Hong Kong stands strong and unwavering for investors and global capital amid uncertainties brought about by the conflict in the Middle East, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said on Monday.

Speaking at the principal dinner of the Wealth for Good in Hong Kong Summit, he said Hong Kong’s unique "one country, two systems" principle, continued growth, vibrant city life, and technological future make it conducive for family offices seeking to build lasting legacies.

“For many, the future may feel less certain, more complex, than it did when we were at this event a year ago. But rest assured: Hong Kong stands strong and unwavering – a city where capital, institutions and families can keep a firm footing, even as the world around them is shifting,” said the CE.

The dinner brought together 130 family office decision-makers from Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa on the eve of the summit, which opens on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: HK sees surge in capital, talent inflow as govt boosts competitiveness

Lee said the "one country, two systems" principle provides stability and connects the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to the Chinese mainland and to the international markets.

“That stable reality ensures that your capital will be safe and secure, and your investment opportunities plentiful in the vast Chinese market."

Hong Kong's assets under management rose 13 percent year-on-year to over $4.5 trillion at the end of 2024, or 11 times the city’s GDP, while more and more family offices are turning to Hong Kong, he said.

“We are now home to over 3,380 single-family offices – a 25 percent increase in the past two years. More than half of them have second-generation members, or beyond, in leadership roles,” he said.

ALSO READ: HK’s capital investment program records over 2,800 applications

Lee said this reflects the confidence that ultra-high-net-worth families have in Hong Kong as a base for wealth transfer between generations.

“It also underscores our family office advantages, including deep and liquid capital markets, world-class professional services and unrivalled access to the mainland economy,” he added.

The HKSAR government is preparing legislative proposals to expand the preferential tax regimes for funds, family-owned investment holding vehicles of single family offices and carried interest, the CE said, adding that the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan highlights the commitment to continue its high-standard opening-up, leveraging SAR's service, and a pledge to encourage inclusiveness and peace worldwide.

READ MORE: HK to ease asset requirements in capital investment program

“The Plan, I'm pleased to say, creates even more opportunities for Hong Kong. It supports Hong Kong in boosting its status as an international financial center,” he said, adding that it includes enhancing the HKSAR's role as a global offshore Renminbi business hub, as well as an international asset management center and risk management center.

Today’s summit will include speakers tackling three core themes - "Strategic Asset Management for Family Legacy", "Cultural Value Foundation for a Thriving Market", and "Smart Tech Innovation Driving Capital Appreciation"- and a fireside chat on "Sports and Philanthropy".