Survey finds that geopolitical risk climbs insurance board agenda

Geopolitical risk has emerged as one of the fastest rising concerns for company directors and officers worldwide, according to new research from Willis. 

The survey, published today (1 June 2026), found growing anxiety around global instability, artificial intelligence (AI) and operational resilience.

And 59% of directors and officers now view geopolitical risk as very important or extremely important to their organisation.

The issue has climbed sharply up the rankings over the past year, moving from 15th place in 2025 to become one of the top seven risks identified by directors and officers globally.

AI also continued its rise up the boardroom agenda, with 56% of respondents ranking it as a very or extremely important risk, up from 51% last year. Concern was particularly pronounced in North America, where 71% of respondents cited AI as a significant risk.

Among the key AI-related concerns identified were AI-generated errors and misinformation, cited by 50% of respondents, followed by AI-enabled fraud and social engineering attacks (40%) and the risk of failing to adopt AI strategically (38%).

However, only 55% of respondents said their boards currently possess the skills and knowledge needed to provide effective oversight of AI implementation.

Emerging threats

The survey of 975 senior decision makers also highlighted growing concerns around operational resilience, with 39% identifying third-party and supply chain disruption as their biggest challenge.

Meanwhile, health and safety remained one of the highest ranked risks, particularly within industrial, transport and energy sectors.

In contrast, climate change and diversity, equity and inclusion issues both fell down the global risk agenda compared with last year.

Angus Duncan, global D&O coverage specialist at Willis, said directors were facing an increasingly complex risk landscape where traditional concerns were being compounded by emerging threats.

He said: “As risks become more interconnected and harder to predict, robust risk management and adequate protection are key to enable organisations to navigate uncertainty, make informed strategic decisions and sustain growth.”