# FAQ | China Family Office (CFOI)

> Frequently asked questions about the China Family Office: what a family office is, China Family Office’s positioning and services, how to join events, and how to get in touch.

URL: https://www.china-family-office.com/en/faq/

### What is a family office?

A family office is a professional institution dedicated to managing the wealth and affairs of affluent families. Its services typically span investment management, wealth succession, family governance, tax and legal compliance, next-generation education and philanthropy, with the goal of passing on both family wealth and values across generations.

### What kind of institution is the China Family Office?

China Family Office is a family office industry institution and professional community rooted in the Chinese mainland. It serves family office practitioners, family members and ecosystem partners with industry research, professional education, industry events and philanthropy — a public knowledge platform and trust network for China’s family office industry.

### What services and resources does China Family Office offer?

Core offerings include industry research and policy analysis (such as offshore trust taxation and cross-border wealth management policy), professional education content, industry forums and exclusive study visits, and philanthropic programmes linked to international SDG certification.

### How can I take part in China Family Office’s events?

Events are announced on the “News & Events” section of this website and through partner channels. Interested participants may subscribe via email and will be notified as soon as registration opens.

### Who is China Family Office’s content for?

Family members and family office practitioners, professionals from private banks and asset managers, lawyers and tax advisers, as well as scholars and students interested in family wealth management.

### What is the difference between a single and a multi-family office?

A single family office (SFO) serves one family exclusively and is typically established above US$100 million in investable assets; a multi-family office (MFO) serves several families with shared costs. Hong Kong hosted more than 3,380 SFOs by end-2025 (InvestHK / Deloitte).

### How much does it cost to set up a family office?

Costs vary by model: an SFO typically costs 0.5%–1% of investable assets per year, while MFO services run about 0.2%–0.5%. A basic Hong Kong SFO usually starts from several million HKD annually.

### Hong Kong vs Singapore for a family office: which is better?

Both have strengths: Hong Kong, with 3,380+ SFOs, is the largest cross-border wealth hub (BCG, 2026) and the gateway to mainland China; Singapore, with about 1,400 SFOs, offers mature SEA access and 13O/13U tax incentives. Families serving mainland business often run a dual Hong Kong–Singapore structure.

### How do family offices engage in philanthropy?

Three common routes: establishing a family charitable foundation; impact investing that balances returns with social goals; and community programmes (our members helped organise the 4,000-participant Tai Chi world-record charity event). China Family Office’s philanthropy arm links families with international SDG programmes.

### Why do Chinese families need professional family office services?

China’s wealth market reached RMB 179.33 trillion in 2025 (Sina Finance, 2026) and many founders face succession: cross-generational governance, cross-border tax compliance (such as the 2026 offshore trust rules) and next-generation development all need professional coordination.

### What research topics does China Family Office cover?

Our research covers four tracks: policy and tax analysis (offshore trust rules, CIES threshold changes), market data (the global family office market was US$20.6bn in 2025, projected US$38.1bn by 2035), succession governance methods, and philanthropy practice. All research carries sources and verification dates.

### Where are China Family Office events usually held?

Events are mainly held in Hong Kong, with regular cross-border study visits — an exclusive Singapore family office visit is scheduled for April 2026. Flagship events include the RFO Annual Forum.

### How does China Family Office differ from private-bank family office services?

Private-bank family office services centre on product distribution and the bank’s revenue goals; China Family Office is an industry body and professional community that sells no products — it provides research, education, policy analysis and peer exchange to build neutral knowledge and networks.

### How can next-generation family members get involved?

China Family Office runs next-generation programmes: the SDG-themed funding scheme supports youth-led community projects; our education track teaches succession governance; and dedicated youth sessions at events help G2/G3 build their own networks through philanthropy and investing.

### Is China Family Office’s content reliable and how is it sourced?

We apply strict sourcing: every key figure carries its source and period (e.g. BCG Global Wealth Report 2026, InvestHK / Deloitte), each page shows a verification date, all content is reviewed by named authors, and policy analysis cites official document numbers.

### What is a family charter and can China Family Office help?

A family charter is the founding document that sets out family values, governance structure, decision mechanisms and wealth-distribution rules — the institutional basis of succession. Our education track provides charter methodology and case studies, and connects families with senior legal and governance advisers.

### Does the 2026 offshore trust rule affect existing trusts?

Yes. MOF & STA Announcement No. 15 of 2026 (July 2026) applies a uniform 20% individual income tax rate to offshore trust arrangements by Chinese tax residents, with no reductions or concessions, effective 1 January 2026. Families with existing trusts should review structures and filings; our research article explains each provision.

### How can I join the China Family Office?

We welcome three member groups: family members and family office practitioners; professionals from private banking, asset management, law and tax; and scholars or students of family wealth. Apply via the Contact Us page, pass secretariat review, then complete onboarding.

### How much is the annual membership fee?

Fees have three tiers: individual, institutional (which may nominate multiple representatives) and student. Current figures are published by the secretariat — request the schedule via the Contact Us page. Discounted rates apply to academics and students.

### How can I contact China Family Office?

You are welcome to reach us through the Contact Us page on this website.