Allianz Risk Barometer 2026 ranks cyber incidents as the top global business risk for the fifth year in a row.
This year’s report shows growing concern from organizations across all sectors. Attacks disrupt operations, compromise data, and further strain internal response systems. Increased third-party dependencies and integration of digital services have expanded the entry points for attackers.
Artificial intelligence rose from 10th to 2nd place, the biggest increase in this year’s results.
Companies report growing concerns about the uncertain liability associated with untested applications and automated decision-making. Continued investment has not closed the oversight and guidance gap, leaving many companies exposed to unresolved legal and operational consequences.
Why it’s important: AI’s rise in rankings coincides with an increase in incidents involving automation failures and unclear responsibility. Cyber continues to be the most commonly reported risk, and disruptions related to external service dependencies are on the rise. These trends are impacting claims activity and internal risk assessment.
- Cyber incidents lead global rankings for 5th consecutive year: Cyber incidents remain the biggest business risk worldwide. 42% The percentage of respondents is the highest level ever. Large companies are reporting an increase despite increased detection and response capabilities. Utilization of AI Attackers and increased reliance on third-party platforms are creating new points of failure. Small businesses continue to be under pressure as they have limited internal resources to deal with threats.
- AI rises from 10th to 2nd place in the world: AI is now the second most commonly reported risk, cited by nearly one in three respondents. Key concerns include legal exposure due to defective output and unclear accountability. These issues appear across a variety of industries and company sizes, with AI ranking among the top three. risk For small businesses, medium-sized companies, and large corporations.
- Business interruption remains a major concern: Ranked third, business interruptions continue to impact companies facing supply chain disruptions and regional instability. only 3% A percentage of respondents believe their supply chains are highly resilient. Most of the interruptions currently reported are due to external conditions rather than internal system failures.
- Regulatory uncertainty increases operational burden: Changes in enforcement, changing compliance expectations, and growing liability concerns are putting additional pressure on companies that are already avoiding technological and structural risks. Trade policy and legal exposures related to emerging technologies are raising concerns across the region. Regulation ranks fourth globally, with more respondents citing regulation as their biggest risk compared to last year.
- AI risks extend to operations and legal departments: Almost half of respondents believe AI will be a net benefit for their sector, but one in five report it will cause more harm. Common challenges include data reliability issues and lack of qualified personnel. Allegations related to biased work product and misuse of intellectual property are beginning to surface in legal and compliance reviews.
Go deeper -> Allianz Risk Barometer 2026: Cyber remains the top business risk, but AI rises fastest to second place – Business Wire
Trusted insights for technology leaders
Our readers are CIOs, CTOs, and senior IT executives. National CIO Review From GenAI to cybersecurity and more, we wisely curate the trends shaping companies.
Stay up to date with key insights by subscribing to our four-times-weekly newsletter.
