Speaker

Mr. Chris Heady

Chairman of Asia Pacific and Head of Real Estate Asia Blackstone

Christopher Heady is Chairman of Asia Pacific & Head of Real Estate Asia. Mr. Heady is based in Hong Kong and is responsible for the day-to-day management of the Real Estate group’s investment activities and personnel in Asia. Mr. Heady joined Blackstone in 2000 and has been involved in a variety of real estate acquisitions and initiatives in the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Speaking at

Wed 23 Oct 1:30 PM — 2:30 PM (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Afternoon Breakout – IDEATE 2: Hong Kong’s Leading Role as a Private Equity Hub

Ms. Christine Chan, Link Asset Management Limited

Mr. Calvin Chou, Invesco

Mr. Chris Heady, Blackstone

Mr. John Pattar, KKR

Ms. Claire Tang, LaSalle Investment Management

Hong Kong has long been a global financial hub, attracting a strong presence of top international banks, hedge funds, and private equity (PE) firms. With over 80 of the world's 100 largest banks and 70 of the top 100 global asset managers operating in the city, Hong Kong has cemented its status as a premier destination for banking, asset management, and wealth management.

The private equity sector in Hong Kong is particularly robust, ranking second in Asia after Mainland China. Hong Kong-based PE firms manage over $220 billion in capital, accounting for more than 15% of the region's total PE assets under management. This thriving PE industry is a testament to the city's attractive business environment and access to capital.

But why do PE firms choose Hong Kong? What do they see as the main challenges in the next 12-24 months?

Looking ahead, the Hong Kong government has identified key sectors for development: artificial intelligence and data analytics, life and health technology, fintech, advanced manufacturing, and new energy and new materials. Will these be opportunities for PE firms to drive innovation and support the creation of new business models in Hong Kong?