100 GREAT BUSINESS IDEAS • 25The world is changing fast, and one of the greatest changes
in human history has taken place without many of us even
noticing—the changes that result from demographic developments.
Understanding these changes can provide a secure foundation as
well as signifi cant business opportunities.
The idea
The idea is simple: by understanding demography, future
opportunities and threats will be revealed. One global business that
understands the signifi cance of demography is HSBC, “the world’s
local bank.” Understanding the composition of populations, how
they will change, and what each group in society will want is vital for
long-term success if you are running a wide range of businesses—
and especially fi nancial services. Consider this HSBC email sent
from its website (www.yourpointofview.com) in 2007:
Tell us what you think. Do you agree with 57% of Indonesians
who see retirement as a time for rest? Or, like 58% of
Canadians, do you see it as the start of a new career? With
more of us living longer these days, it’s an issue that needs
serious consideration. Especially given that, by 2050, 22% of
the world’s population may be living in retirement.HSBC is developing a dynamic business in life, pensions, and
investments, but that is just the start. Demography is behind
many changes within HSBC. For example, HSBC has responded
to migration from Eastern Europe to Britain by recognizing that