Cyber incidents are still the biggest worry for UK companies in 2026, according to the Allianz Risk Barometer, following a year in which cyber incidents created many headlines in 2025 and kept the issue firmly in focus for business leaders. The survey shows that cyber not only retained the top slot in the rankings but was also cited by more firms than in 2025, signalling that concern is deepening rather than stabilising. The findings highlight how digital disruption, ransomware and data breaches continue to dominate risk planning across the corporate landscape.
The insurer’s research had 131 respondents who could choose three issues each, providing a snapshot of how a broad cross section of UK businesses perceive their most pressing threats. Within that list, the past year had also been a significant one for accelerated adoption of artificial intelligence and that this was reflected in the ranking of key risks. Artificial intelligence rose from fifth to second place, indicating that companies are increasingly attuned to both the operational benefits and the emerging dangers associated with rapid deployment of new technologies.
This growing focus on technology risks is changing which issues UK companies see as most important, putting market stability and political considerations under pressure in the hierarchy of boardroom concerns. As cyber and artificial intelligence move to the forefront, they crowd out more traditional risk categories, suggesting that organisations are reorienting their strategies, controls and insurance needs around digital exposure. The Allianz Risk Barometer snapshot implies that brokers and insurers will be expected to respond with more specialised products, advisory services and risk management support tailored to cyber and artificial intelligence, as these themes shape corporate resilience planning in 2026.
