Investment manager Federated Hermes unveiled at the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong its plans to open an office in the city to capitalize on the region’s rapidly growing wealth market.

The announcement marks a strategic expansion as the firm deepens relationships with private banks, family offices, wealth intermediaries and institutional investors across the Asia-Pacific region.

Subject to regulatory and other necessary approvals, the planned Hong Kong office will further strengthen its established Asia‑Pacific footprint, which includes existing regional offices in Singapore, Tokyo and Sydney. The company has maintained a presence in the region since 2010.

The Hong Kong expansion reflects its strategic focus on Asia’s wealth and retail distribution segments, where the firm sees significant opportunity as client portfolios grow more sophisticated and distribution models shift towards long-term partnerships. This builds on the firm’s established institutional presence across the region.

The company’s Asia strategy centres on a consultative distribution model that “works to align its investment capabilities, research insights and global networks with the evolving needs of wealth clients navigating increasingly complex market environments”.

Hong Kong’s position as a premier international wealth and asset management hub makes it a natural location for its expansion. The office will enhance the firm's on-the-ground client coverage and support its long-term regional growth strategy across both wealth and institutional channels.

The company also will focus its efforts this year on securing licensing approval from the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission and completing the required registrations.

The move underscores the company’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region where demographic trends, wealth creation and evolving investor sophistication continue to create opportunities for active investment managers with differentiated capabilities.

“Asia continues to be one of the fastest-growing wealth markets globally, with clients increasingly seeking partners who can support more sophisticated investment strategies and portfolio construction,” adds Jim Roland, the company’s Asia-Pacific head of distribution. “Establishing a presence in Hong Kong enables us to work even more closely with partners and clients on the ground, providing localized service and expertise.”