Abhishek Sinha
17 December 2025, India – As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and digital assets continue to gain momentum, global corporates are taking a measured approach by first strengthening their core digital infrastructure, according to Standard Chartered’s latest Future of Trade: Digitalisation report.
The study finds that nearly seven out of 10 corporate leaders worldwide are prioritising the development of strong foundational systems in the short to medium term, with cloud computing emerging as the key enabler of digital transformation. AI and digital assets follow closely, reinforcing the view that innovation can deliver value at scale only when supported by robust underlying infrastructure.
Globally, AI (55%) and digital assets (50%) rank among the top three drivers shaping the future of trade digitalisation. This trend reflects a pragmatic shift among businesses towards building resilient, scalable systems before accelerating adoption of advanced technologies.
India Shows Strong Optimism Towards AI
India stands out for its high level of confidence in artificial intelligence. As many as 74% of Indian corporates rank AI among their top three technology adoption priorities, followed by cloud computing (64%) and digital assets (46%). This optimism is reinforced by government initiatives such as the National Strategy for Artificial Intelligence, alongside increased investments and expansion by global and domestic AI firms in the country.
The report also highlights India’s strong outsourcing ecosystem. About 68% of Indian respondents fully outsource their digitalisation efforts, while 30% adopt a hybrid model involving both third-party providers and in-house teams. Only 3% manage digitalisation entirely internally. The presence of globally recognised IT outsourcing companies, coupled with cultural and geographical proximity, enhances the appeal of outsourcing for Indian corporates and creates significant domestic opportunities as the digital economy expands.
Challenges Remain Despite Progress
While digitalisation offers clear benefits, more than half of the surveyed corporates cite lack of interoperability and system integration as the biggest hurdles slowing progress. Regulatory complexities and implementation challenges further contribute to delays, leaving many trade processes dependent on traditional, paper-based methods.
To address these structural challenges, the report outlines a two-pronged solution. The first involves promoting digitally enabled trade through Digital Economy Agreements (DEAs), which help establish cross-border regulatory frameworks for digital activities. Corporates widely view DEAs as critical in addressing interoperability issues, with many expressing hope that more markets will adopt common digital standards.
The second approach focuses on scaling transformation through strategic partnerships. Nearly 80% of respondents are already collaborating with third-party providers to overcome challenges such as talent shortages, high costs, and the need for faster implementation.
Banking Partners Seen as Key Enablers
The findings also underscore the growing role of banks in the digitalisation journey. More than 80% of corporates expect banking partners to provide guidance on digital transformation and the adoption of digital assets. The report highlights the need for closer collaboration among banks, fintech firms, technology providers, and regulators to unlock the full potential of digitally enabled trade.
Commenting on the findings, Michael Spiegel, Global Head of Transaction Banking at Standard Chartered, said global trade is undergoing a significant transformation, with digitalisation accelerating how businesses connect and operate. He noted that by strengthening data connectivity, compliance, and consistency, corporates are laying the groundwork for responsible and scalable adoption of technologies such as AI and digital assets.
Spiegel added that Standard Chartered is actively supporting this shift by investing in cloud-based platforms, digitising trade finance processes end-to-end, and co-creating solutions aimed at making global trade simpler, smarter, and more sustainable.
About the Report
The Future of Trade: Digitalisation report is based on insights from 1,200 C-suite executives and senior leaders across 17 global markets. The study examines expectations around global trade and corporate strategies over the next three to five years and follows the Future of Trade: Resilience report released in September 2025.
