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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 Emerges As A Leading Household Consumer In The European Union

Overview Of Eurostat Findings

A recent Eurostat survey, which adjusts real consumption per capita using purchasing power standards (PPS), has positioned Cyprus among the highest household consumers in the European Union. In 2024, Cyprus recorded a per capita expenditure of 21,879 PPS, a figure that underscores the country’s robust material well-being relative to other member states.

Comparative Consumption Analysis

Luxembourg claimed the top spot with an impressive 28,731 PPS per inhabitant. Trailing closely were Ireland (23,534 PPS), Belgium (23,437 PPS), Germany (23,333 PPS), Austria (23,094 PPS), the Netherlands (22,805 PPS), Denmark (22,078 PPS), and Italy (21,986 PPS), with Cyprus rounding out this elite group at 21,879 PPS. These figures not only highlight the high expenditure across these nations but also reflect differences in purchasing power and living standards across the region.

Contrasting Trends In Household Spending

The survey also shed light on countries with lower household spending levels. Hungary and Bulgaria reported the smallest average expenditures, at 14,621 PPS and 15,025 PPS respectively. Meanwhile, Greece and Portugal recorded 18,752 PPS and 19,328 PPS, respectively. Noteworthy figures from France (20,462 PPS), Finland (20,158 PPS), Lithuania (19,261 PPS), Malta (19,622 PPS), Slovenia (18,269 PPS), Slovakia (17,233 PPS), Latvia (16,461 PPS), Estonia (16,209 PPS), and the Czech Republic (16,757 PPS) further illustrate the disparate economic landscapes within the EU. Spain’s figure, however, was an outlier at 10,899 PPS, suggesting the need for further data clarification.

Growth Trends And Economic Implications

Eurostat’s longitudinal analysis from 2019 to 2024 revealed that Croatia, Bulgaria, and Romania experienced the fastest annual increases in real consumer spending, each growing by at least 3.8%. In contrast, five member states, with the Czech Republic experiencing the largest drop at an average annual decline of 1.3%, indicate a varied economic recovery narrative across the continent.

This comprehensive survey not only provides valuable insights into current household consumption patterns but also offers a robust framework for policymakers and business leaders to understand economic shifts across the EU. Such data is integral for strategic decision-making in markets that are increasingly defined by evolving consumer behavior and regional economic resilience.

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