National, September 28, 2026: Indian entrepreneurs are embracing artificial intelligence (AI) faster than their global peers, according to HSBC’s Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026. The study found that 99% of Indian entrepreneurs surveyed have already made, or plan to make, changes to their business operations in response to AI, compared with 95% globally.
Almost two-thirds (65%) of Indian entrepreneurs have already adjusted their businesses to prepare for AI’s impact, ahead of the global average of 60%. More than half (54%) plan to invest between 11% and 30% of their turnover in AI over the next 12 months.
AI Adoption & Business Impact
- 45% expect AI to increase employee headcount within two years, while 25% expect it to decrease.
- 46% see AI as a source of competitive advantage.
- 42% believe AI can help identify new markets.
- 39% cite productivity and profit margin improvements.
Concerns include data privacy and security risks (44%), employee resistance (38%), and integration with legacy systems (35%). Despite these challenges, 54% of Indian entrepreneurs report “a great deal” of trust in AI, compared with 46% globally.
Wealth & Business Confidence
The survey of 3,000+ high net worth (HNW) and ultra-high net worth (UHNW) entrepreneurs globally found Indian entrepreneurs remain highly optimistic:
- 97% expect personal wealth to improve, up from 95% in 2025.
- 51% expect wealth to get “a lot better”, compared with 44% globally.
- 97% feel positive about current business prospects, citing technological advancements (46%), business opportunities (42%), and AI (40%).
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.”
Global Lifestyles & Investments
- 74% of Indian entrepreneurs plan to relocate or add residency; Singapore (14%) is the most popular destination.
- Common investments: gold (63%), cash (54%), real estate funds (51%), private equity funds (48%).
- Planned increases: 71% in real estate funds, 61% in gold, private companies, and infrastructure funds.
- Investment priorities: risk-adjusted returns (50%), inflation protection (46%), portfolio diversification (46%).
- Concerns: valuation transparency (39%), fees (38%), market correction risk (36%), liquidity (36%).
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