Written by The Banking Post
Global businesses and investors are increasingly pivoting towards Asia and artificial intelligence (AI) as they reshape growth strategies in response to ongoing economic uncertainty, a new survey by HSBC shows.
The survey, conducted ahead of the bank’s Global Investment Summit, found that 93 per cent of organisations plan to expand cross-border trade or investment over the next five years. Already, 88 per cent have adjusted their capital allocation strategies to navigate heightened volatility.
Based on responses from 3,000 companies and 500 institutional investors across 10 markets, the report highlights a strong appetite for global expansion, with 94 per cent seeing continued growth opportunities worldwide. Around 87 per cent said they are now more willing to take calculated risks than they were five years ago.
Technology—particularly AI—has emerged as a central driver of investment decisions. Half of the respondents identified access to AI, critical technologies, and related infrastructure as a top priority for international expansion, alongside market growth and customer demand.
More than half also pointed to strong AI and data infrastructure, as well as competitive energy costs, as key factors when choosing investment destinations.
The survey found that 56 per cent expect AI to enhance productivity and workforce efficiency, while others see benefits in forecasting, innovation, and cost optimisation. Nearly one-third believe AI could fundamentally reshape their core business models within the next three years.
Despite the optimism, volatility remains a defining feature of the global economy. About 95 per cent of respondents said uncertainty is now structural, prompting companies to adopt longer-term investment horizons, with over half extending their timelines.
The findings also signal a shift towards regionalisation. While cross-border flows are set to grow, 91 per cent expect them to become more regionally concentrated. Mainland China was identified as the most influential market in future global economic relationships, followed by traditional hubs such as the UK and continental Europe.
“This reflects a structural transformation in the global economy, with regional trade networks expanding and technology reshaping capital deployment,” said Michael Roberts.
The report underscores that, even amid volatility, businesses remain focused on long-term growth, with 89 per cent increasing investments in high-growth markets.
