3rd February 2025
Kung Hei Fat Choy. Happy Lunar New Year!
Mr MPF wishes its audience good health, wealth and happiness for the Year of Snake, a year where good fortune awaits investors, and also thanks all the MPF scheme sponsors and trustees who kindly gifted their Lai See packets to Mr MPF, Lai See packets which after distribution amongst Mr MPF’s family prompted an animated discussion, “If MPF was a Lai See packet, which scheme would be the best?”.
A good question which Mr MPF has attempted to answer by replacing the usual rigor of MPF Ratings’ Gold, Silver and Bronze MPF ratings methodology with a very healthy pinch of light-hearted humour.
Branding
The general view of marketing and brand specialists is that prominent logos are beneficial for immediate recognition and quick market penetration while subtle logos are effective for long-term brand loyalty and quality. Given MPF is a saving marathon and not a sprint, Lai See packets stamped with prominent logos are out while the subtle stay in contention.
Sustainability
“Sustainable investing is the new normal” according to MPF’s regulator, the MPFA. Sustainable investing balances Good Governance, Social Responsibility, and Environmental Friendliness. To support the MPF system’s commitment to sustainability, MPF Ratings has recognized “Sustainably Friendly” MPF schemes in 2025. Examples of which are BCT’s Pro Choice and Bank of Communications Trustee’s BCOM Joyful Retirement MPF Scheme. Reinforcing a commitment to “Sustainably Friendly”, Lai See packets wrapped in plastic are out while those delivered in paper remain in.
Differentiation
MPF schemes are constantly looking for ways to differentiate themselves. HSBC and Fidelity impress with education quality, the Sun Life MPF Global Low Carbon Index Fund positions Sun Life as an ESG leader, and Manulife displays a consistent willingness to innovate. The most recent example being an investment advice pilot programme with leading digital wealth provider Syfe. Differentiation takes courage.
Red coloured Lai See packets are predictable. Personally, Mr MPF fancies a dash of pink so shades of red make the cut but reds are left red faced.
Size
Larger MPF schemes have the ability to lower fees without compromising services to members. AIA’s Prime Value Choice is a good example. MPF’s 4th largest scheme attempts to satisfy even its smallest members and employers by offering the system’s most diverse array of MPF payment methods. Size apparently does matter so Lai See packets where bank notes need folding to fit are filtered out in the search for the Lai See version of MPF’s Scheme of the Year.
Design
Conceptually an MPF scheme is simple. It’s a mandated retirement savings pillar for eligible Hong Kong workers but what sets MPF winners, such as Sun Life’s Rainbow MPF Scheme and Fidelity’s Retirement Master Trust, apart are well designed websites that easily and transparently highlight Key Scheme Information Document information. Good design matters. Lai Sees are gifted, and gifts must appeal. Uninspiring Lai Sees are dropped while the inspiring stay on.
Universal appeal
Universal appeal is pragmatic proof of success. In MPF that means appealing to Employers and Members. In 2024, Hong Kong’s Employers and MPF’s members voted HSBC and Manulife as MPF’s respective “Employers’ Choice” and “People’s Choice”. 2025’s official winners will be revealed on the 27th of February at the 13th edition of “The MPF Awards”.
To be 2025’s MPF Lai See scheme winner, it must win over Mr MPF’s family – the children, grandchildren, parents and grandparents.
And the winner is?
Big over small, subtle over bold, paper over plastic and inspiring over uninspiring. It’s a big ask, but no bigger than winning over Mr MPF’s family, but the family has now had its say.
Inter-woven, multi-shaded cerise and pewter leaf Lai Sees that are large enough to accommodate full crisp bank notes but small enough to carry in coat pockets and handbags delivered in a gilded cardboard box befits the title of MPF’s best Lai See scheme.
Congratulations Sun Life Rainbow MPF Scheme, Mr MPF’s family has spoken and they nominated you as 2025’s MPF Lai See scheme winner.
Kung Hei Fat Choy.
The information contained in this blog is general in nature and does not take into account your personal situation. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.