PETALING JAYA: Affluent and high-net-worth investors (HNWIs) in Malaysia are ahead of global peers in deploying cash more aggressively, says HSBC.
In its latest commissioned survey, HSBC Affluent Investor Snapshot, the banking group said approximately 16% of HNWIs in Malaysia want to decrease cash holdings in their portfolio, higher than the global average of 12%.
This is also higher compared to other markets such as Taiwan (9%) and Singapore (13%).
In a statement, HSBC pointed out that HNWIs in Malaysia are adopting a “future-proofing mindset” when it comes to their investment strategy.
They are focused on three top financial goals, which are to build extra wealth to curb inflation (43%), preserve and protect their wealth (42%) and prepare for retirement (42%).
The survey showed the top three financial products owned by HNWIs in Malaysia are insurance (48%), stocks (44%) and gold (43%).
The survey also stated that investors plan to increase ownership of gold (up 20 points), fixed or term deposits (up 19 points) and alternatives (up 17 points) over a 12-month period.
HSBC Affluent Investor Snapshot polled close to 10,000 HNWIs across 10 markets including Malaysia, capturing portfolio positioning and future investment intentions.
HSBC Malaysia country head of international wealth and premier banking Linda Yip said that HNWIs are doubling down in wealth and are rebalancing portfolios to achieve their financial goals.
“They are mindful of inflationary pressures and the importance of building buffers for retirement.
“They are focused on growing and protecting their wealth for the long term, and that is reflected in the survey findings,” she said.
“HNWIs in Malaysia continue to seek long-term growth, and product choice is becoming more intentional based on investment objectives,” added Yip.