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Asia’s Wealthy Families Are Betting Big On AI

Artificial intelligence is rapidly emerging as the top investment theme for ultra-wealthy families across Asia, with family offices increasingly focusing their attention—and their capital—on the sector.

AI has captured the interest of family offices in Singapore and throughout the region. According to LH Koh, managing director at UBS, AI is now seen as one of the most significant and exciting sectors for investment. UBS’ 2024 survey found that over 75% of family offices plan to invest in generative AI within the next two to three years, signaling a clear trend toward prioritizing this space.

Shifting Investment Focus

Family offices are not just following a trend; they’re strategically positioning themselves in key segments of the AI market. One area of keen interest is AI-driven data classification. Family offices are investing in companies such as Cognaize, an Armenian software firm focused on financial data analytics, and Consai, a construction technology company with a presence in Qatar and Poland. These investments highlight a growing recognition of AI’s potential across diverse industries.

China’s AI Potential

Despite recent challenges in the Chinese economy, family offices are revisiting investment opportunities in China’s AI sector. The rise of DeepSeek and other domestic tech companies has shown that China is making significant strides in AI, often with fewer resources compared to its Western counterparts.

This shift is notable, especially after a period of decreased investment in China due to economic concerns and political uncertainties. However, with Beijing’s new stimulus measures aimed at revitalizing the economy and the tech sector, family offices are beginning to reconsider their positions.

For some, China is once again becoming an attractive market, especially in public markets and technology.

The Takeaway

AI is no longer a niche interest—it’s becoming a mainstream investment priority for Asia’s wealthiest families. While the U.S. and India continue to be key investment destinations, China’s increasing focus on AI presents a new opportunity for investors willing to take a fresh look at the region. As AI’s potential continues to unfold, family offices across Asia are positioning themselves to lead in this emerging sector.

Cyprus Income Distribution 2024: An In-Depth Breakdown of Economic Classes

New findings from the Cyprus Statistical Service offer a comprehensive analysis of the nation’s income stratification in 2024. The report, titled Population By Income Class, provides critical insights into the proportions of the population that fall within the middle, upper, and lower income brackets, as well as those at risk of poverty.

Income Distribution Overview

The data for 2024 show that 64.6% of the population falls within the middle income class – a modest increase from 63% in 2011. However, it is noteworthy that the range for this class begins at a comparatively low threshold of €15,501. Meanwhile, 27.8% of the population continues to reside in the lower income bracket (a figure largely unchanged from 27.7% in 2011), with nearly 14.6% of these individuals identified as at risk of poverty. The upper income class accounted for 7.6% of the population, a slight decline from 9.1% in 2011.

Income Brackets And Their Thresholds

According to the report, the median equivalent disposable national income reached €20,666 in 2024. The upper limit of the lower income class was established at €15,500, and the threshold for poverty risk was set at €12,400. The middle income category spans from €15,501 to €41,332, while any household earning over €41,333 is classified in the upper income class. The median equivalents for each group were reported at €12,271 for the lower, €23,517 for the middle, and €51,316 for the upper income classes.

Methodological Insights And Comparative Findings

Employing the methodology recommended by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the report defines the middle income class as households earning between 75% and 200% of the national median income. In contrast, incomes exceeding 200% of the median classify households as upper income, while those earning below 75% fall into the lower income category.

Detailed Findings Across Income Segments

  • Upper Income Class: Comprising 73,055 individuals (7.6% of the population), this group had a median equivalent disposable income of €51,136. Notably, the share of individuals in this category has contracted since 2011.
  • Upper Middle Income Segment: This subgroup includes 112,694 people (11.7% of the population) with a median income of €34,961. Combined with the upper income class, they represent 185,749 individuals.
  • Middle Income Group: Encompassing 30.3% of the population (approximately 294,624 individuals), this segment reports a median disposable income of €24,975.
  • Lower Middle And Lower Income Classes: The lower middle income category includes 22.2% of the population (211,768 individuals) with a median income of €17,800, while the lower income class accounts for 27.8% (267,557 individuals) with a median income of €12,271.

Payment Behaviors And Economic Implications

The report also examines how income levels influence repayment behavior for primary residence loans or rental payments. Historically, households in the lower income class have experienced the greatest delays. In 2024, 27.0% of those in the lower income bracket were late on payments—a significant improvement from 34.6% in 2011. For the middle income class, late payments were observed in 9.9% of cases, down from 21.4% in 2011. Among the upper income class, only 3% experienced delays, compared to 9.9% previously.

This detailed analysis underscores shifts in income distribution and repayment behavior across Cyprus, reflecting broader economic trends that are critical for policymakers and investors to consider as they navigate the evolving financial landscape.

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