How Billions in Forgotten Bank Accounts Go Unclaimed Every Year
每年數十億遺忘銀行帳戶無人認領
Right now, over US$100 billion sits in dormant and forgotten bank accounts across the world. From Hong Kong to London, New York to Tokyo, governments and banks hold vast sums of money that rightful owners — or their families — have never claimed. This guide shows you exactly how to search for forgotten accounts in six major countries, with real statistics, official search tools, and step-by-step instructions.
目前，全球有超過1,000億美元存放在休眠和被遺忘的銀行帳戶中。從香港到倫敦、紐約到東京，各國政府和銀行持有大量從未被合法擁有人或其家人認領的資金。本指南為您提供在六個主要國家搜尋遺忘帳戶的詳細方法，包括真實統計數據、官方搜尋工具和逐步指引。
Table of Contents
- The Staggering Scale of Forgotten Money
- Why Bank Accounts Become Dormant
- Hong Kong: Dormant Account Policies and How to Search
- United Kingdom: The Dormant Assets Scheme
- United States: US$70 Billion+ in Unclaimed Property
- Australia: ASIC Unclaimed Money Search
- Japan: Dormant Deposits Utilization Act
- Canada: Bank of Canada Unclaimed Balances
- Real Recovery Stories
- 10 Common Reasons Accounts Become Forgotten
- Master Search Checklist: All Countries
- Practical Tips for a Successful Search
1. The Staggering Scale of Forgotten Money
The amount of money sitting unclaimed in dormant bank accounts worldwide is genuinely staggering. Consider these verified figures:
| Country | Estimated Unclaimed Amount | Official Search Tool |
|---|---|---|
| United States | US$70 billion+ (bank accounts) + US$32 billion (savings bonds) | MissingMoney.com / state treasuries |
| Australia | AU$2.7 billion+ | ASIC / Moneysmart.gov.au |
| Canada | CA$1.44 billion+ (3.4 million accounts) | Bank of Canada Unclaimed Properties |
| United Kingdom | £1.2 billion+ distributed; hundreds of millions still dormant | mylostaccount.org.uk |
| Japan | ¥105 billion+ annually becomes dormant | Individual bank applications |
| Hong Kong | No public figures (banks hold internally) | Individual bank enquiries |
These numbers represent real money belonging to real people and their families. In the United States alone, roughly one in seven Americans — about 33 million people — have unclaimed property waiting for them. In Canada, the Bank of Canada holds over CA$1.44 billion across 3.4 million untouched accounts as of 2025.
For families in Hong Kong — many of whom have relatives who lived, worked, or invested overseas — the potential for forgotten accounts spans multiple countries. A parent who worked in the UK in the 1980s, a grandparent who emigrated from Australia, or a relative who studied in Canada could all have left behind bank accounts that are now sitting dormant, waiting to be claimed.
2. Why Bank Accounts Become Dormant
Understanding why accounts become dormant is essential to knowing where to look. Banks typically classify an account as "dormant" or "inactive" when there have been no customer-initiated transactions for a set period — usually 12 to 24 months in Hong Kong, and up to 3 to 15 years in other jurisdictions.
The most common reasons include:
Life Changes
- Emigration: Hong Kong residents who emigrated to the UK, Canada, Australia, or elsewhere often left small balances behind, intending to close accounts later but never getting around to it.
- Marriage and name changes: A woman who married and changed her surname may have old accounts under her maiden name that she forgot to update or close.
- Job changes: Payroll accounts from former employers, especially if the person had multiple jobs or worked in different countries.
- Moving house: After several address changes, bank correspondence stops reaching the account holder, and the account slips from memory.
Family Situations
- Death without disclosure: The most common scenario we encounter at AssetCadet. A family member dies without telling anyone about all their accounts. Perhaps they had a fixed deposit at a bank the family didn't know about, or a savings account opened decades ago.
- Dementia or cognitive decline: Elderly account holders who develop dementia may forget about accounts they opened years ago.
- Family estrangement: Relatives who lost contact may not know about assets left behind.
Institutional Factors
- Bank mergers: When banks merge or are acquired, account records can become harder to trace. For example, Wing Lung Bank is now CMB Wing Lung Bank, and OCBC Wing Hang Bank has gone through multiple name changes.
- Branch closures: Rural or suburban branches that close may leave customers unaware of how to access their accounts.
- Digital transition: Older account holders who never adopted online banking may lose track of passbook-only accounts.
3. Hong Kong: Dormant Account Policies and How to Search
Hong Kong does not have a central unclaimed property registry like the US or Australia. This means searching for forgotten accounts requires contacting each bank individually — a time-consuming but essential process.
How Hong Kong Banks Handle Dormant Accounts
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) issued comprehensive guidelines in November 2021 on how authorised institutions should handle dormant accounts and unclaimed deposits. Key points include:
- Dormancy period: Most HK banks classify accounts as dormant after 12 to 24 months of no customer-initiated activity (deposits, withdrawals, or transfers).
- Unclaimed classification: After 5 or more years of dormancy, accounts may be reclassified as "unclaimed."
- Fees: Banks may charge dormant account fees and restrict services such as ATM access.
- No proactive notification: Banks are not required to proactively contact families of deceased account holders.
- Retention: Unlike some countries, Hong Kong banks generally retain dormant funds indefinitely rather than turning them over to the government.
Step-by-Step: Searching for Forgotten Accounts in Hong Kong
Compile a List of All Possible Banks
Start with the major retail banks: HSBC, Hang Seng Bank, Bank of China (Hong Kong), Standard Chartered, and Bank of East Asia. Then expand to Tier 2 banks like DBS, Citibank, Dah Sing, and Chong Hing. Don't forget Mainland Chinese banks if your relative had cross-border connections (ICBC Asia, China Construction Bank Asia, etc.). Hong Kong has over 150 licensed banks.
Gather Required Documents
You will need: the death certificate (original), your HKID, proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate), and ideally the Grant of Probate or Letters of Administration. For a preliminary search (balance enquiry only), some banks may accept the death certificate and proof of relationship without probate.
Visit or Write to Each Bank's Estate/Deceased Account Department
Most major HK banks have dedicated estate departments. Request a "deceased account search" using the person's full name, HKID number, and date of birth. The bank will search their records for any accounts — active, dormant, or unclaimed — held in that name.
Request Balance Confirmation Letters
For any accounts found, request formal balance confirmation letters. These are essential for the probate application and typically cost HK$100-500 per letter.
Check for Safe Deposit Boxes
While enquiring about bank accounts, also ask about safe deposit boxes. These can contain valuables, documents, share certificates, or even keys to other safe deposit boxes at different institutions.
Hong Kong MPF (Mandatory Provident Fund) Accounts
Don't overlook MPF accounts. As of 2025, Hong Kong's 4.8 million MPF scheme members hold approximately 11.2 million MPF accounts, with each member holding an average of 2.3 accounts. If your relative changed jobs multiple times, they likely have MPF accounts scattered across different trustees. Contact the MPFA (Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority) at mpfa.org.hk for assistance locating accounts.
4. United Kingdom: The Dormant Assets Scheme
The UK has one of the world's most developed systems for handling dormant accounts, thanks to the Dormant Assets Act. If your relative lived, worked, or studied in the UK, there is a realistic chance they left money behind.
The Scale of the Problem
Since its launch in 2011, the UK Dormant Assets Scheme has released over £1.2 billion from dormant accounts to good causes, with a further £142.8 million approved for distribution in July 2025. The scheme was expanded in 2024 under FCA guidance (PS24/10) to include investment and pension assets, potentially unlocking an additional £240 million.
How to Search: mylostaccount.org.uk
The UK's primary search tool is mylostaccount.org.uk, a free service that brings together three tracing schemes:
- UK Finance — covers banks
- Building Societies Association (BSA) — covers building societies
- NS&I — covers National Savings and Investments products (Premium Bonds, etc.)
Over 70 account providers participate in this service, including all major banks and building societies.
Step-by-Step: Searching in the UK
Visit mylostaccount.org.uk
Create an online profile and complete the search form. You'll need the account holder's full name (including any previous names), date of birth, and any known previous UK addresses.
Submit the Search
The service will search across all participating banks and building societies simultaneously. This is far more efficient than contacting each institution individually.
Wait for Results
Bank and building society searches are completed within 3 months. NS&I searches are completed within 1 month. You'll receive results by email or letter.
Claim the Money
If accounts are found, the bank or building society will contact you directly with instructions for claiming. You'll need to prove your identity and your right to the funds (e.g., Grant of Probate, Letters of Administration).
Other UK Search Options
- National Savings & Investments (NS&I): Search for Premium Bonds, savings certificates, and other NS&I products at nsandi.com.
- Pension Tracing Service: The government's free Pension Tracing Service (gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details) helps locate workplace or personal pensions.
- The Unclaimed Assets Register: A paid service (around £25) that searches across multiple financial institutions.
5. United States: US$70 Billion+ in Unclaimed Property
The United States holds the world's largest pool of unclaimed property, and the system for searching is among the most accessible.
The Numbers
According to the National Association of Unclaimed Property Administrators (NAUPA) and the National Association of State Treasurers (NAST):
- More than US$70 billion in unclaimed property — including cash, cheques, deposits, and dividends — is currently held by state treasuries nationwide.
- An additional US$32 billion remains tied up in unclaimed US Savings Bonds held by the Bureau of the Fiscal Service.
- Approximately 1 in 7 Americans (about 33 million people) have unclaimed property waiting for them.
- In fiscal year 2024, states returned a record US$4.49 billion to rightful owners.
How the US System Works
The US uses an "escheatment" system. When a bank account, insurance policy, or other financial asset is inactive for a set period (typically 3-5 years, depending on the state), the holder must turn the property over to the state's unclaimed property office. The state then holds the money until the rightful owner or their heirs claim it.
Step-by-Step: Searching in the USA
Search MissingMoney.com
This is the free, official website managed by NAUPA. It searches across most participating states' databases simultaneously. Enter the person's name and any known states of residence.
Search Individual State Websites
Not all states participate in MissingMoney.com. For comprehensive coverage, search each state where your relative lived, worked, or did business. Every state has its own unclaimed property website. Start with the state treasurer or comptroller's office.
Search Federal Databases
For US Savings Bonds, search at TreasuryDirect.gov. For federal tax refunds, check with the IRS. For federal employee benefits, contact the Office of Personnel Management.
File a Claim
If unclaimed property is found, follow the state's claim process. You'll typically need to provide identification, proof of ownership or inheritance, and documentation such as death certificates and probate documents. Processing times vary from a few weeks to several months.
Example: Utah's 2025 Statistics
To illustrate how active these programs are: Utah's Unclaimed Property Division alone received US$178.3 million in unclaimed property through fiscal year 2025 and returned a record US$43.4 million to Utahns — in just one state.
6. Australia: ASIC Unclaimed Money Search
Australia has approximately AU$2.7 billion in unclaimed money from bank accounts, shares, investments, and life insurance policies. If your relative lived in Australia — even temporarily for work or study — they could have money waiting.
How Australia's System Works
Under Australian law, financial institutions are required to transfer unclaimed money to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) after a set period of inactivity:
- Bank accounts: Become unclaimed after 7 years of inactivity.
- Life insurance policies: Become unclaimed 7 years after the policy matures and is not claimed.
- Shares and investments: Become unclaimed after 6 years without shareholder contact.
Step-by-Step: Searching in Australia
Search ASIC's Unclaimed Money Database
Visit moneysmart.gov.au/find-unclaimed-money and search for free. You can search by name, company name, or ABN. This database covers bank accounts, life insurance, shares, and other financial products.
Search State Revenue Offices
Each Australian state and territory also holds unclaimed money from different sources (e.g., uncollected trust money, overpayments). Search your state's revenue office separately.
Search the ATO for Lost Super
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) holds billions in lost and unclaimed superannuation. Search at ato.gov.au using the person's tax file number or personal details.
Submit a Claim
If money is found, ASIC will guide you through the claim process. You'll need identification, proof of entitlement, and for deceased estates, legal documentation such as the Grant of Probate.
7. Japan: Dormant Deposits Utilization Act
Japan has a significant dormant account problem. Between fiscal years 2010 and 2013, an average of approximately 11.5 million bank accounts worth ¥105 billion (approximately US$700 million) became dormant each year.
How Japan's System Works
Japan's Dormant Deposits Utilization Act, which came into effect on 1 January 2018, establishes the following framework:
- Bank accounts with no transactions for 10 years or more are classified as dormant.
- Banks must make efforts to contact account holders before classifying accounts as dormant.
- Dormant deposits are transferred to the Japan Dormant Deposits Management Organization (managed through the Deposit Insurance Corporation of Japan, DICJ).
- About ¥40-50 billion is refunded each year when depositors request repayment, leaving ¥50-60 billion of genuinely unclaimed money annually.
- Unclaimed deposits are used for public interest activities by private organisations working on social issues.
Step-by-Step: Searching in Japan
Identify Possible Banks
Japan has hundreds of banks, including mega-banks (MUFG, Sumitomo Mitsui, Mizuho), regional banks, shinkin banks (credit unions), and Japan Post Bank (Yucho). Consider where your relative lived and worked to determine which banks to contact.
Contact Each Bank Directly
Unlike the US or Australia, Japan does not have a centralised search tool. You must contact each bank individually with the account holder's name, date of birth, and any known account details. Many Japanese banks will require documentation to be in Japanese.
Provide Inheritance Documentation
To claim a deceased relative's account in Japan, you will typically need: the koseki tohon (family register extract), death certificate, proof of inheritance (e.g., will, certificate of inheritance), and your own identification documents. Foreign documents may need to be translated and notarised.
Japan Post Bank (Yucho Ginko)
Pay special attention to Japan Post Bank, which has the largest branch network in Japan. Many older Japanese residents — and foreign workers in Japan — used Yucho accounts for everyday banking. These accounts are particularly likely to become forgotten, especially for people who left Japan.
8. Canada: Bank of Canada Unclaimed Balances
The Bank of Canada currently holds over CA$1.44 billion across 3.4 million untouched accounts as of 2025. This is one of the easier countries to search thanks to a well-designed centralised database.
How Canada's System Works
- If you don't use certain financial products for 10 years, federally regulated financial institutions must transfer the unclaimed balances to the Bank of Canada.
- The Bank of Canada holds unclaimed balances of less than CA$1,000 for 30 years.
- Unclaimed balances of CA$1,000 or more are held for 100 years.
- Since 2023, the Bank of Canada also manages foreign-denominated accounts in USD, EUR, GBP, JPY, and other currencies.
Step-by-Step: Searching in Canada
Search the Bank of Canada Database
Visit unclaimedproperties.bankofcanada.ca and search by name. The database is free and publicly accessible. You can search for bank balances, bank drafts, certified cheques, deposit receipts, money orders, and GICs.
Search Provincial Programs
Some provinces have their own unclaimed property programs. For example, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec each have provincial registries that may hold funds from provincially regulated institutions.
File a Claim
If you find unclaimed property, the Bank of Canada website will guide you through the claims process. You will need identification and, for deceased estates, documentation proving your legal right to the funds.
9. Real Recovery Stories
The following are representative scenarios based on real cases handled by asset recovery professionals. Names and specific amounts have been changed to protect privacy.
Case 1: The Emigrant's Forgotten UK Account
Mr. Chan emigrated from the UK to Hong Kong in 1995 after working as an engineer in Birmingham for 12 years. When he passed away in 2024 at age 78, his children found no records of any UK financial assets. However, while reviewing his old files, they discovered a faded Barclays passbook from the 1980s. A search through mylostaccount.org.uk revealed a dormant savings account with £47,000 — the compound interest had grown the balance significantly over three decades. The family successfully claimed the full amount.
Case 2: The Multiple MPF Accounts
Mrs. Wong worked for six different employers during her 30-year career in Hong Kong. When she died in 2025, her family knew about her current MPF account but had no idea about five other accounts from previous employers. A search through the MPFA revealed a total of HK$380,000 across the forgotten accounts — money that would have been lost if the family hadn't thought to search.
Case 3: The Australian Fixed Deposit
Mr. Lau lived in Sydney for eight years in the 2000s before returning to Hong Kong. He never closed his Commonwealth Bank term deposit account when he left. After his death, his wife discovered the account through an ASIC search. The AU$25,000 deposit had matured and was sitting as unclaimed money. She successfully claimed AU$31,000 (including accumulated interest).
Case 4: The US Savings Bonds
An elderly Hong Kong woman discovered that her late husband — who had worked briefly in the United States in the 1970s — had purchased US Savings Bonds that were never redeemed. A search through TreasuryDirect.gov revealed US$12,000 in matured savings bonds. Because there is no time limit on redeeming US Savings Bonds (though they stop earning interest after 30 years), the family was able to claim the full amount plus accumulated interest.
10. 10 Common Reasons Accounts Become Forgotten
Understanding these common triggers can help you identify whether your deceased relative might have forgotten accounts:
- Emigration or relocation: Leaving a country without closing all accounts — especially small-balance savings accounts or term deposits that hadn't matured.
- Name change after marriage: Accounts opened under a maiden name that were never updated and eventually forgotten.
- Job changes: Payroll accounts, staff savings schemes, and retirement fund accounts from previous employers.
- Bank mergers and acquisitions: When a familiar bank is absorbed by another, customers may not follow the transition and lose track of their accounts.
- Death of a spouse: One spouse managed all finances and died first, leaving the surviving spouse unaware of certain accounts. Then when the surviving spouse also dies, the children have no knowledge of these accounts.
- Address changes without notification: After several moves, bank correspondence goes undelivered and the account is forgotten.
- Fixed deposits with long tenures: A 5-year or 10-year fixed deposit that was set up and then slipped from memory.
- Minor accounts: Accounts opened by parents or grandparents for children that were never disclosed or claimed.
- Business accounts: Sole trader or small business accounts that were not closed when the business ceased operations.
- Foreign currency accounts: Accounts opened for travel or overseas transactions that were used once or twice and then forgotten.
11. Master Search Checklist: All Countries
Use this checklist to systematically search for forgotten accounts across all major jurisdictions:
12. Practical Tips for a Successful Search
Do
- Search under ALL names the person used (maiden name, married name, English name, Chinese name, aliases)
- Search in every country where the person ever lived, worked, or studied — even briefly
- Check tax returns for undisclosed interest or dividend income
- Look through physical documents: old passbooks, bank cards, correspondence, receipts
- Ask elderly relatives if they know about any accounts
- Be persistent — dormant account searches can take weeks or months to yield results
- Search for accounts in the names of other deceased family members who may have named your relative as a beneficiary
Don't
- Don't assume the family knows about all accounts — the most common discovery is an account nobody knew existed
- Don't pay for services that you can access for free (MissingMoney.com, mylostaccount.org.uk, ASIC search are all free)
- Don't ignore small balances — compound interest over decades can turn small deposits into substantial sums
- Don't forget about non-bank assets: insurance policies, shares, pensions, superannuation
- Don't delay — dormant account fees can erode balances, and some jurisdictions have time limits
- Don't respond to unsolicited emails or calls claiming you have unclaimed property (these are often scams)
目錄
1. 被遺忘資金的驚人規模
目前全球休眠和被遺忘銀行帳戶中的無人認領資金數額令人震驚。以下是經過驗證的數據：
| 國家 | 估計無人認領金額 | 官方搜尋工具 |
|---|---|---|
| 美國 | 700億美元以上（銀行帳戶）+ 320億美元（儲蓄債券） | MissingMoney.com / 各州財政部 |
| 澳洲 | 27億澳元以上 | ASIC / Moneysmart.gov.au |
| 加拿大 | 14.4億加元以上（340萬個帳戶） | 加拿大銀行無人認領財產 |
| 英國 | 已分配超過12億英鎊；數億英鎊仍處於休眠狀態 | mylostaccount.org.uk |
| 日本 | 每年約1,050億日圓成為休眠帳戶 | 逐間銀行查詢 |
| 香港 | 無公開數據（由銀行內部持有） | 逐間銀行查詢 |
這些數字代表的是屬於真實人物及其家庭的真實資金。僅在美國，大約每七個美國人中就有一個——約3,300萬人——有無人認領的財產等待他們領取。在加拿大，截至2025年，加拿大銀行持有超過14.4億加元、遍布340萬個未動用帳戶的資金。
對於香港家庭而言——其中許多人有在海外生活、工作或投資的親屬——被遺忘帳戶的可能性橫跨多個國家。一位在1980年代在英國工作的父母、一位從澳洲移民的祖父母，或一位在加拿大留學的親屬，都可能留下了現在處於休眠狀態、等待認領的銀行帳戶。
2. 銀行帳戶為何會成為休眠帳戶
了解帳戶為何會成為休眠帳戶，對於知道在哪裡尋找至關重要。銀行通常在沒有客戶主動交易的情況下，經過一定期間後將帳戶歸類為「休眠」或「不活躍」——香港通常為12至24個月，其他司法管轄區則為3至15年不等。
生活變化
- 移民：移居英國、加拿大、澳洲或其他地方的香港居民，往往留下小額結餘，打算日後關閉帳戶但從未付諸行動。
- 婚後更改姓名：婚後更改姓氏的女性可能擁有以婚前姓名開設的舊帳戶，這些帳戶從未更新或關閉。
- 轉換工作：前僱主的薪金帳戶，尤其是曾在不同國家從事多份工作的人。
- 搬屋：多次搬遷後，銀行通信無法送達帳戶持有人，帳戶逐漸被遺忘。
家庭情況
- 未有披露便離世：這是我們在AssetCadet最常遇到的情況。家人去世時沒有告訴任何人他們的所有帳戶。也許他們在家人不知道的銀行有定期存款，或者數十年前開設的儲蓄帳戶。
- 認知障礙或認知功能衰退：患有認知障礙症的年長帳戶持有人可能忘記了多年前開設的帳戶。
- 家庭關係疏離：失去聯繫的親屬可能不知道遺留的資產。
機構因素
- 銀行合併：當銀行合併或被收購時，帳戶記錄可能變得更難追蹤。例如，永隆銀行現在是招商永隆銀行，華僑永亨銀行經歷了多次名稱變更。
- 分行關閉：關閉的郊區分行可能使客戶不知道如何存取其帳戶。
- 數碼轉型：從未採用網上銀行的年長帳戶持有人可能失去了對僅有存摺帳戶的追蹤。
3. 香港：休眠帳戶政策及搜尋方法
香港沒有像美國或澳洲那樣的中央無人認領財產登記處。這意味著搜尋被遺忘的帳戶需要逐間銀行聯絡——這是一個耗時但必要的過程。
香港銀行如何處理休眠帳戶
香港金融管理局（金管局）於2021年11月發布了全面指引，說明認可機構應如何處理休眠帳戶和無人認領存款。主要內容包括：
- 休眠期：大多數香港銀行在沒有客戶主動活動（存款、提款或轉帳）的12至24個月後，將帳戶歸類為休眠。
- 無人認領分類：休眠超過5年後，帳戶可能被重新歸類為「無人認領」。
- 費用：銀行可能收取休眠帳戶費用並限制提款機存取等服務。
- 無主動通知：銀行無須主動聯繫已故帳戶持有人的家屬。
- 保留：與某些國家不同，香港銀行通常會無限期保留休眠資金，而非將其移交政府。
逐步指南：在香港搜尋被遺忘的帳戶
列出所有可能的銀行
從主要零售銀行開始：滙豐、恒生銀行、中銀香港、渣打銀行及東亞銀行。然後擴展到星展、花旗、大新及創興等第二層銀行。如果您的親屬有跨境聯繫，不要忘記中資銀行（工銀亞洲、建銀亞洲等）。香港有超過150間持牌銀行。
收集所需文件
您需要：死亡證明書（正本）、您的香港身份證、關係證明（如結婚證書、出生證明書），以及理想情況下的遺產承辦書或遺產管理書。對於初步搜尋（僅查詢結餘），某些銀行可能接受死亡證明書和關係證明而無需遺產承辦書。
親身到訪或書面聯絡各銀行的遺產/已故帳戶部門
大多數主要香港銀行設有專門的遺產部門。使用先人的全名、香港身份證號碼和出生日期申請「已故帳戶搜尋」。銀行將搜尋其記錄中以該名稱持有的任何帳戶——活躍、休眠或無人認領。
要求結餘確認函
對於找到的任何帳戶，要求正式的結餘確認函。這些對遺產承辦申請至關重要，每封信通常收費100至500港元。
查詢保管箱
在查詢銀行帳戶的同時，也要詢問保管箱。這些可能包含貴重物品、文件、股票證書，甚至是其他機構保管箱的鑰匙。
香港強積金帳戶
不要忽略強積金帳戶。截至2025年，香港480萬名強積金計劃成員持有約1,120萬個強積金帳戶，每名成員平均持有2.3個帳戶。如果您的親屬多次轉換工作，他們很可能有分散在不同受託人的強積金帳戶。請聯繫積金局（強制性公積金計劃管理局，mpfa.org.hk）以協助查找帳戶。
4. 英國：休眠資產計劃
英國擁有全球最發達的休眠帳戶處理系統之一，得益於《休眠資產法》。如果您的親屬曾在英國生活、工作或留學，他們很有可能留下了資金。
問題的規模
自2011年推出以來，英國休眠資產計劃已從休眠帳戶中釋放超過12億英鎊用於公益事業，2025年7月更批准了額外1.428億英鎊的分配。該計劃於2024年根據FCA指引（PS24/10）擴展至包括投資和養老金資產，有可能釋放額外2.4億英鎊。
如何搜尋：mylostaccount.org.uk
英國的主要搜尋工具是mylostaccount.org.uk，這是一項免費服務，整合了三個追蹤計劃：
- UK Finance——涵蓋銀行
- 建房互助協會（BSA）——涵蓋建房互助會
- NS&I——涵蓋國民儲蓄及投資產品（Premium Bonds 等）
超過70間帳戶提供者參與此服務，包括所有主要銀行和建房互助會。
逐步指南：在英國搜尋
瀏覽 mylostaccount.org.uk
建立線上個人檔案並填寫搜尋表格。您需要帳戶持有人的全名（包括任何曾用名）、出生日期及任何已知的英國舊地址。
提交搜尋
該服務將同時在所有參與的銀行和建房互助會中搜尋。這比逐間機構聯繫要高效得多。
等待結果
銀行和建房互助會的搜尋將在3個月內完成。NS&I搜尋將在1個月內完成。您將通過電郵或信件收到結果。
領取資金
如果找到帳戶，銀行或建房互助會將直接聯繫您，提供認領指引。您需要證明您的身份和領取資金的權利（如遺產承辦書、遺產管理書）。
其他英國搜尋選項
- 國民儲蓄及投資（NS&I）：在 nsandi.com 搜尋 Premium Bonds、儲蓄證書及其他NS&I產品。
- 養老金追蹤服務：政府的免費養老金追蹤服務（gov.uk/find-pension-contact-details）協助查找工作場所或個人養老金。
- 無人認領資產登記冊：付費服務（約25英鎊），可在多間金融機構中搜尋。
5. 美國：超過700億美元的無人認領財產
美國持有全球最大的無人認領財產池，而且搜尋系統是最易於使用的之一。
數據
根據全美無人認領財產管理者協會（NAUPA）及全美州財政部長協會（NAST）：
- 各州財政部目前持有超過700億美元的無人認領財產——包括現金、支票、存款及股息。
- 另有320億美元綁定在由財政服務局持有的無人認領美國儲蓄債券中。
- 大約每7個美國人中就有1個（約3,300萬人）有無人認領的財產等待他們。
- 2024財政年度，各州歸還了創紀錄的44.9億美元給合法擁有人。
美國系統如何運作
美國採用「充公」（escheatment）系統。當銀行帳戶、保險單或其他金融資產在一定期間內處於不活躍狀態（通常為3至5年，取決於各州），持有者必須將財產移交給該州的無人認領財產辦公室。然後該州持有資金，直到合法擁有人或其繼承人前來認領。
逐步指南：在美國搜尋
搜尋 MissingMoney.com
這是由NAUPA管理的免費官方網站。它同時搜尋大多數參與州的數據庫。輸入人名及任何已知的居住州。
搜尋各州個別網站
並非所有州都參與MissingMoney.com。為全面覆蓋，請搜尋您親屬曾居住、工作或營商的每個州。每個州都有自己的無人認領財產網站。從該州的財政部長或審計長辦公室開始。
搜尋聯邦數據庫
美國儲蓄債券請在TreasuryDirect.gov搜尋。聯邦退稅請向國稅局（IRS）查詢。聯邦僱員福利請聯繫人事管理局。
提交認領
如果找到無人認領的財產，請按照該州的認領程序辦理。您通常需要提供身份證明、擁有權或繼承證明，以及死亡證書和遺產承辦文件等資料。處理時間從幾週到幾個月不等。
6. 澳洲：ASIC無人認領資金搜尋
澳洲約有27億澳元的無人認領資金來自銀行帳戶、股票、投資和人壽保險保單。如果您的親屬曾在澳洲生活——即使是短暫的工作或學習——他們可能有資金等待認領。
澳洲的系統如何運作
- 銀行帳戶：不活躍7年後成為無人認領。
- 人壽保險保單：保單到期7年後未被認領即成為無人認領。
- 股票和投資：6年沒有股東聯繫後成為無人認領。
逐步指南：在澳洲搜尋
搜尋ASIC的無人認領資金數據庫
瀏覽 moneysmart.gov.au/find-unclaimed-money 免費搜尋。您可以按姓名、公司名稱或ABN搜尋。此數據庫涵蓋銀行帳戶、人壽保險、股票及其他金融產品。
搜尋各州稅務局
澳洲每個州和領地也持有來自不同來源的無人認領資金（如未收取的信託資金、超額支付）。請分別搜尋您所在州的稅務局。
搜尋ATO的遺失退休公積金
澳洲稅務局（ATO）持有數十億澳元的遺失和無人認領退休公積金。使用該人的稅務檔案號碼或個人資料在 ato.gov.au 搜尋。
提交認領
如果找到資金，ASIC將引導您完成認領程序。您需要身份證明，對於已故遺產，還需要遺產承辦書等法律文件。
7. 日本：休眠存款活用法
日本有嚴重的休眠帳戶問題。2010至2013財政年度間，平均每年約有1,150萬個銀行帳戶、價值1,050億日圓（約7億美元）成為休眠帳戶。
日本的系統如何運作
- 沒有交易10年或以上的銀行帳戶被歸類為休眠帳戶。
- 銀行必須在將帳戶歸類為休眠之前努力聯繫帳戶持有人。
- 休眠存款轉移至日本休眠存款管理機構（通過預金保險機構DICJ管理）。
- 每年約有400至500億日圓在存款人要求退款時被退回，留下500至600億日圓的真正無人認領資金。
- 無人認領存款用於處理社會問題的民間公益活動。
逐步指南：在日本搜尋
確定可能的銀行
日本有數百間銀行，包括巨型銀行（三菱UFJ、三井住友、瑞穗）、地方銀行、信用金庫及日本郵政銀行（郵貯銀行）。考慮您的親屬在哪裡生活和工作，以確定應聯繫哪些銀行。
直接聯繫每間銀行
與美國或澳洲不同，日本沒有集中搜尋工具。您必須使用帳戶持有人的姓名、出生日期及任何已知帳戶詳情逐間聯繫銀行。許多日本銀行要求文件以日文提供。
提供繼承文件
要在日本認領已故親屬的帳戶，您通常需要：戶籍謄本、死亡證明書、繼承證明（如遺囑、繼承證書），以及您自己的身份證明文件。外國文件可能需要翻譯和公證。
日本郵政銀行（郵貯銀行）
特別注意日本郵政銀行，它擁有日本最大的分行網絡。許多年長的日本居民——以及在日本工作的外國人——使用郵貯帳戶進行日常銀行業務。這些帳戶特別容易被遺忘，尤其是對於離開日本的人。
8. 加拿大：加拿大銀行無人認領結餘
截至2025年，加拿大銀行目前持有超過14.4億加元、遍布340萬個未動用帳戶。這是最容易搜尋的國家之一，得益於設計完善的集中數據庫。
加拿大的系統如何運作
- 如果您10年不使用某些金融產品，聯邦監管的金融機構必須將無人認領的結餘轉移至加拿大銀行。
- 加拿大銀行將少於1,000加元的無人認領結餘保留30年。
- 1,000加元或以上的無人認領結餘保留100年。
- 自2023年起，加拿大銀行也管理以美元、歐元、英鎊、日圓等外幣計價的帳戶。
逐步指南：在加拿大搜尋
搜尋加拿大銀行數據庫
瀏覽 unclaimedproperties.bankofcanada.ca 按名稱搜尋。數據庫免費且公開可用。您可以搜尋銀行結餘、銀行匯票、保付支票、存款收據、匯票及擔保投資證。
搜尋省級計劃
一些省份有自己的無人認領財產計劃。例如，卑詩省、亞伯達省和魁北克省各有省級登記冊，可能持有來自省級監管機構的資金。
提交認領
如果找到無人認領的財產，加拿大銀行網站將引導您完成認領程序。您需要身份證明，對於已故遺產，還需要證明您合法領取資金權利的文件。
9. 真實追回案例
以下是基於資產追回專業人士處理的真實案例的代表性情境。姓名和具體金額已更改以保護私隱。
案例一：移民者被遺忘的英國帳戶
陳先生在伯明翰擔任工程師12年後，於1995年從英國移居香港。2024年他以78歲高齡去世時，他的子女沒有找到任何英國金融資產的記錄。然而，在翻閱他的舊文件時，他們發現了一本1980年代褪色的巴克萊銀行存摺。通過mylostaccount.org.uk的搜尋，發現了一個休眠儲蓄帳戶，結餘為47,000英鎊——複利利息在三十年間大幅增長了餘額。家人成功認領了全部金額。
案例二：多個強積金帳戶
黃女士在香港30年的職業生涯中為六間不同的僱主工作。2025年她去世時，她的家人知道她現有的強積金帳戶，但完全不知道前僱主的另外五個帳戶。通過積金局的搜尋，發現被遺忘帳戶中共有380,000港元——如果家人沒有想到去搜尋，這筆錢就會被遺失。
案例三：澳洲定期存款
劉先生在2000年代在悉尼生活了八年，返回香港前從未關閉他的聯邦銀行定期存款帳戶。他去世後，他的妻子通過ASIC搜尋發現了該帳戶。25,000澳元的定期存款已到期，正以無人認領資金的形式存放。她成功認領了31,000澳元（包括累積利息）。
案例四：美國儲蓄債券
一位年邁的香港婦女發現，她已故丈夫——在1970年代曾短暫在美國工作——購買了從未兌換的美國儲蓄債券。通過TreasuryDirect.gov的搜尋，發現了12,000美元的已到期儲蓄債券。由於兌換美國儲蓄債券沒有時間限制（儘管30年後停止計息），家人得以認領全部金額加上累積利息。
10. 帳戶被遺忘的10個常見原因
了解這些常見觸發因素可以幫助您確定已故親屬是否可能有被遺忘的帳戶：
- 移民或搬遷：離開一個國家而未關閉所有帳戶——尤其是小額儲蓄帳戶或尚未到期的定期存款。
- 婚後更改姓名：以婚前姓名開設的帳戶從未更新最終被遺忘。
- 轉換工作：前僱主的薪金帳戶、員工儲蓄計劃及退休基金帳戶。
- 銀行合併與收購：當熟悉的銀行被另一間銀行吸收時，客戶可能未跟隨轉變而失去帳戶的追蹤。
- 配偶去世：一方配偶管理所有財務並先去世，留下另一方不知道某些帳戶。當另一方也去世後，子女對這些帳戶一無所知。
- 搬遷而未通知：多次搬遷後，銀行通信無法送達，帳戶被遺忘。
- 長期定期存款：設立的5年或10年定期存款隨時間被遺忘。
- 未成年人帳戶：父母或祖父母為子女開設的帳戶從未被披露或認領。
- 商業帳戶：業務停止營運後未關閉的獨資經營者或小型企業帳戶。
- 外幣帳戶：為旅行或海外交易而開設的帳戶，使用一兩次後被遺忘。
11. 各國搜尋總清單
使用此清單系統性地在所有主要司法管轄區搜尋被遺忘的帳戶：
12. 成功搜尋的實用貼士
應該做
- 使用該人曾使用過的所有姓名搜尋（婚前姓名、婚後姓名、英文名、中文名、別名）
- 在該人曾經生活、工作或留學的每個國家搜尋——即使是短暫停留
- 查看稅務申報表中未披露的利息或股息收入
- 翻閱實體文件：舊存摺、銀行卡、通信、收據
- 詢問年長親屬是否知道任何帳戶
- 保持耐心——休眠帳戶搜尋可能需要數週或數月才能產生結果
- 搜尋其他已故家庭成員名下可能指定您親屬為受益人的帳戶
不應做
- 不要假設家人知道所有帳戶——最常見的發現是一個無人知曉的帳戶
- 不要為可以免費獲取的服務付費（MissingMoney.com、mylostaccount.org.uk、ASIC搜尋均免費）
- 不要忽視小額結餘——數十年的複利可以將小額存款變成可觀的金額
- 不要忘記非銀行資產：保險單、股票、養老金、退休公積金
- 不要拖延——休眠帳戶費用可以侵蝕結餘，某些司法管轄區有時間限制
- 不要回應聲稱您有無人認領財產的不明電郵或電話（這些通常是詐騙）
CONCEPT ONLY僅為概念
AssetCadet Is a Service ConceptAssetCadet 是一個服務概念
AssetCadet is not an operating service. This guide is published for free as a public resource. If you are interested in building this service together, contact Mr Ko.AssetCadet 並非營運中的服務。本指南作為公共資源免費發佈。如果您有興趣一起打造此服務，請聯絡高先生。
Contact Mr Ko on WhatsAppWhatsApp 聯絡高先生