Wealthy individuals in Singapore and Hong Kong shift toward extended working lives

Research from Manulife and FT Longitude reveals a shifting trend among high-net-worth individuals in Singapore and Hong Kong, who are increasingly moving away from traditional retirement models toward “portfolio lives.”

In Singapore, 57% of wealthy respondents expect to work beyond conventional retirement age, with 30% intending to work for as long as possible. Many plan to transition into advisory roles or new business ventures. Despite this, only 16% of Singaporean wealthy individuals currently possess a fully integrated wealth plan that combines investments, retirement income, health insurance, and succession planning.

Similarly, in Hong Kong, 58% of high-net-worth individuals expect to work past retirement age. Approximately 32% anticipate working five to ten years beyond standard retirement, while 26% aim to work indefinitely. Two-thirds of these respondents are redesigning their investment portfolios to support flexible lifestyles rather than fixed retirement dates.