ET Exclusive: ‘Global CEOs seek more clarity to invest in India', says Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon

India marking the 20th anniversary of the Bengaluru office for the Wall Street bellweather, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon spoke with ET’s Arijit Barman, emphasizing that the global economy will remain deeply interconnected despite the rising intensity of trade tariff rhetoric. During his brief one-day visit to India where the firm has invested over $8.5 billion, Solomon will stop at the firm’s Bengaluru campus where Goldman Sachs’ technology engineers and quants are driving innovation—developing systems that span from trade execution and risk management to advancing the immersion of AI with their global colleagues throughout the firm.

With 9,000 professionals across its Bengaluru and Hyderabad offices, India represents Goldman Sachs’ second-largest presence globally. In a video interview from New York, Solomon underscored India’s position as a compelling investment destination for global clients but noted that business leaders seek greater clarity on investment opportunities, streamlined regulatory processes, and a more level playing field to fully capitalize on the country’s economic potential.

Edited excerpts

Q: What are the big themes emerging in the world of finance and investment banking?

We’ve seen a pickup in capital markets activity, for sure. You’re going to see a continued pickup in M&A activity.

There’s a sense that broadly for business in the US, it will be a more constructive regulatory environment, which is probably constructive for growth. Yet, there are a variety of policy areas where both investors and large companies are waiting to understand how those policy areas will play forward.

That includes better clarity on tax policy, budget policy, and fiscal policy. Better clarity around energy policy.