HSBC Private Bank says AI tops growth priorities for Hong Kong entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong are banking on artificial intelligence (AI) technologies as a key driver of future growth, according to HSBC Private Bank's Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026.

Almost seven in ten entrepreneurs (69%) plan to invest between 11% and 30% of their annual turnover in AI technologies over the next 12 months, compared with 61% globally. Nearly half (46%) also expect to spend significantly more on AI than they did last year.

The report, which surveyed more than 3,000 high net worth (HNW) and ultra-high net worth (UHNW) entrepreneurs and founders worldwide, found that trust and confidence in AI and its potential impact ran high. Almost all entrepreneurs in Hong Kong (98%) have already adjusted, or plan to adjust, their business operations in response to AI.

Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong increasingly view AI as a catalyst for workforce expansion as well as business growth. Over the next two years, more than half (58%) expect AI integration to increase employee headcount, compared with 44% globally. Meanwhile, 55% believe AI will improve productivity, compared with 43% globally, and 39% believe it will help identify new markets and business opportunities.

Entrepreneurs in Hong Kong remain highly optimistic about both their businesses and personal wealth. Nearly all (98%) feel positive about their current business prospects, compared with 95% globally, with more than half (54%) describing themselves as "very positive", compared with 49 per cent globally. In addition, 91% expect their personal wealth to improve in the coming years, including 53% who expect it will get "a lot better", compared with 44% globally.

Lok Yim, Regional Head of HSBC Private Bank, Asia Pacific, said: “Optimism among Hong Kong’s entrepreneurs remains high, with many outpacing their global peers in future-proofing their businesses. AI is a key driver of confidence, as business owners invest in technology to stay ahead of disruption. But technology alone can’t deliver sustained success. Those best placed to thrive will combine investment with the right connections, foresight and sound risk strategy to turn opportunity into enduring growth. At HSBC Private Bank, we help clients go beyond their wealth journey by providing access, perspective and connections to the right people, ideas and opportunities, because success is built through collaboration and trusted relationships.”

Other key findings include:

Regional growth ambitions: Mainland China (44%) and Singapore (43%) remain the markets entrepreneurs in Hong Kong are most likely to consider expanding business to (from among the 13-markets asked about), ahead of the US (37%), India (31%) and the UK (29%).
International lifestyles: Global mobility is rising, with 72% of entrepreneurs globally holding multi residency, up significantly from 56% in 2025. Reflecting this trend, 77% of Hong Kong entrepreneurs plan to expand with an additional residency abroad, with 51% citing vacations and leisure purposes as the key reason. Singapore (16%) and Japan (12%) are their most popular destinations.

Female Next Gen positivity: Globally, one of the most optimistic groups is UHNW women aged 18 to 34. Nearly three quarters (74%) of this group believe their wealth will get a lot better, compared with the global average of 44%.

Biggest transformation challenges: Despite embracing AI, Hong Kong entrepreneurs remain concerned about implementation, with integrating AI into legacy systems (42%) and employee resistance (41%) among their biggest concerns.

 Re-disseminated by Wealth and Society