Sneader said the firm is seeing solid traction in Japan, India and China, with artificial intelligence buildout playing a meaningful role. He highlighted North Asia as standing out from AI-linked capital investment. Appearing on Wednesday at the Bloomberg New Economy Forum, he characterized the moment as a continuing opportunity for the region.
Regional AI adoption is uneven, and the gaps are where the returns sit. Market Briefs covers that divergence free every weekday.
Goldman mapped out 42 companies on Indian exchanges that it views as enabling AI, and said those names have been advancing roughly 60% in market terms. Sneader used that to counter the view that India is at a disadvantage without a homegrown large language model, saying, "India is home to what we call AI enablers." He added that AI could be applied to 42% of India's agricultural sector, a prospect he sees as a major long-term opportunity. The bank expanded its footprint with a new Mumbai office last year.
On China, Sneader described a complicated macro picture, with weak domestic consumption offset by strength in manufacturing and technology. He said Goldman Sachs intends to stay active, remarking, "We believe the trade continues. We want to be part of that trade," and dismissed the idea that being a US firm blocks participation, noting there is still plenty of room for client-driven work.
In Hong Kong, he said IPO activity retains momentum, welcomed tighter scrutiny on IPO pricing, and noted that transparency and clarity are "really what matters," adding that higher standards could ultimately benefit well positioned firms. For Goldman's own workforce, he said hiring remains broad-based and it is "too early to predict" how AI will reshape staffing, while reaffirming a continued focus on cost discipline.
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