HSBC Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026 – AI Adoption Among Indian Entrepreneurs

MUMBAI, India, Sept. 29, 2026 – HSBC released a press‑release summarising its Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026, which surveyed 3,085 high‑net‑worth (HNW) and ultra‑high‑net‑worth (UHNW) business owners across 16 countries. The fieldwork was conducted online between 1 April and 15 May 2026 by Ipsos UK. Respondents included 1,101 UHNW individuals with net worth exceeding US$100 million; all participants had at least US$2 million of investable assets.

AI‑Driven Business Transformation

The report found that 99 % of Indian entrepreneurs surveyed have already made, or plan to make, changes to their business operations in response to artificial intelligence (AI), compared with 95 % globally. 65 % have already adjusted their businesses to prepare for AI’s impact, ahead of the global average of 60 %.

Planned AI Investment

More than half (54 %) of Indian entrepreneurs intend to invest 11 %–30 % of their turnover in AI over the next 12 months, while the comparable global figure stands at 61 %.

Employment Outlook

Regarding AI’s effect on staffing, 45 % of Indian respondents expect AI to increase employee headcount within two years, whereas 25 % anticipate a decrease.

Expected Business Benefits

  • 46 % see AI helping them gain a competitive advantage.
  • 42 % believe AI can identify new markets or business areas.
  • 39 % cite increased employee productivity and improved profit margins as benefits.

Adoption Concerns

Key concerns highlighted were:

  • Data privacy and security risks – 44 %.
  • Employee resistance driven by job‑loss fears – 38 %.
  • Integration of AI into legacy systems without disruption – 35 %.

Despite these concerns, 54 % of Indian entrepreneurs reported “a great deal” of trust in AI to support business activities, versus 46 % globally.

Wealth and Business Optimism

  • 97 % expect their personal wealth to improve over the next few years, up from 95 % in 2025 and above the global average of 90 %.
  • 51 % anticipate their wealth will get “a lot better,” compared with 44 % globally.
  • 97 % feel positive about their current business prospects, versus 95 % globally.
  • The leading reasons for optimism are technological advancements (46 %), business opportunities and performance (42 %), and advancements in AI (40 %).

Quote from HSBC

Sandeep Batra, Head, International Wealth and Premier Banking, HSBC India, said: “Indian entrepreneurs are approaching AI with ambition, recognising its potential to strengthen competitiveness and support the next phase of business growth. Their willingness to invest significantly in AI reflects strong confidence in the opportunities ahead. With high levels of trust in AI and a global approach to business, Indian entrepreneurs are well placed to convert technological progress into long‑term growth.”

Additional Findings

  • Global lifestyles: 74 % of Indian entrepreneurs plan to relocate or add an additional residency, aligning with the global average of 70 %. Singapore is the most popular destination (14 %), followed by France, the UK and the US (each 11 %).
  • Diversified portfolios: The most common personal investments are gold (63 %), cash (54 %), real‑estate funds (51 %), and private‑equity funds (48 %).
  • Planned investment increases: Among current holders, 71 % intend to increase investment in real‑estate funds over the next 12 months; gold, direct investments in private companies, and infrastructure funds each attract 61 % of respondents.
  • Investment decision drivers: Higher risk‑adjusted returns (50 %), inflation protection (46 %), and portfolio diversification (46 %) are the top factors influencing alternative‑asset decisions.
  • Key concerns about alternative assets: Lack of valuation transparency (39 %), high management fees (38 %), market‑correction risk (36 %), and limited liquidity (36 %) are the primary worries.
  • Wealth‑protection priorities: Protecting financial wealth against inflation (47 %), protecting against losses (43 %), and achieving global diversification (35 %) drive investment choices.

About HSBC

HSBC Private Bank assists clients in managing, growing, and preserving wealth across generations. HSBC India operates 34 branches in 22 cities and is a leading custodian in the country. HSBC Holdings plc, headquartered in London, reported assets of US$3,438 billion as of 30 June 2026, making it one of the world’s largest banking and financial services organisations.

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