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Hong Kong seals top global finance hub status

Hong Kong has maintained third place globally and first in Asia-Pacific in the Global Financial Centres Index 39 Report, published on March 26, with its overall rating rising one point to 765, just two points behind first place, New York, and one point behind second place, London, respectively. Hong Kong topped global rankings in fintech, insurance, banking and finance sectors while climbing to second in investment management. The city’s rankings in the five areas of competitiveness, namely business environment, human capital, infrastructure, financial sector development, and reputational and general, continued to stay among the global top three positions.  The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government said the report reaffirms Hong Kong’s leading international financial centre, adding that it will continue to advance “Finance+”, enhance market competitiveness, and align with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to drive high-quality financial development.

Wealth summit underscores Hong Kong’s global family office role

The fourth Wealth for Good in Hong Kong (WGHK) Summit (March 24) brought together over 400 global family office decision-makers and industry leaders to discuss multi-generational wealth management, innovation and philanthropy. Chief Executive John Lee said Hong Kong remains a stable and resilient city for capital, institutions and families amid global uncertainty. Financial Secretary Paul Chan said Hong Kong is a safe harbour and gateway to Chinese Mainland opportunities, while Deputy Financial Secretary Michael Wong highlighted the city’s stability, policy predictability, and trusted institutions, underpinned by its “one country, two systems” framework. Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui described Hong Kong as “safe, stable and sophisticated”, noting the Impact Link (iLink) initiative under the Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy has organised 17 workshops for over 700 participants and connected 55 partners supporting 12 projects.

Bloomberg summit highlights growth of family office ecosystem

Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui highlighted Hong Kong’s rapid growth as a family office hub at Bloomberg Family Office Summit (Mar 25). The city now hosts 3,380 single family offices, with more than half managing assets exceeding US$50 million. The ecosystem supports around 10,000 professionals and contributes approximately US$1.66 billion (HK$13 billion) annually to the city’s GDP. Building on the Government’s 2023 policy statement, which introduced measures such as tax concessions, the New Capital Investment Entrant Scheme, and the Academy for Wealth Legacy, the focus now shifts to “Family Office 2.0”. The next phase aims to deepen integration by connecting local and global family offices, embedding them in technology, green, and social enterprise activities, and expanding philanthropic engagement to benefit the broader community.

Milken symposium highlights Hong Kong’s resilience and innovation

Acting Financial Secretary Michael Wong underscored (Mar 23) Hong Kong’s resilience and strategic advantages at the Milken Institute Global Investors’ Symposium Hong Kong 2026, highlighting the city’s robust economic fundamentals amidst global volatility. He outlined the city’s strategic priorities including leveraging the city’s strong financial market and vibrant capital ecosystem to support and promote innovation and technology including AI development; and reinforcing Hong Kong’s gateway role between the Chinese Mainland and international markets.

New York ETO celebrates Hong Kong–Chicago ties

The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in New York (New York ETO) co-hosted its annual spring reception in Chicago on March 19 with the Hong Kong Business Association of the Midwest and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council, drawing over 120 guests from the business, legal, academic and cultural sectors to celebrate the Year of the Horse and Hong Kong–Chicago ties. In her welcome remarks, the Director of New York ETO, Maisie Ho, highlighted the “AI+” and “Finance+” initiatives in the 2026-27 Budget, promoting AI integration, technology enterprise support, green finance and Renminbi internationalisation, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as a leading global financial centre and a “super connector” and “super value-adder”. Actress Gigi Leung and film director Jil Wong also attended, while in Chicago for the US premiere of PASS AND GOAL. During the visit to Chicago, Ms Ho called on the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Chicago, Wang Baodong, and met with the Illinois District Export Council, led by Sam Odeh.

Asian Pop-Up Cinema in Chicago opens with Hong Kong film

Supported by the New York ETO, the “Spotlight on Hong Kong Cinema” showcase opened (Mar 20) at the 20th Asian Pop-Up Cinema (APUC) in Chicago with the US premiere of PASS AND GOAL. Prior to the screening, the Director of New York ETO, Maisie Ho, presented the festival’s Extraordinary Actors Award to the film’s lead actress Gigi Leung, praising her versatility and commitment to distinctive roles. Ms Leung joined director Jil Wong for a post-screening Q&A. Ms Ho said Hong Kong continues to shine as a creative hub, with its filmmakers bringing unique perspectives and exceptional storytelling to the global screen. This year’s APUC features seven Hong Kong films, several with government support. Attending filmmakers also include director Dickson Leung (GOOD GAME), director Nic Ho and producer Ivana Lai (BLACKY THE METAL ARM CAT). The festival runs until April 12.

Hong Kong talent admissions schemes promoted in New York

The New York ETO hosted information sessions on March 25 and 26 at Columbia University and New York University, respectively, attracting nearly 140 students to learn about Hong Kong’s talent admission schemes. The Director of New York ETO, Maisie Ho, highlighted opportunities in Hong Kong as a leading global financial centre and innovation hub, while Deputy Director of New York ETO Angela Jong introduced the various talent admission schemes including the Top Talent Pass Scheme and the Quality Migrant Admission Scheme. Representatives from Invest Hong Kong also shared their experience of living and working in Hong Kong, followed by a Q&A session with students. Both Columbia University and New York University are among the eligible institutions under the Top Talent Pass Scheme.

Art Basel Hong Kong and Art Central close on high notes

Art Basel Hong Kong 2026 (Mar 25 – 29) concluded with strong sales across all market segments, drawing 91,500 visitors and representatives from over 170 museums and foundations across 27 countries. Galleries reported sustained demand from collectors from Asia-Pacific, Europe and the United States, with notable growth among younger and first-time buyers. The fair also marked the Asia debut of Zero 10, Art Basel’s digital art initiative, reflecting the region’s expanding interest in technology-driven practices. A newly announced five-year collaboration, confirms Art Basel Hong Kong as the city’s exclusive regional fair, supporting public art, education and the broader art ecosystem and market, further cementing Hong Kong’s status as a premier global hub for arts trading and international cultural exchange between East and West. This year’s Art Central (Mar 25-29) assembled a record 117 galleries and 500 artists from around the world, attracting over 40,000 local, Chinese Mainland and overseas visitors. Highlights included large-scale installations, with the spotlight on emerging artists, new galleries and rising talent.

Global arts hub status reinforced at cultural summit

The 2nd Hong Kong International Cultural Summit (Mar 22–23), themed “A New Era: Reimagining Community Through The Arts”, brought together nearly 30 distinguished speakers from 14 countries and regions, to explore how the arts can shape and strengthen communities. A highlight of Hong Kong Art Week 2026, the summit fostered conversations on cultural development and new collaboration opportunities. Addressing the Summit (Mar 23), Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law highlighted Hong Kong’s vibrant arts calendar, spanning ComplexCon, Art Central, Art Basel, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival, and its role as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange. She affirmed alignment with the National 15th Five-Year Plan to deepen arts and cultural exchanges between the Mainland and overseas countries, and a new premium art storage facility at Hong Kong International Airport, underscoring Hong Kong’s growing stature as a global arts trading hub.

Hong Kong to attract top global talent

Hong Kong is fast-rising as an international talent hub, driven by a comprehensive and forward-looking strategy integrating talent development with economic transformation, technological advancement and regional cooperation, said Chief Executive John Lee at the opening ceremony of the Global Talent Summit Week (GTS Week) (Mar 18). He affirmed that human development remains the ultimate goal, with continued refinement in education, innovation and infrastructure to ensure Hong Kong remains a fertile ground for ideas and enterprises, where global talent feels welcomed, valued and supported. Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki said Hong Kong will align with the nation’s 15th Five-Year Plan to build a more internationally competitive system for attracting and nurturing talent. At the International Talent Forum, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun noted that rapid technological change was intensifying global competition for talent, making science, technology and human capital more critical than ever. He said Hong Kong’s distinct advantages, alongside strong national support, position the city as the leading destination for career development.

Applications open for 2026 Airport Authority Hong Kong’s Summer Internship Programme

The Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) Summer Internship Programme 2026 is now open for applications. This year, AAHK is offering 80 internship placements, giving students a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience at the world-class Hong Kong International Airport. Throughout the 8-week programme (starting June 22, 2026), interns will work on meaningful, on-the-job assignments under professional guidance; gain valuable exposure to operations at a world-class airport; participate in airport visits, classroom training, and networking opportunities; and collaborate on a group project and present to senior management. Applications are welcome from US students, in addition to local undergraduates. The application deadline is April 7, 2026 (Hong Kong time). For more information, click here.

“+Tourism” strategy unveiled to boost visitor growth and global appeal

Hong Kong will adopt a “+Tourism” approach to integrate culture, sports and travel, aiming to drive high-quality, sustainable growth while diversifying its visitor base this year, said Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law at the Hong Kong Tourism Overview 2026 annual event (Mar 18). The city is targeting 53.8 million visitor arrivals, an 8% increase over 2025’s 49.9 million. Visitor arrivals in the first two months of 2026 had already surged 18% year-on-year. The Hong Kong Tourism Board ( three-pronged strategy focuses on diversifying source markets to attract high-valued overnight visitors, strengthening trade partnership, and differentiating Hong Kong from other destinations. A US$212 million (HK$1.66 billion) allocation from the 2026–27 Budget will scale up flagship events and introduce themed light festivals.

Hong Kong dominates Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026

Hong Kong’s dining scene achieved strong results in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2026, claiming six spots. The Chairman ranked number 1, reclaiming the top spot, following its 2021 triumph. Wing ranked second, while Neighborhood (No.24), Estro (No.32), Caprice (No.35), and Mono (No.46) rounded out the city’s outstanding showing. The awards ceremony was held in Hong Kong for the first time, on March 25. Peggy Chan of Zero Foodprint Asia received the inaugural Champions of Change Award for her inspiring work promoting regenerative farming. The results reaffirm Hong Kong’s standing as one of the world's premier culinary destinations, where Cantonese heritage meets global innovation.

HKSAR Government sets record straight on National Security Law amendments

Concerning recent reports on amendments of Article 43 of the National Security Law of Hong Kong, the HKSAR Government issued (Mar 27) formal clarifications in relation to Police’s powers in requesting access to personal electronic devices. The clarification stressed that such powers were provided under stringent requirements and judicial oversight. Police must obtain a magistrate’s warrant before searching electronic devices and may only require provision of passwords or decryption methods after legal authorisation. The Government noted that comparable provisions exist across many common law jurisdictions, including the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 in the UK, Australia’s Crimes Act 1914, New Zealand’s Search & Surveillance Act 2012 and Singapore’s Criminal Procedure Code 2010 and federal and state laws in the US. The amendments are consistent with the protection of rights and freedoms, with all enforcement actions taken strictly in accordance with the law.

Common Recruitment Examination applications open

A new round of the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) of the HKSAR will be held on June 6, with enrolment for the CRE open from March 28 to April 10. Applicants for degree or professional grade civil service posts must have valid CRE results and apply via the Civil Service Bureau’s online system. Eligibility has been expanded to include third-year undergraduate students, alongside degree holders and those graduating in 2025-26 or 2026-27. A pass result in the Basic Law & National Security Law Test is now required for all civil service jobs.

The Basic Law (BL) is the constitutional document of the HKSAR. It provides the guarantees to maintain our existing way of life, including socio-economic development, the rights and duties of Hong Kong people, the rule of law and other areas. The Basic Law was put into effect on July 1, 1997.

Q: What policy-making authority does the HKSAR Government have over social and cultural development?

A: The HKSAR Government shall on its own formulate policies on the development and improvement of education, science and technology, culture, sports, social welfare and labour. (BL 136 – 147)