Businesses and investors look to Asia
Senior leaders and institutional investors are prioritising Asia, and mainland China in particular, as they reposition for growth.
That’s according to our survey – New Networks of Capital: The World Rewired (opens in new window) – published ahead of our annual HSBC Global Investment Summit.
The survey of 3,000 international businesses and institutional investors in 10 markets, shows that, after a decade of cumulative global shocks, companies are adapting and still investing. The survey was conducted in mid-March against the backdrop of recent world events.
Respondents identified mainland China as the market expected to grow most in importance to their economic relationships over the next five years, cited by 41% of decision-makers – more than any other region globally.
The survey also shows that:
- 94% of respondents say they continue to see strong opportunities for international growth
- 87% say they’re more willing to take calculated risks than they were five years ago
- 72% anticipate moderate to significant repositioning of their business over the next three years, as they reassess where they operate and how they invest
- 50% say access to AI, critical technologies and infrastructure is important in shaping international strategy
Businesses are recalibrating
According to our survey, volatility is no longer viewed as a temporary disruption but as a feature of the global economy, a view held by 95% of respondents.
In response, 88% of respondents say that they’ve recalibrated their capital allocation approach as a reaction to increased volatility.
More than half (53%) say that their investment horizons have lengthened compared to three years ago, signalling a shift towards longer-term positioning despite ongoing uncertainty.
Trade and investment
Our survey points to globalisation becoming more regional in structure, with 93% of organisations planning to increase cross-border trade or investment over the next five years, and 91% expecting those flows to concentrate more heavily within regional networks.
It also highlights that established markets continue to play a critical role in global strategies. Continental Europe and the UK were each identified by 38% of respondents as key to their future economic relationships over the next five years, underlining that, while Asia is rising in prominence, traditional economic centres remain integral to global growth and connectivity.
Our survey shows that even amid market uncertainty, businesses and investors are leaning into growth opportunities, with 89% actively increasing capital deployment in high-growth markets, reflecting a strong conviction in long-term returns despite volatility.
Michael Roberts, CEO, HSBC Bank plc and CEO, Corporate and Institutional Banking, said: “Our Global Investment Summit survey highlights a structural transformation in the global economy.
“Trade and investment flows are becoming more regional, Asia is growing in strategic importance, and technology is reshaping how and where capital is deployed.
“Business leaders and institutional investors are recalibrating where they operate, invest and allocate capital as complexity rises.”