Artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming a central factor in how businesses and institutional investors approach international expansion and capital deployment, according to a recent study by HSBC.
The survey found that access to artificial intelligence, critical technologies and supporting infrastructure will be among the most important influences on international strategy over the next three years; 50% of respondents said it was slightly ahead of market growth and 49% customer demand.
This trend looks even stronger in Singapore, where 88% of respondents say access to critical technologies and infrastructure is an important factor shaping their international plans.
HSBC’s findings show that technology is no longer just an operational consideration, but an increasingly important driver of investment and go-to-market decisions.
51 percent of global respondents said strong AI and data-related infrastructure, as well as attractive energy costs, would be a key reason to expand into a particular market. This was just behind growth expectations and customer demand cited by 52%.
For Singapore-based businesses and institutional investors, AI and data infrastructure have been ranked as one of the leading factors, alongside growth prospects and customer demand, in deciding whether to deepen market visibility.
The survey also pointed to growing expectations for how AI will impact business models and portfolio strategy.
56% of global respondents cited increased productivity and workforce efficiency as the most important benefit expected over the next three years.
This was followed by forecasting and modeling at 48%, while 46% pointed to increased innovation and lower operating costs.
Specifically, 32% of respondents said they expect AI to play a more strategic role within three years, fundamentally reshaping core business models; This shows that participants see artificial intelligence as more than a productivity tool.
49% of institutional investors said their most common portfolio positioning strategy for 2026 in response to the current economic environment is greater exposure to AI and technology themes.
Only 14% said they expected to make no significant 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.
