Hong Kong’s affluent planning lags despite wealth continuity gains

AIA Alta’s longevity index scored HNW and UHNW families at 62 out of 100, placing them in the “Developing” category. Around 80% of respondents had wills, trusts or succession plans, but only about 20% had health-decision continuity measures. UHNW respondents showed stronger demand for coordinated advisory support across insurance, health, investment and finances.

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Hong Kong’s high-net-worth families generally understand the risks linked to longer lifespans, but many have not fully implemented formal systems covering health, wealth and legacy planning across different jurisdictions, according to the AIA Alta High-Net-Worth Optimal Longevity Index.

Developed with Boston Consulting Group, the index measured how prepared wealthy families in Hong Kong and mainland China are for longer life expectancy.

It gave HNW and ultra-high-net-worth families an overall score of 62 out of 100, placing them in the “Developing” category.

Wealth continuity outpaces health planning

The findings showed stronger progress in wealth continuity than in health-related planning.

Around 80% of respondents had established at least one wealth continuity arrangement, including wills, trusts or succession plans.

Health-decision planning was much less common.

Only about 20% had put in place measures such as medical directives or decision-authorisation documents, showing a gap between legacy arrangements and formal systems for future healthcare decisions.

AIA Hong Kong said the index was designed to measure longevity readiness across two equally weighted areas: health and wealth.

It used awareness, confidence and preparedness as indicators, with preparedness carrying the largest weighting at 40%.

UHNW families seek formal governance

Demand for more formalised governance structures was stronger amongst UHNW families.

Up to 79% of UHNW respondents said coordinated support covering insurance, health, investment and finances would add value to their advisory relationships, compared with 63% of HNW respondents.

Among UHNW families, around 75% prioritised expert services related to cross-border tax planning and coordination, whilst 71% highlighted wills planning and execution.

Integrated health and longevity planning was identified as a priority by 64%, and 61% cited trust structuring, governance and management.

The study also found gaps between confidence and execution in financial planning.

Amongst respondents who said they were confident in their portfolio resilience, 47% of HNW individuals and 61% of UHNW individuals had not conducted stress testing or established regular review mechanisms.