Mumbai

Indianentrepreneurs are embracing artificial intelligence (AI), faster than their global peers, recognizing it as a driver of business transformation, with almost all planning to adapt their operations and more than half expecting to invest between 11% and 30% of their turnover in AI over the next 12 months.

HSBC's Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2026 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%) have already adjusted their businesses to prepare for AI's impact, ahead of the global average of 60%.

Contrary to widespread fears about AI and jobs, almost half (45 per cent) of the Indian entrepreneurs who participated in the survey expect AI to increase employee headcount within the next two years while 25% expect it to decrease.

More than half (54%) plan to invest between 11% and 30% of their turnover in AI, compared with 61% globally. For many, AI is viewed not only as an efficiency tool, but also as a source of competitive advantage. The findings showed that 46% of Indian entrepreneurs see it helping them gain a competitive advantage, while 42% believe it can help identify new markets or areas for business. A further 39% cite increasing employee productivity and improving profit margins as potential benefits. Entrepreneurs emphasized that successful adoption will require careful management.

Their leading concerns included data privacy and security risks (44%), employee resistance driven by fears of job losses (38%) and integrating AI into legacy systems without causing disruption (35%). Despite these challenges, 54% report 'a great deal' of trust in AI to support business activities compared with 46% globally.

The research, which surveyed more than 3,000 high net worth (HNW) and ultra-high net worth (UHNW) entrepreneurs globally, also shows that Indian entrepreneurs remain positive about their financial and business prospects.

Ninety-seven per cent expect their personal wealth to improve over the next few years, up from 95% in 2025 and above the global average of 90%.

More than half (51%) expect their wealth to get 'a lot better', compared with 44% globally.

Similarly, 97% feel positive about their current business prospects, compared with 95% globally.