Stock market gatherings increase wealth, but property troubles

This story is part of Forbes’ most abundant 2025 report on Hong Kong. See the full list here.

Although Hong Kong's economy grew at a rate of 2.5% in 2024, China's stimulus has boosted investor sentiment, boosting the benchmark Hang Seng Index by more than a third a year ago. But the collective net worth of Hong Kong's 50 wealthiest tycoons fell to $30.1 billion from $296 billion last year due to lingering property plight and imminent trade tensions.

The wealth of 30 members increased, by Li Kasunhe continues to rank first with his wealth slightly above $37.3 billion. While the extended recession in the real estate market beat the stocks held by his flagship CK assets, other outstanding investments in his portfolio, such as the video conferencing giant Zoom Communications, make up for the measure. Real estate tycoon Lee Shau Kee Net assets are $29.2 billion. His latest Hong Kong landmark for Henderson Land Development is Henderson, a $3.3 billion 36-storey office building.

Property and Jewelry Tycoon Henry Zheng Still ranked third, but he shared the most wealth with his family, reaching $2.6 billion, or $19.5 billion. As demand in China slowed down, his plate Tai Chi Jewelry Group stock fell. Another blow was the New World Development project for Chen’s debt property division, which has received offers for its various assets, including the Hong Kong Mall under its flagship K11 brand.

Alibaba Co-founder and Chairman Joseph Tsai The biggest dollar earnings this year was partly due to the release of a new version of the AI ​​Model Qwen in January after Alibaba's stock price rose. The passion for sports also paid off: Tsai sold 15% of BSE Global stake to BSE Global, which owns NBA teams, for $688 million. The buoyancy demand for sportswear has driven the stock of apparel maker Crystal International Group, suppliers to brands such as Uniqlo and Lululemon. This enhances the co-founder Kenneth LowThe wealth dropped by 64% to $1.8 billion, making him the largest profiter in the percentage.

This year's new face is Francis Luithe eldest son of casino tycoon Lui Che Woo who died in November last year. Shared his wealth with his family, Francis was once the vice chairman of the Galaxy Entertainment Group, one of Macau’s largest gaming and hospitality companies, before he was appointed chairman in December. Another newcomer is Yang Qiumeishe inherited a stake in China's giant Sensetime from her late husband, Tang Xiao'ou, the company's co-founder, who died in 2023.

The only return this year is ZhuMore than ten years ago, she inherited the shares of Shenzhen Jinwang Electronics from her late husband. In the past 12 months, stocks of printed circuit board manufacturers have nearly doubled as demand for automatic correlation and server companies rise. Two people fell last year, including Li Sze Lim, co-founder of R&F Properties in Guangzhou, China, who was under debt pressure due to the Chinese property crisis.

The critical value this year rose from $1.1 billion to $1.4 billion.

Hong Kong's richest full coverage in 2025:

Editor Anuradha Raghunathan's assistance and report. Reports by Gloria Haraito, John Kang, Zinnia Lee, Chengbo Liu, Phisanu Phromchanya, Yessar Rosendar, Jessica Tan, Catherine Wang and Yue Wang.

Methodology:

This list is compiled using information from individuals, analysts, government agencies, stock exchanges, databases and other sources. Net assets are based on stock prices and exchange rates at the end of February 7, while real-time net assets on forbes.com may reflect different valuations. Ranking lists individual and family destiny, including those shared among relatives. Evaluate private companies by using financial ratios and other comparisons with similar companies that are publicly traded. The list may also include foreign citizens who have commercial, residential or other connections to the city, or citizens who do not reside in the city but have significant business or other relationships with the city. Editor reserves the right to modify any information or delete any list based on the new information.

Acknowledgements:

Special thanks to Euromonitor International, JLL Research Team, Knight Frank, Veson Nautical and other experts who helped us with reporting and valuation, including Marina Bracciani, JLL; Gigi Cheuk, Uob Kay Hian; Will Chu, CGS International Securities Hong Kong; Michelle Ciesielski, McGrath Real Estate Agent; Kate Luang, Uob Kay Hian; Michael Nhu, CBRE; Rachael Rothman, CBRE; Govinda Singh, Coal Mine; Daniel Stocker