Hong Kong Ranks Second Globally in Financial Inclusion Index for Consecutive Year

Hong Kong has retained its position as the second-highest ranked market in the 2026 Global Financial Inclusion Index, scoring 71.4 points out of 100, well above the global average of 52. The index, jointly released yesterday by Principal Financial Group and the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr), covers 42 markets and measures support provided by employers, governments and financial systems to promote financial inclusion.

Principal Financial Group Executive Vice President and President for Asia and the Middle East Cheung Wai-yee said Hong Kong’s continued ranking among the top five since the index began in 2022 reflects the resilience of its financial ecosystem. He attributed this strength to a sound regulatory framework, a robust retirement system and advanced financial infrastructure that enable individuals and businesses to access financial products, services and information.

In the latest ranking, Hong Kong placed second globally for government support with a score of 73.6, and sixth for financial system support with 73.5. These results highlight the strengths of its regulatory environment, retirement provisions and financial infrastructure. However, the employer support pillar scored only 51.9, ranking 26th among the 42 markets.

Hong Kong ranked first in the world for credit accessibility. It also placed third for financial literacy and 12th for its public pension system. The number and quality of fintech companies, as well as measures that promote business confidence, both ranked 10th.

The report noted a decline in the employer support ranking, which fell six places overall. Scores dropped across all sub-indicators under this pillar, including a 12-place drop in employer compensation schemes, a seven-place decline in employee insurance schemes, and a five-place fall in guidance and support on financial matters. Analysts linked the trend to heightened commercial uncertainty, which has led companies globally to scale back employee benefits and flexibility measures. In total, 35 of the 42 markets recorded lower employer support scores.

Despite these challenges, public perception of financial inclusion in Hong Kong has improved. A consumer survey found that 74.2 per cent of Hong Kong residents feel financially included, up from 67 per cent in 2024. The increase suggests growing public recognition of efforts to improve financial access and literacy, even amid economic pressures.

Principal Financial Hong Kong President Lau Kin-yeung noted that population ageing is adding pressure on retirement security, underscoring the important role of government and the financial system in enhancing financial literacy and education. He said Hong Kong continues to invest in education initiatives that raise overall financial awareness and provide targeted support for vulnerable groups, reflecting a broader regional shift in which financial education has become central to economic stability and retirement planning.

The Global Financial Inclusion Index has shown relatively stable leadership since its launch, with Singapore and Hong Kong consistently occupying the top positions.