s State Council on mainland enterprises’ IPO and international expansion, it combined with the latest points of the Two Sessions (the yearly plenary meetings of the National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference). Moreover, it delved into cutting-edge trends in overseas IPO, key considerations for establishing overseas structures, and strategies for compliance and security, providing a wider range of valuable creative ideas and practical solutions. This event can be divided into two major sessions: guest sharing and interactive exchange. After the guest sharing, Mr. Ray Zhan, senior partner of Beijing Dacheng (Shanghai) Law Offices, took the lead on the stage. With many years of extensive experience, he specialises in IPO and listing, investment, financing, merger & acquisition, as well as family wealth management legal services. During this event, Lawyer Ray Zhan focused on the important topic of enterprise overseas listing, delving into key considerations such as planning and implementation of enterprise overseas listing, filing and regulation for overseas listings, interpretation of filing-related regulations on overseas listings, and the SEC’s audit regulation. In the sharing session, Lawyer Ray Zhan not only presented the latest developments and overall situation in overseas financing for the guests. Additionally, with professional and targeted analysis, he offered enterprises going overseas with a clearer and more practical guide, navigating them into overseas listings to ensure regulatory compliance requirements. The following session was made by Mr. Melvin Mui, COO of Hong Kong Trust Capital Management Limited (HKTCM). With his profound attainments and professional knowledge in the field of finance, he delved into the key role of Trust structure in the listing process of enterprises. Moreover, Mr. Mui elaborated on how the Trust structure can fully utilise its multiple values in assisting enterprises seeking overseas lists, encompassing how to optimise equity allocation through the use of Trust structure, so as to ensure the effective protection of shareholders’ rights and interests. Meanwhile, he noted that the Trust structure plays a decisive role in promoting the stable wealth accumulation and achieving orderly inheritance of family wealth. Mr. Mui noted that Family Trust, as a powerful tool for wealth management, can be particularly well suited for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), which plays an effective role in wealth planning and security protection. Prior to IPO, one of the most important functions of Family Trust is its segregation of Trust assets in the establishment of Offshore Trust structure. Through a Trust structure, business owners can separate their personal assets from business assets, so as to shield personal wealth from business risks. His insights were both practical and thought-provoking, which aroused much echo among guests. The event entered the FAQ session after the keynote speeches. The two speakers returned to the stage and answered questions for the guests. The two speakers responded to a series of key considerations raised by the guests, such as “costs and fees for enterprises seeking overseas listings”, “selection of channels and modes of capital operation after successful overseas listings”, and “advantages of setting up a Family Trust before listing”. With many years of professional and practical experience in the industry, they shared in-depth and professional insights to key issues of concern, in alignment with the latest regulatory requirements and various complexities in the actual operation process. Moreover, their unique and creative perspectives were apt and to the point, keeping up with the latest industry trends and developments, which aroused much echo and positive feedback among guests. Hong Kong Trust Global Financial Forum Series provides a professional exchange platform for the industry organised specifically by HKFA, aiming to expand in-depth exchanges and collaboration between the Chinese Mainland enterprises going international and overseas listing service providers. Leveraging this platform, guests can share their cutting-edge perspectives and practical experience with each other, while jointly discussing the cutting-edge information on overseas listing and wealth protection, so as to offer robust assistance for expanding enterprises into international markets. Through a series of events, HKFA attaches great importance to strengthening connection and collaboration between the Chinese Mainland and international financial markets such as Hong Kong and the United States, while offering valuable professional services and practical guidance for the Chinese Mainland enterprises going international. Looking ahead, HKFA will continue to work together with its professional partners to promote in-depth exchanges and collaboration, so as to assist them in expanding international reach.

Three Key Steps to Setting Up a Family Wealth Management System!

A comprehensive family wealth management system consists of at least three components: the core of the system, the system support and the system guarantee. Accordingly, its completeness relies on three core parts: goal management, wealth management tool, and family governance mechanism.   At first, the family wealth goal plays a core role in the management system, encompassing the four major wealth goals: safeguarding wealth, growing wealth, fostering harmonious wealth, and preserving enduring wealth, which are interlinked and interacted, placing the core and leading role in family wealth management, of which security is the foundation. Security serves as the foundation, upon which wealth growth is pursued. Likewise, harmony is achieved on the basis of both security and growth. By doing so, long-term prosperity can be achieved.   Secondly, wealth management tools serve as the backbone for achieving family wealth goals, necessitating the integrated use of various tools such as investment banking, financial planning, gifting, testamentary, and family trust. Besides, with distinctive advantages, these tools should be selected and combined based on the specific conditions of families, so as to achieve wealth creation, protection, and inheritance.   Last but not least, family governance mechanism, as a guarantee of the management system, requires to establish an effective governance structure within the family, while achieving joint wealth management goals. Family governance not only includes the wealth protection and operation of wealth, but also involves family members’education and cultivation, so as to ensure long-term stability in family wealth.   The completeness of family wealth management system demonstrates a combination of family wealth goals, wealth management tools and family governance mechanisms. Hong Kong Fiduciary Association Limited will continue to serve as a connector linking between high-net-worth individuals and inheritance service providers, providing professional and dedicated family wealth management services, and assisting families in establishing a comprehensive wealth management system, so as to ensure long-term growth and inheritance of family wealth.