TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — CTBC Bank announced the number of high-asset customers in Taiwan's banks is projected to reach 816,000 this year, per CNA.

According to regulations governing banks providing financial products and services for high-asset customers in Taiwan, a high-asset customer is defined as an individual with assets exceeding NT$100 million (US$3.17 million), or with investable assets of NT$30 million or more at the bank.

CTBC Bank and PwC Taiwan issued their annual wealth report on Taiwan's high-asset customers on Monday. It estimates the total assets held by this group will reach NT$57.69 trillion this year.

The bank said that 90% of the customers have experienced wealth growth. The financial products most favored by these customers are expected to be bonds, Taiwanese stocks, overseas stocks, and exchange-traded funds (ETFs).

These customers consider investment risks such as interest rate adjustments, inflation, AI supply chain developments, and geopolitical risks when pursuing returns, the bank said.

Younger high-asset customers in Taiwan, those under 45, hold a larger proportion of overseas stocks, while those over 65 tend to favor funds and bonds. The report also noted the 45 to 65 age group shows greater interest in bonds, ETFs, and overseas stocks.

These customers are also showing strong interest in investing in Taiwan's technology sector. Customers under 45 are most interested in investing in AI-related industries, while those over 45 prefer investing in more stable sectors such as the semiconductor foundry industry.

Last year, these customers maintained a 54% investment interest in the US. The report also highlighted a growing interest in Japan-related investments, with interest projected to rise to 21% over the next three years, making Japan the second most preferred investment destination after the US.

The report also said that 48% of these customers began planning for wealth succession last year. The most common inheritance tools chosen were retaining securities or gold, purchasing insurance, and investing in real estate.