Businesses are failing to prepare adequately for geopolitical volatility even as it climbs the ranks of global threats, according to Aon’s 2025 Global Risk Management Survey.

The survey, which drew responses from nearly 3,000 risk professionals and C-suite executives in 63 countries, suggests that a mere 14% of organisations track their exposure to the top risks, and just 19% use a form of analytics to evaluate their insurance programmes.

Cyber threats remain the top current and future concern. Yet only 13% of respondents have quantified their exposure, leaving companies underinsured and vulnerable to both financial and reputational loss.

Workforce risks meanwhile have fallen out of the top ten despite talent shortages. Lisa Stevens, chief administrative officer at Aon, said: “It’s worrying to see workforce risks slip down the rankings when human capital challenges remain deeply connected to every aspect of business resilience. When you look at the top ten risks in this year’s survey – cyber threats, supply chain disruptions, geopolitical volatility – they all have a direct impact on the workforce. Treating these risks as isolated issues is risk itself.”

Looking ahead, AI and climate change join cyber at the top of anticipated risks over the next three years, reflecting how technology and environmental pressures are increasingly shaping strategic decision-making.

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