Almost 3,000 entrepreneurs across 15 markets took part in HSBC’s Global Entrepreneurial Wealth Report 2025 (HSBC, 2025), providing a fascinating snapshot of how some of the world’s most successful wealth creators are feeling in an unpredictable economic landscape. Despite last year being shaped by policy shifts, market volatility and trade disruption, one message stands out: optimism remains remarkably high.

Willem Sels, Global Chief Investment Officer at HSBC Private Banking, explains, “Entrepreneurs are very aware of the elevated volatility in financial markets, geopolitical tensions and uncertainty about future trade patterns. Yet they remain optimistic – and that’s because of their entrepreneurial spirit. Whatever way the global economy or trade patterns change, they are ready to adapt and take advantage of new opportunities.”

Key findings from the report include:

• 94% of entrepreneurs say they are positive about their business prospects

• Among UK respondents, 71% forecast a significant improvement in personal wealth over the next year – well above the global average (~50%)

• The UK remains attractive due to its robust legal / regulatory framework, language and world-class education system

• Spending priorities: entrepreneurs cited luxury goods (53%), property (53%), cars (58%), health and wellness (50%) as top personal wealth uses

• Even in markets with political or economic uncertainty (including the UK), entrepreneurs maintain strong optimism – underlining resilience even when broader sentiment is muted.

Why it matters

Entrepreneurs have always been the engine of economic progress, and their confidence levels often provide an early signal of wider business sentiment. Gauging their outlook matters because entrepreneurial optimism tends to translate into investment, innovation and job creation across the broader economy.

This report highlights that entrepreneurs are not only adapting to change but embracing it. Their appetite to harness long-term trends, from AI to global wealth flows, underpins continued growth and resilience. Understanding how entrepreneurs think and where they see potential, provides valuable insight into where the next phase of global economic momentum may come from.

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