The world’s wealthiest investors are increasingly adopting a global mindset, seeking opportunities to diversify their assets and expand their residences around the globe.
According to HSBC’s Global Wealth Hubs: Drivers of Diversification 2025 report, business owners and entrepreneurs are leveraging international borders as gateways to growth rather than obstacles.
The report, based on a survey of High Net Worth (HNW) and Ultra High Net Worth (UHNW) entrepreneurs, highlights their growing mobility and strategic approach to wealth management in an interconnected world.
It reveals that 55% of entrepreneurs plan to personally relocate to a new location within the next year, while 69% intend to move their wealth, and 73% are exploring business opportunities in different markets.
“Our research also reveals one trait, which the HNW and UHNW entrepreneurs we surveyed share in common – a global mindset. They view national and regional borders as opportunities rather than obstacles; perhaps more so than retail investors due to their international lifestyles and working practices,” said the authors of the report.
“Diversification of residencies, assets and business operations is a means to accumulate more wealth.”
Active Pursuit of Global Opportunities
Diversification, traditionally the cornerstone of wealth-building, is gaining greater importance among the world’s wealthiest. With geopolitical tensions and shifting economic policies encouraging onshoring and nearshoring, many may expect investors to focus inward.
However, the wealthiest individuals are doing the opposite, increasing their global footprint at an even faster rate.
A key reason behind this trend is the belief that markets are becoming less correlated. When a country turns inward, its economy may behave differently from neighbouring economies, offering new investment opportunities in one market that may not be available in another.
This shift aligns with a long-standing investment principle: the value of balancing developed market investments with emerging market exposure.
For example, investors in developed markets have long sought opportunities in emerging markets, which offer high-growth potential. Conversely, investors from emerging markets have often looked to developed markets, like Europe, for stability and protection from domestic volatility.
Real estate and infrastructure in Europe, particularly in stable regions like Switzerland and the UK, have been sought-after assets for investors from Asia and the Middle East.
Global Wealth Hubs
HSBC’s research highlights five key global wealth hubs that continue to attract business owners seeking diversification and multi-residency:
Hong Kong: The top destination for business owners with multi-residency, Hong Kong is part of the largest wealth corridor identified in the survey. Nearly 49% of Hong Kong entrepreneurs also hold residency in mainland China.
Singapore: Thriving as an international wealth hub, particularly among entrepreneurs in the region, Singapore is a major player in the Singapore-India wealth corridor, which ranks as the third-largest global wealth corridor in the research.
Switzerland: Known for its broad appeal across all levels of wealth, Switzerland is the top choice for entrepreneurs moving their personal wealth to new locations over the next year.
United Kingdom: Home to the highest percentage of multi-residency entrepreneurs in Western markets, the UK is particularly popular among the wealthiest and oldest entrepreneurs surveyed, with many considering it as a new base for residency.
United States: Despite global changes, the US remains a magnet for wealthy entrepreneurs, ranking equally with Singapore as a top location for establishing business operations.
As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the world’s wealthiest investors are likely to increase their global footprint, seizing opportunities across borders and ensuring their businesses and assets are well-positioned for future growth.
