China’s mass affluent population (individuals with RMB 650,000 to 6 million investment assets) makes up only around 2.5 percent of the country’s population, yet their personal consumption is expected to experience double digit growth to account for more than 75 percent of China’s total consumption by 2020, according to a report released by Oliver Wyman, a global consulting firm.

The report, titled ‘Chasing the Chinese Dream’, reveals that China’s mass affluent population is expected to more than double from 15 million in 2015 to 33 million in 2020, rapidly accumulating wealth with investable assets projected to increase from RMB 21 trillion in 2015 to RMB 45 trillion in 2020.

“The new mass affluent class, who are younger, more tech-savvy and free-spending, now allocate more money to investments and consumption than savings,” said Bernhard Kotanko, Oliver Wyman partner and co-author of the report. “Having suffered greatly from stock market volatility in recent years, investors are now looking to diversify risks and rebalance portfolios.”

As financial needs evolve, half of respondents have already increased allocation of income towards financial products and/or Chinese stocks, the top two categories, followed by top-up insurance plans. Chinese equities and bank wealth management products are still the most common assets held by the mass affluent class, yet they are open to experimenting with financial innovations and have taken part in new fintech vehicles such as online money market funds and peer-to-peer products.

On the consumption front, 60 percent of surveyed respondents have increased spending on entertainment (sports, cinema, etc.) and domestic vacations, on par with food and personal items. Furthermore, 30 percent of additional income is allocated to entertainment and holidays, exceeding the incremental spending on personal and household goods.

“Our research suggests around two-thirds of incremental income will be funneled into consumption. However, Chinese consumers aren’t just buying more. They are now seeking meaningful experiences to elevate lifestyles, spending more on experiences that result in higher levels of self-fulfillment,” said Jacques Penhirin, Oliver Wyman partner and co-author of the report.

The research shows that this new consumer class is forging new patterns of saving, investing and consuming, to support a more sophisticated and urbanized way of life.

The paper also reveals that, even as Chinese consumers reach for meaningful lifestyles and experiences, the underlying foundation of economic and social security is shaky. Discontent over cost of living is widespread and profound. Quality providers of wealth management and basic welfare are still largely lagging �" a paradox where they pursue higher values beyond material goods, but still grapple with basic needs.

“While increasing their spending on affluent lifestyles, Chinese consumers demand better welfare benefits and set money aside for future healthcare treatment and education,” said Jacques Penhirin.

The skepticism towards local healthcare quality is fueling a rising medical tourism market, which is growing at a faster rate than the tourism industry. More affluent Chinese look overseas for wellness services, medical care and treatment for critical illnesses. The top five destinations, in order, are Japan, Korea, United States, Taiwan and Germany.

The perception that Chinese consumers will indiscriminately buy more goods is a myth. As they search for ‘experience goods’ to elevate lifestyles, they are at the same time seeking upgraded options to social goods to improve well-being.

About the paper

The report titled, “Chasing the Chinese Dream”, is based on a survey by Oliver Wyman of 1,000 Chinese mass affluent consumers. It aims to reveal the evolving aspirations of the Chinese mass affluent class, and to contrast that with the limitations and dilemmas they face. Chapter 1 highlights the shift in behaviors towards wealth and lifestyle. Chapter 2 contrasts the optimisms with several dilemmas faced by the Chinese mass affluent class as they strive to upgrade their quality of life. Chapter 3 explains the opportunities under the new paradigms of the Chinese consumer and investor.

About Oliver Wyman

Oliver Wyman is a global leader in management consulting. With offices in 50+ cities across nearly 30 countries, Oliver Wyman combines deep industry knowledge with specialized expertise in strategy, operations, risk management, and organization transformation. The firm has more than 4,500 professionals around the world who help clients optimize their business, improve their operations and risk profile, and accelerate their organizational performance to seize the most attractive opportunities. Oliver Wyman is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan Companies [NYSE: MMC]. For more information, visit www.oliverwyman.com. Follow Oliver Wyman on Twitter @OliverWyman.