According to a survey conducted in 2009 by HSBC Bank International, the offshore financial services arm of HSBC Holdings, it was found that some of the highest-paid expatriates reside in Asia and the Middle East. In Russia, a third of expats earn over $250,000 annually, making it the country with the highest proportion of high earners. Japan and Qatar closely follow Russia in terms of expat salaries. Additionally, between a third and a quarter of expats in Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Thailand, and India make more than $200,000 per year. Countries like Malaysia, China, and India were noted for being among the most affordable for housing. The survey concluded that Asia is home to the highest paid expats globally, with one in four expatriates earning over $200,000 per year. Russia was ranked as the top country for expats in terms of wealth, with the rest of the top nine being in Asia and the Middle East. Many expats value the opportunity to build a nest egg, with Saudi Arabia, Russia, Qatar, India, and the United Arab Emirates being the top five countries where people have increased their savings. However, the global economic crisis has had a negative impact on expats in Britain and the United States, with close to a quarter considering returning home due to the high cost of living, lack of savings, and lower wages. The survey also found that generous salaries are relatively scarce in Australia and Belgium. More than 60 percent of expats in both countries earn less than $100,000, making them the expats with the lowest wages when compared to a global average of 35 percent. According to Paul Say, head of marketing and communications for HSBC Bank International, expats are still considered a wealthy group, with over half of those surveyed earning $100,000 or more. The Expat Explorer survey, now in its second year, included more than 3,100 expats from various nationalities living in 26 countries, making it the largest survey of its kind, according to HSBC. More than two-thirds of expatriates around the world stated that the credit crisis has impacted how they spend their money, particularly affecting luxuries and day-to-day expenses. Nearly 40 percent mentioned that they are now saving more for unexpected situations. The majority of expats in Japan, at 53 percent, reported cutting back on holidays and other perks, followed by expats in Thailand and Hong Kong. On the other hand, two-thirds of expats in Qatar and over half of those in Bahrain stated that the global financial crisis would not alter their spending habits, suggesting that some oil-rich Gulf Arab countries have not been as severely affected by the economic downturn. Expats in Saudi Arabia, Brazil, and Russia were found to be the least likely to reduce their spending on luxuries. The individuals surveyed were selected based on four primary factors: earning over $200,000 annually, having a monthly disposable income of over $3,000, saving more while working overseas, and owning at least two luxury items in their current country of residence. The survey took place between February and April 2009.