Red Packet 2026: Galloping Into the Year of the Horse

Red Packet 2026: Galloping Into the Year of the Horse

In keeping with tradition, finews.asia presents its 2026 Lunar New Year catalog of premium red packets issued by the private banking industry.

Tomorrow officially marks the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse, the 43rd combination in the sexagenary cycle – a Chinese system used to record time with a history of over 3,000 years.

One of the many customs during the festivities is the gifting of money in red packets, also known as lai see or hongbao. This practice has roots dating as far back as the Han Dynasty (~200 BC-220 AD), originally meant to ward off evil spirits. Today, it is a way to connect with loved ones and celebrate new beginnings.

Financial institutions from all over the world have long shown their appreciation for this tradition by issuing their own branded red packets for clients, with private banks arguably boasting the most ornate and highly sought-after designs.

And as a fan of tradition itself, finews.asia is once again featuring its annual A-to-Z catalog of the private banking industry’s red packets for 2026.

Bank of Singapore

^{Red packets entitled «Majestic Strides» were designed by watercolour painting specialist Nicole Koo from ART:DIS, a non-profit organization dedicated to learning and livelihood opportunities for persons with disabilities in the arts.}

Barclays Private Bank

^{A gift box with red packets artistically portraying a horse in motion alongside a gold leather pouch and a set of coasters donning Barclays’ iconic black spread eagle logo.}

BNP Paribas Wealth Management

^{BNP Paribas Wealth Management’s vibrant lai see set features a majestic horse adorned with floral patterns, symbolizing strength, speed, and blossoming success.}

Citi Private Bank

^{The private banking unit of Citigroup showcases a red packet design with delicate flowers that symbolize renewal and beauty, as well as shimmering touches of gold coins that radiate prosperity and growth.}

DBS Private Bank

^{DBS Private Bank opts for timeless emblems with graceful cranes and blooming peonies in auspicious red and luminous gold, meticulously finished with intricate detailing and embossed accents.}

Deutsche Bank Private Bank

^{Hongbaos with a bloom of peonies, swallows in flight, and a timeless greeting – a tapestry of symbols, chosen to honor tradition and to usher blessings for the year ahead.}

EFG International

^{The embossed golden horse set against a backdrop of blooming plum blossoms is a visual metaphor based on idioms symbolizing swift success and the determination to lead from the front.}

HSBC Private Bank

^{A historic laisee packet set called «40 Thriving Years of the 4th Generation of the Main Building» to celebrate the 40th anniversary of HSBC's Hong Kong headquarters, designed by renowned architect Norman Foster.}

Indosuez Wealth Management

^{Crédit Agricole’s private banking arm delivers a unique pairing of timeless red packets that can be reused as a door decoration with an adorable Year of the Horse plushie.}

J.P. Morgan Private Bank

^{A bold, contemporary hongbao design with a gold Fire Horse and intricate patterns inspired by traditional Chinese coins woven into the animal's form, representing enduring wealth and prosperity.}

J. Safra Sarasin

^{A red packet set drawing inspiration from the majestic peacock and exquisite Chinese peony flowers – two symbols that embody growth and prosperity – accompanied by a gift bag, adds an extra touch of elegance.}

Julius Baer

^{The peacock and the crane, motifs that embody the harmony of wealth and health, are central to Julius Baer’s red packets theme of the «Eternal Bliss from the Double Spirits».}

Lombard Odier

^{Lombard Odier pays homage to its old historic headquarters in Geneva with the iconic fleuron chosen as the background while spotlighting intricate peonies, a symbol of good fortune in Chinese culture.}

Morgan Stanley Private Wealth Management

^{Signifying strength and momentum, the galloping horse is rendered in gold and enclosed within a lattice-like medallion inspired by traditional paper cut designs, while surrounded by vibrant and textured floral motifs.}

Pictet Wealth Management

^{Marquage artist Wendy Koh designs Pictet’s red packets with cherry blossom decorations, which come with an elegant red book clutch that can be personalized with clients' initials.}

Standard Chartered Global Private Bank

^{Red packets inspired by the «Eight Horses of King Mu» – a classic motif in Chinese art tied to the legendary journeys of the fifth ruler under the Zhou Dynasty around three millennia ago.}

UBP

^{Union Bancaire Privée celebrates elegance and tradition with hongbaos that feature a stunning pair of rising phoenixes in gold and red, gracefully surrounded by vibrant, colourful blooms.}

UBS Global Wealth Management

^{Asia’s largest private bank by client assets showcases extravagance with a box set of majestic lai see totalling 88 – a number that symbolizes infinite fortune and prosperity – and a saddle pouch set crafted in rich Bordeaux red.}

UOB Private Bank

^{The hongbao design is modelled after the bonsai trees surrounding UOB Plaza and the Plaza Atrium, and produced with environmentally-friendly paper to promote sustainability.}