13th February 2026
A new year is always a good moment to take stock of your financial plans. After a record year for the MPF, each member started 2026 with an average of $325,000 in their accounts, which is a sizeable sum for many Hong Kong workers.
With this amount tucked away, the next question becomes important: how should this money be invested for your long-term retirement needs?
If they invest wisely, focus on the long term, and let the power of compounding returns work its magic, Mr MPF is confident the average member will achieve a better-than-average retirement. The question is, where should one invest? Reflecting on the MPF’s record year, the answer appears to have been hiding in plain sight.
Almost a year ago Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Chris Hui, offered a broader view at the MPF Symposium. He suggested that finance can serve not only as a cornerstone for retirement protection but also as a transformative force for the future of our planet.” He added that environmental and social challenges “demand we wield finance as a force for good” and that “prosperity and purpose is not optional; it’s an imperative.”
In fact, at the 2017 “The MPF Awards,” MPF Ratings began publicly recognising the most socially and environmentally responsible MPF schemes. This trend reflects how ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing has become a growing focus in the market.
Standing Out in a Crowded Market
With 378 Constituent Funds to choose from, it’s understandable that an MPF member might lose sight of the forest for the trees. However, one fund can claim to balance prosperity and purpose and is attempting to “wield finance as a force for good”: the Sun Life MPF Global Low Carbon Index Fund, offered through the Gold rated Sun Life Rainbow MPF Scheme.
The Sun Life MPF Global Low Carbon Index Fund invests against an index targeting companies with 50% reductions in carbon emissions and fossil fuel reserve intensities and a 20% uplift in ESG ratings, while excluding companies in sensitive business areas. By emphasising carbon reduction and defining its Sustainable Investing objectives through the Fund’s benchmark, Sun Life is not only setting the standard for MPF’s ESG measurement but is also literally managing the fund as a “transformative force for the future of our planet.”
Balancing Long-Term Returns and Social Responsibility
The Sun Life MPF Global Low Carbon Index Fund invests with a clear purpose, and in attempting to make the planet a better place, it has also brought prosperity to MPF members.
Since its launch in June 2023, the fund has grown to US$4.29 billion in assets. As of January 31, 2026, it delivered a cumulative return of 46.6%, outperforming the MPF average fund return by 11.06% (as compared to MPF Ratings’ MPFR All Fund Performance Index). Notably, the fund recorded positive monthly returns in 75% of months since inception.
This outstanding performance, built on responsible investing, hasn’t gone unnoticed. At the 2026 “The MPF Awards,” the Sun Life MPF Global Low Carbon Index Fund will be recognised as MPF’s Best ESG Product. This high praise proves that when it comes to the MPF, it is possible to balance purpose with prosperity.
Source: MPF Ratings
The information contained in this blog is not advice, it is for educational purposes, general in nature and does not take into account personal situations. You should consider whether the information is appropriate to your needs, and where appropriate, seek professional advice from a financial adviser.
