AI, supply chains and weather risks drive management shift

Business owners are taking a more integrated approach to risk as pressure mounts from AI, supply chain disruption and extreme weather, driving a broader shift towards resilience and long-term planning.

New research from Gallagher suggests owners are moving beyond reactive risk management and increasingly embedding risk considerations into how they operate, invest and grow.

According to the survey, 76% of business owners are losing sleep over business-related concerns, while 94% worry their insurance programme might not respond to a specific event or loss.

“We’re seeing a meaningful shift toward treating risk management as a business consideration that informs operations, investments and growth,” said J. Patrick Gallagher, Jr., chairman and CEO. "This mindset can help businesses build resilience in an increasingly complex risk environment."

AI emerged as one of the most prominent concerns. Nearly nine in 10 respondents said they were at least somewhat concerned about its impact on their business, while 95% called for stronger regulation and 94% supported greater protections against misuse.

At the same time, businesses continue to invest in the technology. Almost half of respondents said they plan to increase AI investment this year, with many already using AI to support risk assessment, analysis and mitigation activities.

Cyber risk also remains a major concern. More than two thirds of business owners said they were worried about cyber attacks affecting their organisation, while 44% expressed interest in purchasing or expanding cyber insurance coverage.

Beyond technology, supply chain disruption continues to weigh heavily on businesses. Nearly two-thirds of respondents said they were concerned about supply chain interruptions in 2026, prompting many organisations to strengthen contingency planning. 61% said they have already established contingency suppliers to improve operational resilience.

Weather-related risks are also climbing the agenda. Flooding was identified as the leading weather concern, cited by 53% of respondents, up sharply from 35% a year earlier. Yet only 30% reported having flood insurance, highlighting a growing protection gap.

“Despite rising exposure, many businesses remain under-insured, widening the gap between risk and protection,” Gallagher said.

The findings suggest organisations are becoming more sophisticated in how they manage risk. However, they also indicate concerns over emerging threats and potential coverage gaps remain firmly entrenched, reinforcing the need for resilience alongside risk transfer.

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