Global Risk Management Survey 2025 reveals current risk factors and challenges
According to the recently published Global Risk Management Survey 2025 by Aon plc (https://aon.com), cyber threats and economic instability are the biggest concerns for North American companies. The report is based on information provided by nearly 3,000 risk managers and executives surveyed worldwide.
Focus on AI and innovation
Economic instability and compliance challenges are at the top of the risk list. There is also a growing focus on AI and innovation in human resources. According to the report, US and Canadian companies consider cyber resilience, economic stability and workforce innovation to be strategic priorities.
‘The results for North America underscore the urgent need for companies to move from reactive measures to proactive, integrated risk strategies,’ said Aon CEO Lori Goltermann. ‘Executives must integrate real-time analytics, scenario planning and systemic thinking into every function to make resilience a company-wide competency.’
20 per cent lost due to cyber attacks
Cyber attacks and data breaches were ranked as the biggest risk to North American businesses, with nearly one in five companies reporting losses due to cyber incidents. Economic uncertainty came in second, cited by 40 per cent of respondents, reflecting ongoing inflationary pressures and changing consumer behaviour.
Regulatory and legislative changes climbed to third place, underscoring the growing challenges in the area of compliance. Artificial intelligence appeared among the top five future risks in North America – a shift that is not reflected globally. Respondents also identified talent acquisition and innovation as key concerns related to the impact of AI on the workforce.
The Aon survey also found that North American companies are global leaders in risk management maturity, with 76 per cent maintaining formal risk departments and increasingly using analytics and scenario modelling.
The findings highlight the rapid transformation of a working world in which technological, geopolitical, climatic and labour market risks are increasingly intertwined.
