Some of the most powerful and affluent people in the world still call Hong Kong, a major financial center, home. As of March 1, 2025, a rebounding post-pandemic economy, a volatile real estate market, and a stock market surge fueled by China’s stimulus measures have presented challenges for the city’s wealthy elite. This article examines the top 10 wealthiest people in Hong Kong, their sources of wealth, and the factors impacting their ranks this year, drawing on the most recent information available, including Forbes’ coverage of Hong Kong’s richest in 2025.
1. Li Ka-shing – $37.3 Billion
Li Ka-shing, widely regarded as Asia’s most esteemed business titan, continues to hold the title of the richest person in Hong Kong in 2025. Despite resigning as chairman in 2018, the 96-year-old “Superman” of business manages a vast empire through CK Hutchison Holdings and CK Asset Holdings. His wealth has increased slightly from $36.2 billion in 2024, thanks to strong returns from businesses like Zoom Communications, which helped offset declines in his flagship property company, CK Asset Holdings, during a prolonged downturn in the property market.
2. Lee Shau Kee – $29.2 Billion
Lee Shau Kee, the titan of real estate, remains the second richest person in Hong Kong. Projects like The Henderson, a $3.3 billion office tower, have helped the 97-year-old founder of Henderson Land Development maintain his wealth. Although he resigned as chairman in 2019, his influence in Hong Kong’s real estate industry is likely to continue through his sons, Peter and Martin, who now run the business.
3. Henry Cheng & Family – $19.5 Billion
Henry Cheng, along with his family, ranks third with a fortune of $19.5 billion, representing a decline of $2.6 billion from the previous year—the worst drop of any in the top 10. As chairman of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group and New World Development, Cheng faced challenges from China’s sluggish jewelry market and a debt-ridden real estate division, which forced him to sell assets, including a Hong Kong mall under the K11 brand.
4. Lee Siblings – $16.2 Billion
The fortune of $16.2 billion held by the five Lee siblings—Charlie, Samm, Eddy, David, and Elizabeth—comes from their inheritance from Lee Man Tat, the late chairman of the Lee Kum Kee Group, a well-known condiment conglomerate famous for its oyster sauce. This impressive net worth reflects the long-term profitability of the family-run company and its continued dominance in international markets.
5. Joseph Lau – $13.6 Billion
Fifth place goes to fugitive tycoon Joseph Lau, a former chairman of Chinese Estates, with a fortune of $13.6 billion. Due to health issues, Lau has given a significant portion of his income to his wife and son. However, his wealth remains strong thanks to his impressive real estate holdings and an art collection valued at over $1 billion, which includes works by Andy Warhol and David Hockney.
6. Kwong Siu-hing – $12 Billion
With a wealth of $12 billion, 93-year-old Kwong Siu-hing is the sixth richest woman in Hong Kong. She is the widow of Kwok Tak-seng, a co-founder of Sun Hung Kai Properties, and she retains a majority share in the largest real estate developer in the city. Her sons, Raymond and Thomas, currently run the business while navigating the challenges of the real estate market.
7. Peter Woo – $11.7 Billion
Peter Woo, the former chairman of Wharf Holdings and Wheelock & Co., ranks eighth with $11.7 billion. His wealth comes from his portfolio that includes notable properties like Times Square and Harbour City. Since stepping down in 2015, Woo has focused on philanthropy, particularly with his Project WeCan initiative aimed at helping underprivileged children.
8. Joseph Tsai – $10.8 Billion
Joseph Tsai, co-founder and chairman of Alibaba, ranks eighth with a net worth of $10.8 billion, marking the largest increase among the top 10—up $2.3 billion from 2024. His fortune has surged due to rising Alibaba shares, boosted by the January 2025 release of an enhanced AI model called Qwen, highlighting his crucial role in the tech giant’s recovery.
9. Lui Che Woo & Family – $9.4 Billion
Casino tycoon Lui Che Woo and his family rank ninth with $9.4 billion. As the founder of Galaxy Entertainment, Lui has managed to weather changes in Macau’s gambling market. His diverse holdings in real estate and hotels have helped maintain his status as one of Hong Kong’s elite.
10. Francis Choi – $8.1 Billion
Francis Choi, known as the “King of Toys,” rounds out the top 10 with a fortune of $8.1 billion. Choi’s wealth stems from his role as chairman of Early Light International, the world’s largest toy manufacturer, as well as his investments in Regal Hotels and Town Health International Medical Group.
Economic Context and Trends
China’s stimulus policies, which led to an increase of more than a third in the Hang Seng Index, contributed to an estimated GDP growth of 2.5 percent in Hong Kong in 2024. However, despite some improvement, the combined wealth of the 50 richest individuals in the city remains at $301 billion, a modest increase from $296 billion in 2024, as ongoing challenges in the real estate market and potential trade issues persist.
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