Top 50 list of Hong Kong billionaires' wealth climb

The minimum net worth to make the list this year rose to $11b from $8b.

The combined wealth of Hong Kong’s 50 richest individuals on the 2025 Forbes list rose to $2,315.38b (US$301b), up from $2,276.92b (US$296b) last year, despite ongoing property market challenges and trade tensions, according to Forbes Asia.

Hong Kong’s economy grew by 2.5% in 2024, whilst China’s stimulus measures boosted investor confidence, pushing the Hang Seng Index up more than a third from the previous year.

The minimum net worth to make the list this year rose to $10.77b (US$1.4b) from $8.46b (US$1.1b). The top 10 richest in Hong Kong are:

1. $286.92b (US$37.3b)
2. $224.62b (US$29.2b)
3. $150b (US$19.5b)
4. $124.62b (US$16.2b)
5. $104.62b (US$13.6b)
6. $92.31b (US$12b)
7. $90b (US$11.7b)
8. $83.08b (US$10.8b)
9. $72.31b (US$9.4b)
10. $62.31b (US$8.1b)

Li Ka-shing remained the city’s richest person, with his fortune increasing to $286.92b (US$37.3b) from $278.46b (US$36.2b).

Whilst his CK Asset Holdings suffered from the real estate downturn, gains from other investments, including Zoom Communications, offset the losses.

Lee Shau Kee held the second spot, with his net worth rising to $224.62b (US$29.2b) from $207.69b (US$27b). His company, Henderson Land Development, recently completed The Henderson, a $25.38b (US$3.3b), 36-story office tower.

Henry Cheng and his family remained at No. 3, though their fortune dropped by $20b (US$2.6b) to $150b (US$19.5b).

Weak demand in China impacted shares of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group, and New World Development, Cheng’s debt-laden property firm, posted its largest-ever annual net loss and was removed from the Hang Seng Index in December.

The Lee siblings of LKK Group saw their wealth decline by $11.54b (US$1.5b) to $124.62b (US$16.2b), placing them fourth. Real estate tycoon Joseph Lau ranked fifth, with his fortune rising to $104.62b (US$13.6b) from $100.77b (US$13.1b).

Alibaba co-founder Joseph Tsai, ranked eighth with $83.08b (US$10.8b), recorded the largest dollar gain of $17.69b (US$2.3b), driven by Alibaba’s AI advancements and the sale of a 15% stake in BSE Global, owner of the Brooklyn Nets, for $5.29b (US$688m).

Rising demand for sportswear also boosted Crystal International Group’s stock, increasing co-founder Kenneth Lo’s wealth by 64% to $13.85b (US$1.8b), the largest percentage gain on the list.

This year’s newcomers include Francis Lui, ranked ninth with $72.31b (US$9.4b), who took over as chairman of Galaxy Entertainment Group after his father Lui Che Woo’s death in November.

Yang Qiumei, ranked 48th with $11.54b (US$1.5b), inherited shares in AI company SenseTime following the death of her husband, co-founder Tang Xiao’ou.

Zhuo Jun, who inherited shares in Shenzhen Kinwong Electronics over a decade ago, returned to the list at No. 49 with a net worth of $11.15b (US$1.45b).

The company’s stock nearly doubled over the past year due to strong demand from automotive and server industries.

The rankings are based on stock prices and exchange rates as of 7 February, with valuations reflecting both individual and family fortunes.

Private companies were assessed using financial ratios and comparisons with publicly traded firms. Some individuals on the list have significant business ties to Hong Kong despite residing elsewhere.

($1.00 = US$0.13)