Hong Kong, 22 October 2025 — The Hong Kong Academy for Wealth Legacy (HKAWL) and the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation (FPA2) today celebrated a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that brings together family wealth and environmental innovation to advance ocean sustainability. The strategic partnership, launched under HKAWL’s Impact Link (“iLink”) initiative, marks a major step in mobilizing private family capital toward the world’s estimated US$5.5 trillion blue economy by 2050.

The celebration took place at the 9^th edition of the Ocean Innovators Platform (OIP) co-hosted by Sustainable Finance Initiative and FPA2 at the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club — the first OIP in Hong Kong and the first FPA2 flagship event following the MoU signed in September. The collaboration represents a bridge between Monaco’s ocean conservation leadership and Hong Kong’s growing reputation as Asia’s foremost wealth management and family office hub.

As the blue economy gains global investor attention — with over 75% of global ocean economic growth between 1995 and 2020 originating in countries in Asia and the Pacific — Hong Kong is seizing the strategic opportunity to align financial strength with ocean health. The city’s role as a capital hub and maritime gateway in the Greater Bay Area (GBA) positions it at the heart of Asia’s emerging blue finance movement. According to recent studies, the GBA’s marine ecosystems are valued at RMB 4.9 trillion, representing over 35% of the GBA’s GDP and underscoring the economic and ecological urgency for sustainable investment.

Through iLink, HKAWL and FPA2 will connect family philanthropists, investors, and innovators to support blue economy projects, such as sustainable shipping, plastic pollution reduction, offshore energy, and sustainable blue food. By leveraging Hong Kong’s financial expertise and Monaco’s long‑standing conservation mission, the initiative aims to advance collaborative, impact‑oriented capital deployment.

“The strategic partnership reflects our shared belief that environmental stewardship belongs at the centre of legacy planning,” said Dr Adrian Cheng, Chairman of HKAWL. “Hong Kong can lead Asia’s transformation of family capital into a driver of sustainable ocean finance, with enduring benefits for both our economy and environment.”

“By joining forces, the Foundation and HKAWL align their efforts to accelerate the rise of a new blue economy. Our task is to make the ocean measurable, investible, and restorable - because we will not protect what we do not value, and we will not value what we do not measure. From Monaco’s shores to Victoria Harbour, we can turn ambition into tangible, regenerative growth.” said Olivier Wenden, Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of FPA2.

Romain Ciarlet, Executive Director of FPA2, added: “Through this collaboration, we aim to inspire Hong Kong’s families and future leaders to see the ocean not only as a cause to protect but also as a powerful field for sustainable investment.”

The OIP convenes global asset owners, investors, and innovators to accelerate investment in ocean‑positive enterprises. A key highlight was the “Innovation and Investment in the Blue Economy: Perspectives from Asian Families” fireside chat moderated by HKAWL Executive Director Angel Chia, which offers insights and actionable strategies from families in supporting scalable ocean innovations and marine ecosystem protection. This year’s edition signals a new era of cross‑border collaboration, with initiatives expected to follow in years to come. Angel Chia noted: “We appreciate the strong commitment from our new Impact Link Strategic Partner, bringing its global flagship event, and international network to deepen HKAWL’s work in helping family enterprises and capital to strategize legacy.”

HKAWL Chairman Dr Adrian Cheng (second from left), Executive Director Ms Angel Chia (first from left) and FPA2 Vice President & CEO Mr Olivier Wenden (second from right), Executive Director Mr Romain Ciarlet (first from right) celebrated the introduction of FPA2 as Impact Link’s Strategic Partner.

HKAWL Chairman Dr Adrian Cheng delivers closing remarks at the Ocean Innovators Platform, highlighting the significance of putting environmental stewardship at the centre of family legacy planning.