HSBC Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2025 | Generated by AI
The HSBC Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2025, based on a survey of 2,939 entrepreneurs across 15 markets conducted in April-May 2025, reveals a highly optimistic entrepreneurial community navigating global uncertainties like tariffs and AI advancements. Entrepreneurs are internationally minded, tech-focused, and adapting to evolving globalization through regionalization and bilateral deals. Below is a structured summary of the main findings.
Entrepreneurial Mindset and Business Outlook
Entrepreneurs are bullish on growth despite economic volatility. Key stats:
- 50% expect significant personal wealth improvement in the coming years (up from 46% in 2024), with 89% overall positive.
- 94% view business prospects positively (54% very positive).
- Ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW, >$100M) individuals are most optimistic (two-thirds highly confident), driven by sectors like medical/healthcare (66% positive) and IT (63%).
- Top positivity drivers: AI/tech (62%), with the UK (73%), US (70%), and mainland China (69%) leading.
- Expansion plans: 51% investing in AI, 43% hiring more staff (only 8% cutting headcount).
A UK engineering founder noted: “I’m incredibly optimistic because I can see what’s happening right outside my office window. There’s massive infrastructure projects up here in the North West. The whole area is being completely transformed.”
Trends in Globalization and Market Expansion
Globalization is shifting to regional corridors, with 49% planning new market expansions (highest among Millennials at 51%).
- Asia ex-Japan expected to grow 4.5% in 2025 (vs. global 2.6%).
- Indonesia (68%) and Malaysia (65%) lead expansion interest; Indian entrepreneurs eye US (88%) and UAE (85%).
- Mainland China attracts for AI (40%) and skilled labor (38%), especially from Indonesia (83%) and UAE (81%).
- MENA focuses outward: UAE (60%) and Saudi Arabia (59%) prioritize international growth, with strong ties to UK (77% UAE interest) and US (71%).
- Europe emphasizes AI; US focuses on re-onshoring (70% uninterested in China).
- Key enablers: Advanced tech (48%), strong legal systems (47%).
A Hong Kong entrepreneur said: “Hong Kong has a laissez-faire business environment but it’s properly regulated and got a great dispute resolution system. It just ticks all the boxes.”
International Mobility and Relocation
Mobility is rising: 57% plan new residencies in the next year (up from 55% in 2024), with 56% already multi-resident (highest in Saudi Arabia at 84%).
- Motivations: Business expansion (67%), investments (67%), quality of life (63%).
- Top destinations: Singapore (12%), UK (10%), Japan/Switzerland (9% each).
- Singapore draws Asians for safety and ease; UK for investments (60% interest).
- Wealth relocation: 59% planning moves, favoring Singapore (15%) and UK (11%).
- Concerns: Re-establishing operations (40%), adapting culturally (36%).
A Singapore entrepreneur shared: “Everything here is easy and it’s so safe… I love the fact that I can cycle to work through a park.”
Personal Wealth Outlook and Investments
90% anticipate wealth growth, led by UK (71%) and Saudi Arabia (68%). Drivers: Opportunities (52%), investments (48%). Concerns: Volatility (40%), inflation (36%).
- Top investments: Own business (42%), property (54% holdings), life insurance (52%).
- Plans to increase: Own business (42%), cash (28%).
- Crypto ownership: 30%; UHNW favor private assets (48%).
- Regional notes: US leads private assets (61%); mainland China plans property cuts (38%).
Spending Patterns and Legacy Planning
Spending priorities: Real estate (53%), health/wellness (50%), luxury experiences (37%), charity (34%).
- Asia focuses on health (e.g., Thailand 64%); women donate more (43% vs. 34% men).
- Succession: 78% have plans (77% family-focused), but 47% need structuring help; 51% worry about continuity.
- Next-gen concerns: Disinterest (48%), work ethic erosion (49%), disputes (50%).
- Advice to heirs: Financial management (89%), early planning (38%).
A UAE second-gen entrepreneur reflected: “It’s very hard working with a family member when sometimes they’re your boss and sometimes your parent.”
Overall, the report signals entrepreneurs’ adaptability, with AI and regional ties fueling growth, but succession and next-gen readiness pose challenges.
References
- HSBC Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2025 (PDF)
- Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report - HSBC Private Bank