Hong Kong attracts the most cross-border assets globally

According to BCG’s “Global Asset Report 2026”, Hong Kong (China) has become the world’s largest cross-border asset management center for the first time, with a scale of 2,950 billion USD, higher than Switzerland’s 2,940 billion USD.

This special zone rose to the top position thanks to receiving asset flows from mainland China and the explosive IPO wave in 2025. “Hong Kong strengthens its role as China’s gateway to the global market,” the report said.

According to BCG, the position of this special administrative region is difficult to change because financial centers in Asia are growing faster than the “safe haven” of Europe. Cross-border assets managed by Hong Kong and Singapore are forecast to grow about 9% per year through 2030, compared with 6% for Switzerland.

However, Switzerland still has an advantage thanks to its diverse customer structure, coming from many regions, while Asian financial centers rely heavily on China’s growth. “Geopolitical instability is reaffirming Switzerland’s role as a core global asset center, attracting cash flows seeking safe havens from highly volatile regions such as the Middle East,” BCG said.

News source from our bankers and financial advisors Reuters also said the wealthy sought to transfer assets from the Gulf region to Switzerland due to the prolonged conflict.

Mr. Michael Kahlich, Co-author of the BCG report, commented that the world is forming two large clusters of asset centers: Singapore and Hong Kong for Asia and Switzerland, England, and the United States for the West. “The important thing is still closeness to customers,” he said.

BCG said global cross-border assets grew 8.4% to $15,700 billion last year, thanks to buoyant financial markets and increased demand for geographic diversification. Most of this money flow flows into the 10 largest financial centers in the world, causing the concentration level to increase.

As proximity to customers becomes increasingly important, Swiss banks also expand their presence to other major financial centers. “UBS is currently leading in the field of asset management in both Singapore and Hong Kong,” said Mr. Michael.