Middle-aged? Choose your MPF mix carefully — start shifting from attack to defence after 50

Under MPF law, workers can only withdraw accrued benefits at 65. More members have lately faked permanent departure from Hong Kong for early access — MPFA figures show 79 prosecutions last year, up 43% from 55 the year before. Rather than gaming the system, mid-life members do better managing their MPF portfolios.

How should middle-aged members position themselves?

AIA (Trustee) CEO Bonnie Tse advises starting the shift after 50, gradually moving assets into lower-risk fund types such as bond and conservative funds. Amid current market volatility, mid-life members should neither neglect their MPF nor act rashly.

What if retirement is only 3 to 5 years away?

Reallocating only now is too rushed and risky, Tse said — there is no one-size-fits-all answer; seek professional analysis based on age, risk tolerance and when the money is needed. Everyone’s circumstances differ, so positioning should be personalised.

What about younger members?

Advisers generally expect emerging and Asian markets to beat Europe and the US over the medium to long term — members already holding such equity funds, far from retirement and able to accept short-term swings, need not move now. At any age, regular reviews are essential: compare the risk levels of MPF funds and consult MPF educational resources to adjust the mix through life stages.