The majority of entrepreneurs globally are looking to increase spending in artificial intelligence for their main business, according to a report by HSBC Private Bank, with one of the common outcomes interestingly being a higher headcount.
Nearly four in five entrepreneurs (79%) plan to increase artificial intelligence (AI) investment in their main business over the next year, according to HSBC Private Bank’s Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026. An average of 21% of annual revenues is expected to be allocated to such AI investments, or the equivalent of USD 367 billion, with increased employee productivity (43%) cited as the top reason.
Interestingly, 44% expect the integration of AI into their business to increase staff headcount over the next two years, compared to 23% who expect a decline.
Positive business outlook
Despite ongoing market uncertainty, 95% of entrepreneurs are positive about their business prospects with 90% anticipating an improvement in personal wealth over the next 12 months. 49% were “very positive” about the outlook, down from 54% in 2025.
“Our latest research shows how AI is the newest proving ground for the entrepreneurial mindset, where founders and business owners are doing what they do best: turning disruption into opportunity. The most successful are combining bold investment with disciplined execution, using AI to build resilience and seize opportunities around the world,” said HSBC Private Bank CEO Ida Liu.
The report was based on research conducted by Ipsos UK on behalf of HSBC with 3,085 high net worth business owners that have at least USD 2 million of investable assets, of which one-third (1,101) were ultra-high net worth individuals with a net worth of over USD 100 million. The fieldwork was conducted between April 1 and May 15 this year online with respondents from mainland China, France, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, UAE, UK and US.
