HSBC Chairman David Eldon says Hong Kong is one of the safest places in the world to keep one's assets

Mr Eldon said Hong Kong could learn from international markets such as Switzerland, Luxembourg and Dubai.

"Hong Kong is in an enviable position. We are an established international financial centre with a robust legal and banking system," said Mr Eldon. "For Hong Kong to realise its aspirations to develop into a world-class asset management centre, we should draw on some of the strengths of the Swiss model - the lighter regulatory touch, the confidentiality and the stability, for example."

"We must tell our own special story - explaining why Hong Kong is one of the safest places in the world to keep one's assets," he added.

Prospects for Hong Kong's asset management business are tremendous, according to Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury, Frederick Ma.

"Hong Kong is one of the most prominent asset management centres in Asia, with a significant presence of global fund houses," said Mr Ma

Mr Ma added that the high savings rate in Asia, good prospects for economic growth in the region, and the mainland's policies towards broadening the scope for investment all present huge opportunities for Hong Kong.

Mr Ma said the existence of good quality human resources was key to Hong Kong's further development as an international asset management centre, and there was a need to step up efforts in expanding the pool of talent through strengthening local education and attraction of talent from outside.

About 300 people attended the Forum, which was co-organised by the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau and the Advisory Committee on Human Resources Development in the Financial Services Sector.

Related links
HSBC 
Hong Kong sharpens edge as asset management centre