China imposes 20% tax on offshore trusts, affecting $667 billion assets

China's Ministry of Finance has announced a 20% tax on offshore trusts, which affects an estimated HK$5.2 trillion ($667 billion) held under trusts in Hong Kong as of 2023. Families must declare and pay outstanding tax amounts on assets transferred into these trusts since the start of 2023 by October 22, creating urgency for wealthy clients. This move has prompted a rush to legal advisors and a scramble for cash among China's ultra-rich. The new tax rules significantly impact wealth planning for Chinese families, highlighting changes in asset management strategies.