---
title: "Middle Eastern funds may flow into Hong Kong, DBS expects private banking to benefit significantly, with 99% of clients having Middle Eastern exposure within 5%"
type: "News"
locale: "zh-HK"
url: "https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/278650340.md"
description: "The situation in the Middle East affects global markets. Chen Zhiyong, Managing Director of DBS (Hong Kong), stated that 99% of corporate clients have less than 5% exposure to business in the Middle East. He believes that although there is currently no sign of capital allocation, Hong Kong may attract Middle Eastern funds, especially in the private banking sector. The Hong Kong economy is improving, the real estate market is gradually stabilizing, but the office market still faces pressure, with a vacancy rate of about 13%. DBS's RMB loan business grew by about 50% last year, and the interest margin is expected to continue for 2 to 3 years. Eighty percent of small and medium-sized enterprises plan to increase spending in the coming year, mainly focusing on cities in the Greater Bay Area"
datetime: "2026-03-11T03:18:19.000Z"
locales:
  - [zh-CN](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/278650340.md)
  - [en](https://longbridge.com/en/news/278650340.md)
  - [zh-HK](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/278650340.md)
---

> 支持的語言: [简体中文](https://longbridge.com/zh-CN/news/278650340.md) | [English](https://longbridge.com/en/news/278650340.md)


# Middle Eastern funds may flow into Hong Kong, DBS expects private banking to benefit significantly, with 99% of clients having Middle Eastern exposure within 5%

The situation in the Middle East is affecting global markets. Chen Zhiyong, Managing Director and Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking at DBS (Hong Kong), stated that they have conducted stress tests on their corporate clients regarding the Middle East situation, with over 99% of clients having less than 5% exposure to business in the Middle East. He also mentioned that there has not yet been any indication of funds deployed in the Middle East being reallocated, but the ongoing uncertainty may be positive for Hong Kong, potentially attracting inflows and attention from Middle Eastern funds and institutions, especially in the private banking sector.

## Hong Kong Office Market Still Under Pressure

Regarding the local economy, Chen Zhiyong stated that Hong Kong's overall economy is improving, the real estate market is gradually stabilizing, and property prices have bottomed out. He expects positive developments in the residential market this year, but the office market still faces pressure. Although Grade A office buildings in core areas like Central are showing signs of bottoming out and transaction volumes have improved, the strong performance of the IPO market and leasing demand from financial institutions provide support for the commercial real estate market. However, the current office vacancy rate in Hong Kong is about 13%, and ongoing observation is needed.

## RMB Loan Business Grew by About 50% Last Year

In terms of banking operations, Chen Zhiyong revealed that DBS achieved double-digit growth in deposits last year, with RMB loan business in Hong Kong growing by about 50%. He pointed out that the interest rate differential between the mainland and Hong Kong is currently about 200 basis points, and this situation is expected to continue for 2 to 3 years. Once the interest rate differential normalizes, Hong Kong's role as an international financing center will further return.

## 80% of SMEs Plan to Increase Spending in the Coming Year

Regarding small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Chen Zhiyong noted that the bank visited about 368 SMEs this year, with one-third of respondents expressing optimism about the operating environment in the coming year. Moreover, over 80% of enterprises plan to increase spending in the next year. He revealed that the primary market SMEs are considering is the Greater Bay Area cities, followed by the Asian market, and then Europe

### 相關股票

- [Hang Seng Index (00HSI.HK)](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/quote/00HSI.HK.md)

## 相關資訊與研究

- [Hong Kong considers raising MPF contributions after 13-year freeze on thresholds](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/278254329.md)
- [Hong Kong Completes First Green Methanol Bunkering, Driving Green Transformation of Its International Shipping Hub](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/278049602.md)
- [Air Products is taking proactive measures to ensure continuity of helium supply as situation in Middle East continues to evolve - spokesperson](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/278139474.md)
- [BMO Notes Risks in Canada's Housing Market](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/277944611.md)
- [Caam official: concerned that vehicle exports to Middle East won't be very good amid Iran conflict](https://longbridge.com/zh-HK/news/278665663.md)