Georges Elhedery, group CEO of HSBC Holdings plc, said China is entering a new phase of development that will help shape the next era of global growth, as Chinese companies sharply accelerate their push to expand overseas.

In an interview during the China Development Forum 2026 in Beijing, Elhedery said the country's outbound direct investment continues to gain momentum, underscoring its rapidly growing role as a global investor.

He added that while global trade continued to grow in 2025, increased uncertainties arising from tariffs, geopolitical tensions and military conflicts have been intensifying. Nonetheless, these headwinds, as well as the resulting structural shifts, have created new opportunities, and new trade corridors have emerged.

"Under the current 'new normal' of global trade, Chinese companies are facing new needs and challenges in their journey to 'go global'. Financial institutions should keep up with Chinese companies, as the pattern of their journey has shifted from primarily exporting products to actively building overseas operations," Elhedery said.

To meet these demands, he said banks need to strengthen their global networks and provide customized, one-stop financial solutions.

Elhedery added that, unlike traditional branch-centric models — where overseas subsidiaries of Chinese companies are often managed as independent entities — a vertically client-aligned framework that mirrors a company's organizational structure is essential for delivering seamless and consistent banking services. Such an approach, supported by offerings including holistic global payment solutions, global trade services, emerging market currency risk management and cross-border financing, can give companies real-time visibility over global cash flows, improve working capital efficiency and help mitigate trade-related risks.

He also emphasized that stepping up efforts to reinforce Hong Kong's status as an international financial center, while deepening its role as an offshore renminbi hub, will be key. Greater connectivity between the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong, Elhedery said, would enable international investors to access more efficient and convenient risk management tools.