HSBC Launches Online Tool to Help Businesses Navigate Global Expansion and Boost International Growth

A new global study by HSBC reveals almost two-thirds (69%) of polled mid-market enterprises (MMEs), the world’s fastest-growing company segment, predict their international earnings will eclipse domestic earnings by 2030.

While overseas revenues currently represent less than half their income, business leaders believe expansion into overseas markets will generate the lion’s share of their earnings within the next five years.

The study involving 1,143 senior decision makers from MMEs across ten countries, including the US, the UK, the UAE, and India, highlights how 77% of the surveyed executives view international expansion as more important than five years ago, with many looking to emerging markets as the key driver for growth.

To help companies maximise their growth opportunities abroad, HSBC is launching an online Global Expansion Assessment tool, designed to reveal the unique factors influencing the international growth of a business. The tool asks executives about their business and target market, revealing at the end their top strengths supporting international success, and areas to improve.

Vivek Ramachandran, Head of Global Trade Solutions for HSBC, said:

“We are experiencing a fundamental shift in global business, where international growth is no longer an opportunity, but a necessity. As businesses navigate an evolving trade environment, our research highlights the critical role of cross-border trade in driving long-term success. We are committed to supporting businesses as they expand globally, helping them unlock new opportunities and build resilience in a world that is changing.”

Two-thirds (60%) of the decision makers polled, are considering global growth to help spread the risk in an increasingly complex economic landscape, and 64% believe global expansion will deliver economies of scale long-term. The survey suggests that businesses believe a key factor determining whether they are successful will be their ability to navigate mounting uncertainty.

The research identified the top factors supporting international success, which include having the right network (24.7%); capable local teams (13.8%); favourable macroeconomic conditions (13.4%) and in-depth market knowledge (10.9%). However, the top three challenges include: regulatory and compliance issues (31%), brand recognition (25%) and increased competition (24%).

In addition, the research reveals how businesses are increasingly using AI to drive their international expansion plans, with almost two thirds (57%) stating that they are using it to help simplify tasks such as marketing and supply chain management.

Jason Talwar, Adjunct Lecturer of Engineering at Brown University, who led the study, said:

“Companies worldwide are pushing towards international expansion to diversify their revenues, manage risks, and access new talent. The global landscape is increasingly unpredictable, and the red tape around new markets can be daunting. Our research found that the key tool that companies can have in their playbook is access to a network that can open doors and reduce this uncertainty.”

HSBC’s international network was a key factor for Melanie Brownlow, Founder of Hothouse Beauty, whose brands include leading self-tanning product, St. Moriz. Melanie believes the study demonstrates the importance for growing companies to think beyond domestic markets.

Melanie Brownlow, Founder of Hothouse Beauty, said:

“Launching in new markets was pivotal for our growth, giving us direct access to new consumers eager for our product. However, understanding the nuances of demand and navigating various regulations was crucial. With a partner like HSBC, we developed extensive knowledge across key markets such as Europe, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US, enabling us to expand strategically.”

The findings have significant implications for the global economy. In the US, MMEs are responsible for 30% of GDP, whilst in the UK they regularly comprise the fastest growing segment of the economy.

To find out more about growing globally with confidence, visit HSBC: Grow Globally With Confidence.