HNW entrepreneurs’ optimism set to drive $367bn in AI investments

Global high net worth (HNW) entrepreneurs are planning to increase their investment in artificial intelligence (AI) for their primary businesses, amid expectations that the technology will unlock new opportunities for growth, according to a report from HSBC Private Bank.

Its Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026 found that 79 per cent of entrepreneurs planned to increase AI investment in their main businesses over the next year.

Respondents anticipated allocating 21 per cent of their annual revenue on AI spend, equivalent to a combined $367bn.

Business owners of companies with annual revenues of $5bn and above planned to invest an average of 34 per cent of annual turnover, for a combined total of around $299bn.

The report surveyed over 3,000 HNW and ultra HNW entrepreneurs and founders, with 45 per cent expecting their AI investments to lead to increased headcount.

However, 23 per cent believed integrating AI into their businesses would result in reduced headcount.

The most commonly cited reason for using AI within their businesses was to increase employee productivity (43 per cent).

Increased AI investment is coming alongside optimism among entrepreneurs, despite continued market volatility throughout the year.

Almost all (95 per cent) felt positive about their business prospects, while 90 per cent believed their personal wealth would increase over the next 12 months.

While 49 per cent were ‘very positive’ about their business prospects, this was down from 54 per cent in 2025.

Female UHNW entrepreneurs aged between 18 and 34 were one of the most optimistic groups, with 74 per cent believing their wealth will get a lot better, compared to the global average of 44 per cent.

“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,” said HSBC Private Bank CEO, Ida Liu.

“The most successful are combining bold investment with disciplined execution, using AI to build resilience and seize opportunities around the world.”

The report also found that dealmaking was strong among HNW entrepreneurs, with 83 per cent considering mergers and acquisitions, including 52 per cent looking to buy a business in their own market over the next 12 months and 43 per cent planning to expand to new markets.

The greatest concerns among entrepreneurs were balancing enjoying and growing their wealth (32 per cent), market volatility (31 per cent), inflation (30 per cent), and making irreversible investment mistakes (29 per cent).

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