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CPA Australia Survey: Hong Kong businesses are looking to expand as confidence improves in 2025
Surveyed executives and accounting professionals show a relatively optimistic outlook for Hong Kong’s economy, with 63 per cent anticipating the local economy will grow next year. Hong Kong’s tax system (31 per cent) ranks as the largest positive contributor to the city’s economic and business environment in 2025, while changes in consumer patterns (26 per cent) and tension in US-China relations (26 per cent) are seen to be the two biggest challenges. 56 per cent of respondents rated Hong Kong’s international competitiveness as high.
Mr. Cliff Ip, CPA Australia 2024 Divisional President of Greater China, said, “The survey findings reflect that Hong Kong’s economy and business confidence are expected to steadily improve in the coming year. Recent stimulus measures unveiled by the central government and the Hong Kong government have contributed to this improved sentiment. The start of the rate-cutting cycle has also boosted business confidence. These positive factors should keep this momentum going into 2025 and strengthen Hong Kong’s international competitiveness.
“However, external uncertainties still weigh on some sectors such as tourism and retail. Respondents indicate that changing customer behaviour and weak customer demand are some of the key challenges they expect to face in 2025. In response, companies must keep innovating their products and services, and how they deliver them. They also need to frequently engage with customers and potential customers to better understand trends both in Hong Kong and elsewhere.”
The outlook for initial public offerings (IPOs) in the city is also optimistic. Some 63 per cent of respondents expect the value of funds raised in Hong Kong through IPOs to increase in 2025. “IPO activity in Hong Kong has shown signs of recovery since Q3 due to some mega-sized IPOs. Policies and regulatory reforms are stimulating capital activities and boosting investor confidence,” Ip explained.
The improving economic sentiment is flowing through to revenue projections and business expansion plans in 2025. 51 per cent of respondents predict their company’s revenue will grow next year, with an increase in revenue of between 5 to 20 per cent being the most popular prediction.
In response to this improving business environment, respondents are most likely to forecast that their company will increase their investment in advanced technologies (38 per cent), sales and marketing (37 per cent) and expansion outside of Hong Kong (36 per cent). A notably high proportion of respondents to this survey stated that their company has expansions plan in the next three years at home or abroad, with mainland China (40 per cent) again nominated as the most popular destination.
Though cost management remains the top strategic focus for many companies, the percentage choosing it has dropped from 39 per cent in 2024 to 27 per cent in 2025. While slightly more are expected to focus on market expansion activities (27 per cent) and innovation and digitalisation (26 per cent).
Ip stated, “The more positive business environment is being reflected in an expected shift in corporate strategy away from defensive strategies such as cost management and improving business efficiency towards more expansionary strategies such as market expansion and innovation.”
To support growing revenue and expansion plans, companies are keen to add more employees and increase salary to retain talent. 57 of per cent respondents expect that their companies to increase headcount, the highest new hiring intention since 2020. These new hiring intentions are strongest amongst larger companies. Salaries are expected to grow, with 62 per cent expecting to receive a salary increase in 2025.
While the economy looks to be on a positive trajectory, predictions for price changes in the property market in 2025 are uncertain, with similar numbers of respondents expecting prices to increase and decrease, however more respondents expect prices to increase than the previous two years.
Ip explained, “The city’s property market is recovering, with demand gradually growing. This is due to recent interest rate cuts and changes in government policies such as the relaxation of restrictive measures in the housing market. However, with sectors such as SMEs undergoing a relatively slower recovery due to the weak domestic demand, this is leading to stagnation in the rental market.”
The survey data shows nearly all Hong Kong companies have introduced at least some ESG measures into their operations, with only three per cent stating they have not taken any ESG actions. Another 35 per cent expect their company to increase their ESG-related initiatives and activities next year. Respondents were most likely to nominate compliance and increasing compliance costs as the biggest impact ESG is having on their business.
CPA Australia collected 568 responses from Hong Kong-based executives, accounting and finance professionals working in various industries in October and November for this Hong Kong Economic and Business Sentiment Survey 2025.
Hashtag: #CPAAustraliaHongKong #2025HongKongBusinessOutlook #Forecast #Advocacy #ThoughtLeadership #Accounting
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
CPA Australia
CPA Australia is one of the largest professional accounting bodies in the world, with more than 173,000 members in over 100 countries and regions, including more than 22,500 members in Greater China. CPA Australia has been operating in Hong Kong since 1955 and opened our Hong Kong office in 1989. Our core services include education, training, technical support and advocacy. CPA Australia provides thought leadership on issues affecting the accounting profession and the public interest. We engage with governments, regulators and industries to advocate policies that stimulate sustainable economic growth and have positive business and public outcomes. Find out more at cpaaustralia.com.au
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UU Wallet Secures U.S. MSB License, Embarking on a New Chapter of Global Compliance with Security at Its Core
Security and Compliance: Driving Global Strategy
The U.S. MSB license, issued by the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) under the Department of the Treasury, is a critical entry requirement for international financial institutions to provide monetary services. Passing the license audit indicates that UU Wallet has met stringent U.S. regulatory standards in areas such as anti-money laundering (AML), risk control systems, and user asset protection.
Since its establishment in 2023, UU Wallet has rapidly grown into a Web3 payment ecosystem covering over 160 countries and regions, thanks to its technological innovation and commitment to security. With a team of over 100 professionals, UU Wallet focuses on four core businesses: digital currency and fiat exchange, prepaid cards, enterprise wallet services, and Web3 wealth management. Its daily transaction volume has surpassed $20 million.
Four Core Features Redefining Secure Payment Experiences
Instant Fiat Exchange, Secure and Frictionless
UU Wallet supports instant conversions between mainstream fiat currencies such as the Philippine Peso (PHP), South Korean Won (KRW), Japanese Yen (JPY), US Dollar (USD), Hong Kong Dollar (HKD), and Malaysian Ringgit (MYR), and digital currencies. Utilizing intelligent routing and multi-signature cold wallet technology, users can complete cross-border fund transfers within 5 seconds, with end-to-end data encryption and a zero-risk incident record.
Global Prepaid Cards: USDT Real-Time Circulation, Balancing KYC Efficiency and Security
Users can instantly recharge prepaid cards with USDT, which are accepted in over 160 countries and regions for both online and offline purchases. The platform supports both virtual and physical cards, as well as B2B client integration. UU Wallet’s unique “tiered KYC” mechanism allows basic consumption scenarios to complete identity verification in just 3 minutes, while larger transactions are secured through dynamic facial recognition and blockchain address tracking, striking a balance between convenience and security.
Enterprise Wallet Services: Comprehensive Fund Protection
For Web3 enterprises, UU Wallet offers payment and fund management solutions covering 50+ public chains and 10,000+ tokens. Through secure multi-party computation (MPC) technology, real-time risk warning systems, and monthly third-party audits, UU Wallet ensures transparent and traceable fund flows, mitigating risks of operational errors and hacker attacks.
Web3 Asset Wealth Management: Balancing Returns and Risk Control
The platform provides a variety of value-added services, including flexible staking, structured products, and compliant stablecoin wealth management. All products are executed automatically via smart contracts, with code security verified by top-tier auditing firms. Historical annualized returns range from 3% to 15%, ensuring users’ assets grow steadily and securely.
“Security is the lifeline of financial services,” said a UU Wallet spokesperson. “With the MSB license, we will accelerate collaboration with global regulators and traditional financial institutions, driving deeper integration of Web3 payments with mainstream economic systems.”
Hashtag: #UUWallet
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About UU Wallet
UU Wallet is a security-focused Web3 payment infrastructure provider dedicated to lowering the barriers to digital asset usage through technological innovation. The company has obtained financial licenses in the United States and the Philippines, serving over 500,000 individual users and 2,000 enterprises with a zero-security-incident record.
About Followme
Followme is an open community trading platform where traders and investors worldwide share experiences, exchange ideas, and publish trading strategies in real-time. Their real accounts have been connected to more than 4,300 brokers worldwide via Followme. Users who join as followers can get help from the information posted to enhance their advantages in trading. To date, more than 900,000 users worldwide have joined Followme.
A Commitment to Excellence
KVB’s achievement is a testament to its unwavering commitment to providing traders with an unparalleled trading experience. The company stands out for its dedicated customer support, ensuring that clients receive timely assistance and expert guidance whenever needed.
In addition, KVB offers a versatile platform for traders of all levels. Whether using Actstrade, its advanced desktop platform, or the KVB App for mobile trading, clients benefit from powerful tools, intuitive interfaces, and real-time market insights. KVB also offers some of the lowest spreads in the industry, creating optimal trading conditions for both new and experienced traders. Combining low-cost trading with a feature-rich platform and exceptional customer service, KVB remains a top choice for traders worldwide.
2025 and Beyond
Looking ahead to 2025, KVB is set to expand its reach into new markets, bringing its top-tier trading services to a broader global audience. With a strong commitment to continuous improvement, the company is also focused on enhancing its systems, ensuring a more seamless, efficient, and secure experience for traders.
In addition, KVB plans to launch exciting new promotions, providing traders with greater value and incentives while enhancing its customer service program with faster response times and more personalized support. With these initiatives, KVB aims to deliver an even better trading experience and strengthen its global presence in 2025.
For more information, please visit www.kvbplus.com.
Hashtag: #KVB
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
The 2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject rated six local degree courses among the world’s top 10, up from three last year, while 68% of 231 programmes from nine Hong Kong institutions rose in the rankings.
In the field of data science and artificial intelligence (AI), five Hong Kong universities are ranked among the world’s top 50, the highest number in Asia and second-highest globally.
This demonstrates the city’s immense potential and competitiveness in technological innovation, providing crucial support for the city’s future economic transformation and upgrading. The Government has also rolled out various supportive policies and initiatives to attract talent and businesses to Hong Kong to participate in driving related products to market and engaging in innovation.
The surge up of Hong Kong’s rankings was contributed by the comprehensive three-pronged approach involving the HKSAR Government, the efforts by universities in teaching and research, as well as social resource collaboration.
The leap up the rankings also further enhanced the “Study in Hong Kong” brand, helping world-leading academic disciplines in the city attract top-tier students for advanced studies.
“The Education Bureau will also continue to collaborate with institutions to attract more students from around the world to build Hong Kong into an international hub for high-calibre talent,” said Secretary for Education Dr Choi Yuk-lin.
According to the QS release, about 80% of subjects of the city’s universities had shown improvement in academic reputation, with significant progress across most indicators. This highlighted Hong Kong’s continued leadership in the field of higher education, serving as a global model of success.
This year’s ranking compared over 21,000 academic offerings, taken by students at more than 1,700 universities across 100 countries and territories in 55 subjects.
Hashtag: #hongkong #brandhongkong #asiasworldcity #QS #Talents
https://www.brandhk.gov.hk/
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The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
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