Families Give Financial Security Top Billing, But Fear Wealth Won't Endure – Sun Life Asia Study

Editorial Staff

21 November 2025

A study from Sun Life Asia, part of , shows that while financial security is regarded as a cornerstone for legacy planning across the region, as many as 60 per cent fear that their wealth will not last beyond their children’s generation.

Across all the countries surveyed, the survey found that 70 per cent of respondents said that having protection in place to ensure their family’s financial security is the most important factor in legacy planning. This was followed by having a clear and smoothly-communicated estate plan to reduce confusion or disputes (53 per cent) and building enough wealth to pass down to the next generation (48 per cent).

The research, entitled Passing the torch: Building lasting legacies in Asia, surveyed more than 3,000 respondents across Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam.

Most respondents prefer the wealth they bequeath to fuel long-term growth, with 59 per cent wanting their legacy invested for long-term wealth creation through financial assets, life insurance or the family business.

For the region, 60 per cent fear that their wealth won’t last beyond their children’s generation.

Concerns are most pronounced among the affluent, with 28 per cent describing themselves as“very concerned” about wealth preservation, highlighting that greater wealth often brings greater responsibility and considerably higher stakes.

“We are seeing a clear shift in how families define legacy – from wealth alone to a combination of financial security, education and purposeful living for future generations,” David Broom, chief client and distribution officer at Sun Life, said. “While the survey indicates a gap between intent and action, this highlights the need for proactive planning, professional guidance and open family dialogue to ensure both assets and values are preserved.”

In other findings, the survey showed that many legacy discussions lack structure. Some (44 per cent) of legacy planning conversations are currently informal or casual, but this does not seem to be the preferred option, with just 27 per cent of respondents stating this as the best setting.