Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a central factor in how businesses and institutional investors approach international expansion and capital deployment, according to a recent survey by HSBC.
The survey found that access to AI, critical technologies, and supporting infrastructure will be among the most important influences on international strategy over the next three years, cited by 50% of respondents, narrowly ahead of market growth and client demand at 49%.
The trend appears even stronger in Singapore, where 88% of respondents said access to critical technologies and infrastructure is a major factor shaping their international plans.
HSBC’s findings suggest that technology is no longer just an operational consideration, but an increasingly important driver of investment and market exposure decisions.
Globally, 51% of respondents said strong AI and data-related infrastructure, along with attractive energy costs, would be a key reason to increase exposure to a specific market. That was just behind growth prospects and customer demand, cited by 52%.
For Singapore-based businesses and institutional investors, AI and data infrastructure ranked alongside growth prospects and customer demand as one of the leading factors in deciding whether to deepen market exposure.
The survey also pointed to growing expectations for how AI will affect business models and portfolio strategy.
Improved productivity and workforce efficiency was identified as the top expected benefit over the next three years, cited by 56% of respondents globally.
Forecasting and modelling came next at 48%, while 46% pointed to increased innovation and lower operating costs.
Notably, 32% said they expect AI to play a more strategic role by fundamentally reshaping their core business model within three years, indicating that respondents see AI as more than a tool for efficiency.
Among institutional investors, 49% said increasing exposure to AI and technology themes is their most common portfolio positioning strategy for 2026 in response to the current economic environment.
Only 14% said they expect to make no material changes to their overall approach.
HSBC said the survey covered 3,000 business leaders and institutional investors across 10 markets and was conducted in March.
