🌊 Wealth Wave: Asia’s private wealth is set to hit USD 99 trillion by 2029. Much of that value sits in founder-led companies that employ millions and form the backbone of regional economies.
🧓 No Heirs, No Plan: Nearly half of first-generation families have no clear succession roadmap. Thirty-seven percent act only after a health scare, and 43 percent wait until business pressures force their hand.
✨ Dynasty Drift: Ninety-one percent of founders want leadership to stay in the family. Yet motivation and preparation are often lacking, and many heirs dream of building their own ventures or driving social impact instead of running the core business.
🏛️ Pro over Patriarch: The next generation is more open to hiring external managers while keeping control. Founders mistrust outsiders and fear losing influence. Without proper rules, conflicts and paralysis become real risks.
🏦 Wealth Hubs Under Strain: Singapore and Hong Kong attract massive capital inflows. But weak succession planning risks frozen assets, family disputes and less momentum in Asia’s key growth markets.
Big Picture
Asia is becoming the center of global wealth, but the roadmap for generational transition is missing. Anyone betting on Asia’s wealth boom needs to treat succession, governance and professionalization as seriously as returns, and keep an eye on the openings this creates for new cross-border deals.
The China Survival Guide for Western Businesses
Entity setup, WeChat strategy, hiring your first local team. 12+ years on the ground in Shanghai.
