DBS Treasures affluent investor survey 2025: affluent investors prioritise equities and investment funds, anticipating a 9% portfolio return in 2025 | 繁體
Hong Kong.07 Jul 2025
Majority of investors plan to increase investments over the next 12 months
Hong Kong, 07 Jul 2025 - DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (“DBS Hong Kong”) today released the findings of its “DBS Treasures Affluent Investor Survey 2025”, revealing affluent investors expect on average a 9% return from their portfolios in 2025. These investors are strategically increasing their global exposure while placing wealth preservation at the core of their goals, underscoring investors’ confidence in global growth prospects for the year ahead.
The survey was conducted in May 2025 and gathered insights from 1,517 affluent investors with HKD1 million or more in investible assets in Hong Kong and the Mainland China. Wealth preservation remains a key priority for most affluent investors, with 69% citing that as their primary investment goal for 2025. Despite concerns over macroeconomic factors, such as potential market downturns, interest rate volatility and inflation, respondents are taking a positive and proactive approach to grow their wealth. Majority (61%) of them are planning to increase their investment allocations over the next 12 months.
Amy Kwan, Head of Business Planning, Customer Segment and Ecosystem, Consumer Banking Group & Wealth Management, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “Affluent investors are demonstrating strong confidence, resilience and adaptability when navigating a complex economic environment. They are seeking global investment opportunities to diversity their investment portfolios. The findings reaffirm that communications with trust relationship managers for a holistic investment advice is essential and important, especially among those with higher investable assets, despite many are already leveraging digital tools when making investment decisions. Affluent investors are also investing beyond the borders.”
According to the survey findings, the average affluent investor is holding more than four different asset classes, with a goal to diversify their portfolios. While bonds are more sought after by Hong Kong investors, Mainland investors favour alternative investments, such as gold and commodities. Investment funds remain as a core part of their portfolio with 60% of the respondents invested in funds. Over half of the respondents (56%) shows keen interests in fixed income funds, whilst multi-asset funds come second. Although affluent investors focus on domestic market, more than half of the respondents (64%) indicate their interest to invest in international markets, with Mainland investors showing particular interest with Singapore market (27%).
Affluent investors are setting their sights on digital assets, with 42% already invested in digital assets and 18% planning to enter the market, reflecting a strong momentum in this sector. However, they express that, insufficient custodian security for digital assets (38%) and lack of regulatory clarity (37%) are their key concerns. They are also looking to capitalise on the long-term growth opportunities driven by technology and innovation: 63% of respondents focus on technology and AI, followed by sustainable development (39%) and health and science sector (36%).
Furthermore, affluent investors are relying on a combination of bank mobile apps (54%), third-party investment apps (43%) and relationship managers (42%) for investment advice. This brings out both digital and human interactions are just as important in their decision-making process. Investors with higher investable assets tend to rely more heavily on relationship managers than AI which emphasises the continued value of personalised advice and solution.
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.
(From left) Maggie Yung, Head of Treasures & Distribution, Consumer Banking Group and Wealth Management, DBS Hong Kong; Belinda Hsieh, Head of Treasures Investment Product & Advisory, Consumer Banking Group and Wealth Management, DBS Hong Kong; Amy Kwan, Head of Business Planning, Customer Segment and Ecosystem, Consumer Banking Group and Wealth Management, DBS Hong Kong.
The survey was conducted in May 2025 and gathered insights from 1,517 affluent investors with HKD1 million or more in investible assets in Hong Kong and the Mainland China. Wealth preservation remains a key priority for most affluent investors, with 69% citing that as their primary investment goal for 2025. Despite concerns over macroeconomic factors, such as potential market downturns, interest rate volatility and inflation, respondents are taking a positive and proactive approach to grow their wealth. Majority (61%) of them are planning to increase their investment allocations over the next 12 months.
Amy Kwan, Head of Business Planning, Customer Segment and Ecosystem, Consumer Banking Group & Wealth Management, DBS Bank (Hong Kong) Limited, said, “Affluent investors are demonstrating strong confidence, resilience and adaptability when navigating a complex economic environment. They are seeking global investment opportunities to diversity their investment portfolios. The findings reaffirm that communications with trust relationship managers for a holistic investment advice is essential and important, especially among those with higher investable assets, despite many are already leveraging digital tools when making investment decisions. Affluent investors are also investing beyond the borders.”
According to the survey findings, the average affluent investor is holding more than four different asset classes, with a goal to diversify their portfolios. While bonds are more sought after by Hong Kong investors, Mainland investors favour alternative investments, such as gold and commodities. Investment funds remain as a core part of their portfolio with 60% of the respondents invested in funds. Over half of the respondents (56%) shows keen interests in fixed income funds, whilst multi-asset funds come second. Although affluent investors focus on domestic market, more than half of the respondents (64%) indicate their interest to invest in international markets, with Mainland investors showing particular interest with Singapore market (27%).
Affluent investors are setting their sights on digital assets, with 42% already invested in digital assets and 18% planning to enter the market, reflecting a strong momentum in this sector. However, they express that, insufficient custodian security for digital assets (38%) and lack of regulatory clarity (37%) are their key concerns. They are also looking to capitalise on the long-term growth opportunities driven by technology and innovation: 63% of respondents focus on technology and AI, followed by sustainable development (39%) and health and science sector (36%).
Furthermore, affluent investors are relying on a combination of bank mobile apps (54%), third-party investment apps (43%) and relationship managers (42%) for investment advice. This brings out both digital and human interactions are just as important in their decision-making process. Investors with higher investable assets tend to rely more heavily on relationship managers than AI which emphasises the continued value of personalised advice and solution.
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About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank's "AA-" and "Aa1" credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named “World’s Best Bank” by Global Finance, “World’s Best Bank” by Euromoney and “Global Bank of the Year” by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named “World’s Best Digital Bank” by Euromoney and the world’s “Most Innovative in Digital Banking” by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the “Safest Bank in Asia“ award by Global Finance for 16 consecutive years from 2009 to 2024.
DBS provides a full range of services in consumer, SME and corporate banking. As a bank born and bred in Asia, DBS understands the intricacies of doing business in the region’s most dynamic markets. DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting social enterprises: businesses with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping communities with future-ready skills and building food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit www.dbs.com.