Business leaders on high alert as risk levels surge: a significant eight-month shift

New research from Beazley uncovers a sharp and rapid shift in how leaders are prioritising risk. And amid today’s fast-changing global environment, topping their agendas are: Geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruption and inflation.

Having surveyed 3,500 global business leaders, it’s clear that the significant risk perception since January this year is reshaping how businesses allocate resources, assess partnerships, and pursue growth in volatile markets.

Key pressure points for global businesses: (August 2025 vs January 2025)

• Political risk unease deepens – 88% (August) vs 69% (January) of global business leaders agree that the political landscape will affect their ability to trade profitably.
• Growth ambitions dampened – 83% believe the current geopolitical & economic uncertainty will limit their business’ growth plans – a sharp rise from 68% in January 2025.
• Supply chains reshaped – 87% (August) vs 75% (January) expect to adjust suppliers or supply chains due to geopolitical tensions.

Boardroom priorities over the years:

• Overseas security in the spotlight – 32% (2025) vs 23% (2024) plan to review the security of overseas operations.
• Macroeconomic instability tops the agenda – 26% (2025) vs 21% (2024) cite it as their single greatest threat.
• Inflation concerns edge higher – 27% (2025), with expectations rising to 28% by Jan 2026, vs 24% in 2024.

Bethany Greenwood, Group Head of Specialty Risks at Beazley, comments:

“Businesses are navigating a risk environment that’s more layered, complex, and unpredictable than ever. Political shifts, economic uncertainty and global tensions are converging at an unprecedented scale – and the ripple effect is shaking business confidence across sectors and geographies

“But while it’s easy to get caught up in short-term disruptions, the real opportunity lies in looking ahead. Growth is still possible – but it demands sharper foresight, faster adaptation and a clear view of where risk meets opportunity.

“Firms that proactively reassess risks, embed resilience, and work with insurance partners can protect against shocks, move confidently, and capture growth in emerging tech, energy, and global markets.”

These findings are an early release from Beazley’s upcoming Geopolitical & Economic Risk & Resilience Report. Spokespeople available upon request as well as market specific regional breakdowns of the statistics.