Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Increase AI Investment

Hong Kong Entrepreneurs Increase AI Investment

Hong Kong entrepreneurs are ramping up investment in artificial intelligence, betting that the technology will boost productivity, expand workforces and open new avenues for business growth, according to HSBC Private Bank. Despite enthusiasm over AI’s potential, integrating the technology into legacy systems and managing employee resistance remain key challenges.

Almost seven in 10 Hong Kong entrepreneurs plan to invest 11% to 30% of annual turnover in artificial intelligence over the next year, as business owners increasingly see the technology as a driver of growth, according to a HSBC Private Bank survey.

ome 69% of entrepreneurs surveyed said they plan to allocate that share of turnover to AI, compared with 61% globally, while 46% expect to spend significantly more on AI than they did last year, according to the bank’s Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026.

The survey of more than 3,000 high- and ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs and founders found that 98% of Hong Kong respondents have already changed, or plan to change, their business operations in response to AI.

Increase of Employee Headcount

More than half, or 58%, expect AI adoption to increase employee headcount over the next two years, compared with 44% globally. Another 55% expect AI to improve productivity, while 39% see the technology helping identify new markets and business opportunities.

Despite the enthusiasm, implementation remains a challenge. Some 42% cited integrating AI with legacy systems as a major concern, while 41% pointed to employee resistance.

Hong Kong entrepreneurs also remain optimistic about their businesses and wealth. Some 98% said they were positive about their current business prospects, while 91% expect their personal wealth to improve in coming years.

Mainland China and Singapore were the most popular expansion destinations, cited by 44% and 43% of respondents respectively, followed by the US at 37%.

HSBC Private Bank surveyed more than 3,000 entrepreneurs and founders globally for the report.