Hong Kong Women Lead Asian Household Financial Control but Lag in Professional Advice
Event summary
- 45% of Hong Kong women solely control long-term family investments, the highest in Asia.
- Only 7% of these women seek professional financial advice, the lowest rate in the region.
- 72% cite caregiving costs as the primary barrier to improving their financial security.
- Retirement confidence drops sharply from 69% at age 75 to 8% beyond age 90.
- Survey conducted in January 2026 with 501 respondents in Hong Kong.
The big picture
The survey highlights a strategic anomaly where financial autonomy does not translate to comprehensive financial resilience. This trend is significant in the context of Asia's aging population and the growing role of women in financial decision-making. Sun Life's $1.60 trillion in assets under management positions it to address these gaps through targeted wealth and retirement solutions. The findings underscore broader industry challenges in bridging the advice gap for women managing household finances.
What we're watching
- Financial Autonomy
- How the disconnect between decision-making power and professional advice-seeking will impact long-term financial well-being.
- Caregiving Burden
- Whether the 'triple penalty' of caregiving on finances, careers, and personal well-being will persist or improve.
- Longevity Gap
- The pace at which women will adjust retirement planning to account for extended lifespans beyond current projections.
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