Asia and AI at the center of new global investment strategies, according to HSBC

The great business leaders and institutional investors are redefining their global strategies with a focus on Asia —especially mainland China— and artificial intelligence (AI) as main vectors of growth. This is reflected in an international survey conducted by HSBC, which highlights a structural shift in capital allocation in an increasingly uncertain economic environment.

The study, conducted with 3,000 companies and investors in ten markets, shows that the appetite for internationalization remains intact: 94% identify global growth opportunities and 93% expect to increase cross-border trade or investment in the next five years. In parallel, 87% claim to be more willing to take calculated risks than a decade ago.

Asia and AI redefine the investment map

Geographical and strategic repositioning is one of the main conclusions of the report. Almost three out of four respondents (72%) anticipate moderate or significant changes in their operations over the next three years, with Asia as the priority destination.

In this context, artificial intelligence is consolidated as a central axis in decision-making. Access to advanced technological infrastructures and capabilities in AI will be the main factor influencing international strategies for 50% of respondents, in line with traditional variables such as market growth and demand.

In addition, 51% highlight the quality of infrastructures linked to data and artificial intelligence, along with competitive energy costs, as decisive elements when increasing exposure to certain markets. Only growth prospects (52%) surpass this criterion.

From an operational point of view, expectations about AI are clear: 56% foresee improvements in productivity and efficiency, while nearly half point to advances in modeling (48%) and innovation (46%). Beyond these applications, 32% anticipate a transformative impact on their business models, pointing to a profound redefinition of products, services and value chains.

This shift is also reflected in portfolio management. 49% of institutional investors place increasing exposure to AI and technology themes as their main positioning strategy in 2026, compared to a reduced 14% who do not foresee significant changes.

Volatility consolidates as the norm

The report highlights a key perception change: volatility has ceased to be considered a transitory phenomenon and has become a structural feature of the global economy, according to 95% of respondents.

In response, 88% have readjusted their capital allocation, adapting their strategies to a more complex environment. This adjustment not only implies tactical changes, but also an expansion of time horizons: 53% claim to have extended their investment periods compared to three years ago, reflecting a commitment to the long term despite uncertainty.

This approach is especially visible in key markets such as mainland China, where 78% of respondents have lengthened their investment horizons, followed by the United Kingdom (69%) and the United States (68%). In addition, companies highlight a greater availability of liquidity, which allows them to face this new cycle with greater maneuverability.

In summary, the data points to a profound transformation of the global investment map, where Asia and artificial intelligence emerge as strategic pillars in an environment where volatility is no longer the exception, but the rule.