DBS Hong Kong survey: wealth transfer for children kickstart as early as aged 4 with an average of HKD 5 million in liquid assets | 繁體

Hong Kong, 22 Apr 2026 - DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“DBS Hong Kong”) today released a new survey, “DBS Treasures Affluent Family Survey 2026 - From Education to Inheritance: Planning for Children’s Future”, reveals that wealth transfer is no longer a late-stage life decision for parents in Hong Kong and the other Greater Bay Area (GBA) cities. The survey also discloses that many parents initiate wealth transfer planning as early as when their children turning four years old and setting aside an average of HKD 5 million in liquid assets for the next generation.

Beyond mere capital, the report underscores a growing emphasis on future-readiness, with 69% of parents citing resilience as their top aspiration for their children, followed by financial independence at 57%. Financial literacy is also being seen as a critical foundation that 94% of parents seeing that is crucial to a child’s upbringing and two‑thirds believing financial literacy education should being by the age of 13 or earlier.

The survey underscores a growing trend of bringing wealth transfer planning forward. Leaving a financial legacy is widely considered important, particularly in the GBA (90%) compared to Hong Kong (74%). While the intent is strong, execution still lags, where only 29% of families have a comprehensive wealth transfer plan in place. However, 31% of parents have already kick started the planning when their children are still in school, with an expectation to pass on an average of HKD 5 million in liquid assets. While GBA parents are more inclined to use financial instruments, such as investments and life insurance, for inheritance planning, Hong Kong parents tend to rely more on savings. Across both markets, flexibility (62%) and control over the timing of wealth transfer (56%) remain leading priorities, highlighting the demand for tailored and adaptable strategies.

Amy Kwan, Head of Business Planning, Customer Segment and Ecosystem, Consumer Banking Group & Wealth Management, DBS Hong Kong, commented, “This survey illustrates a proactive and forward-thinking approach among affluent parents who start planning wealth transfer earlier, investing more intentionally, and looking for partners who can help them build long-term resilience. Furthermore, they wish to equip their children with comprehensive financial literacy to ensure they possess the requisite confidence for their future wealth management. The trend towards earlier wealth transfer planning, coupled with a strong preference for professional advice from trusted banking partners, presents a unique opportunity for us to offer bespoke and holistic solutions that cater to the evolving needs of these families for the next generation.”

The roadmap to this future-readiness often involves an international perspective, as 91% of parents open to overseas education. While GBA parents show a preference children to further their educations in Hong Kong and Singapore, while Hong Kong parents are keen on the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand.

Affluent parents are actively seeking trusted guidance and holistic solutions to navigate this complex landscape. A significant 75% of parents are likely to seek professional advice in the next 12 months. Banks are the preferred partner, with 93% of parents open to advice considering a bank that offers comprehensive and flexible wealth transfer solutions.

DBS Treasures supports families in securing their children's future through tailored wealth management and legacy planning, including wealth transfer and inheritance strategies, aiming to preserve wealth across generations. DBS Treasures also offers “Next Generation Activities and Privileges” with curated educational experiences to foster financial awareness and prepare the next generation for global opportunities.

The survey, conducted between February and March in 2026, gathered insights from 800 affluent parents in Hong Kong and other GBA cities with liquid assets of HKD 1 million or above and children aged 16 or below. The survey highlights a significant shift in how affluent parents are approaching their legacy planning and wealth transfer.

 

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