Amid the U.S. dollar’s recent volatility, Donald Trump’s trade war has left many analysts skeptical of its long-term viability as a haven. The first question in Asia is, how will the wealthy respond? The second: Where will they park their capital, Singapore or Hong Kong?
A previous generation of the affluent Chinese diaspora, which had made its money in resources like rubber, sugar, palm oil and tin before and during World War II, stormed out of the British pound after its 1967 devaluation, choosing to leave behind a fading imperial master to embrace the preeminent post-colonial superpower.
Trump’s policies have thrust a similar decision on their progeny and the nouveau rich: real-estate moguls, startup billionaires, deep-pocketed dealmakers and industrial tycoons. Singapore and Hong Kong extend generous tax breaks to family offices or vehicles through which the uberprosperous manage their investments. Both centers also offer cash-for-residency pathways.
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