Affluent investors, underscoring investors’ confidence in global growth prospects for the year ahead, expect on average a 9% return from their portfolios in 2025 and to increase their global exposure while placing wealth preservation at the core of their goals, according to a recent survey.

Wealth preservation remains a key priority for most affluent investors, with 69% citing that as their primary investment goal for 2025, finds the DBS Treasures Affluent Investor Survey 2025, which was conducted in May 2025 and gathered insights from 1,517 affluent investors with HK$1 million ( US$127,385 ) or more in investible assets in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Despite concerns over macroeconomic factors, such as potential market downturns, interest rate volatility and inflation, respondents, the survey highlights, are taking a positive and proactive approach to grow their wealth. The majority ( 61% ) of them are planning to increase their investment allocations over the next 12 months.

The average affluent investor is holding more than four different asset classes, according to the survey, with the goal of diversifying their portfolios. While bonds are more sought after by Hong Kong investors, mainland investors favour alternative investments, such as gold and commodities. Investment funds remain as a core part of their portfolio with 60% of the respondents invested in funds.

Over half of the respondents ( 56% ) show keen interests in fixed income funds, while multi-asset funds come second. Although affluent investors focus on domestic markets, more than half of the respondents ( 64% ) indicate their interest to invest in international markets, with mainland investors showing particular interest with Singapore market ( 27% ).

Affluent investors are setting their sights on digital assets, the survey details, with 42% already invested in digital assets and 18% planning to enter the market, reflecting a strong momentum in this sector. However, they express that, insufficient custodian security for digital assets ( 38% ) and lack of regulatory clarity ( 37% ) are their key concerns.

As well, investors are looking to capitalize on the long-term growth opportunities, the survey shares, driven by technology and innovation: 63% of respondents focus on technology and artifical intelligence ( AI ), followed by sustainable development ( 39% ) and health and science ( 36% ).

Furthermore, affluent investors are relying on a combination of bank mobile apps ( 54% ), third-party investment apps ( 43% ) and relationship managers ( 42% ) for investment advice. This highlights, the survey points out, that both digital and human interactions are just as important in their decision-making process.

Investors with higher investable assets, the survey reveals, tend to rely more heavily on relationship managers than AI, which emphasizes the continued value of personalized advice and solution.

“Affluent investors are demonstrating strong confidence, resilience and adaptability when navigating a complex economic environment,” adds Amy Kwan, DBS Bank ( Hong Kong )’s head of business planning, customer segment and ecosystem for its consumer banking group and wealth management unit. “They are seeking global investment opportunities to diversify their investment portfolios.”