Asia and AI at the center of new global investment strategies, according to HSBC
16 APR, 2026
By Joanna Piwko from RankiaPro Europe
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.
