Establishing a Multi-Family Office in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is rapidly becoming Asia's leading destination for Multi-Family Offices (MFOs), offering a sophisticated financial ecosystem, strategic access to Mainland China, and a competitive tax regime. At Zetland Fiduciary Group HK, we provide tailored solutions for Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) families seeking to pool resources, streamline operations, and preserve wealth across generations.

Learn how to set up a Multi-Family Office (MFO) in Hong Kong with Zetland. Explore legal structures, licensing, tax advantages, and why Hong Kong is Asia's top choice for UHNW families.

What Is a Multi-Family Office (MFO)?

An MFO is a professional wealth management firm that serves multiple UHNW families. It centralises services such as investment advisory, tax planning, estate structuring, philanthropy, and concierge support—delivering economies of scale and institutional-grade expertise.

Steps to establish a Multi-Family Office in Hong Kong
Start
Define Scope of Services & Target Families
Choose Legal Structure
Private Limited Company
FIHV / SPE / Trust
Assess Licensing Requirements
Type 1 (Securities)
Type 4 (Advisory)
Type 9 (Asset Management)
Incorporate Entity & Register with SFC
Recruit Investment Professionals & Staff
Set Up Operations & Compliance Framework
Apply for Tax Concessions (if eligible)
Begin Wealth Management & Family Services
End
Legal Structure
  • Typically structured as a Hong Kong private limited company
  • May require SFC licensing under the Securities and Futures Ordinance (SFO):
    • Type 1: Dealing in securities
    • Type 4: Advising on securities
    • Type 9: Asset management
  • Can include Family Investment Holding Vehicles (FIHVs) and Special Purpose Entities (SPEs)
Tax Advantages
  • Two-tier profits tax system:
    • First HKD 2 million taxed at 8.25%
    • Remaining profits taxed at 16.5%
  • No capital gains, dividend, estate, or withholding tax
  • Tax concessions available for qualifying FIHVs managed by family office
Key Benefits of MFOs
  • Cost efficiency through shared infrastructure
  • Access to professional expertise across legal, tax, and investment domains
  • Scalability for growing family needs
  • Privacy and governance tailored to each family's values
  • Residency support via schemes like QMAS and Capital Investment Entrant Scheme

Zetland's MFO Services

  • Incorporation and licensing support
  • Investment structuring and compliance
  • Trust and estate planning
  • Tax advisory and reporting
  • Immigration and concierge services