Cyber Emerges as Top Business Risk, Notes Allianz’s 2025 Risk Barometer

The 14th Allianz Risk Barometer surveyed over 3,500 respondents from 106 countries and territories, including Allianz customers, brokers, industry organisations, and risk management professionals.  

Conducted in late 2024, the survey focused on businesses of varying sizes: large companies (46%), mid-sized companies (25%), and smaller enterprises (29%).

Respondents were asked to identify the top three risks in their respective industries. The survey covered 24 industry sectors. To be included in the results appendix, each country and sector needed at least 15 respondents. 

Cyber incidents were identified as the top global business risk, with 38% of respondents citing concerns such as cybercrime, network disruptions, and data breaches. This was closely followed by business interruption (31%) and natural catastrophes (26%). Other significant risks included changes in legislation, climate change, political instability, violence, and macroeconomic developments like inflation. 

In Australia, respondents similarly ranked cyber incidents (56%), changes in legislation/regulation (45%), and natural catastrophes (28%) as the top three business risks. Cyber was the leading concern across businesses of all sizes, including small, medium, and large enterprises. 

Insurance brokers are essential in helping companies protect themselves from the financial consequences of emerging risks. Staying updated on emerging risks allows businesses to be proactive in implementing risk management strategies to ensure they are remain future-proof.  

Read the full Allianz Risk Barometer Results today to see what other risks are of concern across the world.