As we look toward 2026, it’s becoming clear that the top operational risks are likely to mirror those we managed in 2025. While the environment continues to shift, many core risk drivers remain firmly in place.
⚠️ Key operational risks from 2025 and why they persist into 2026:
🔐 Cybersecurity & data privacy
Ongoing digitization, AI adoption, and system interconnectivity continue to expand the threat landscape.
🔗 Third-party & supply chain risk
Global dependencies remain fragile amid geopolitical tension, climate disruption, and vendor concentration.
📜 Regulatory change & compliance pressure
Regulatory expectations are evolving faster than many operating models can adapt—especially across jurisdictions.
👥 Talent & workforce risk
Skill shortages, retention challenges, and reliance on key individuals remain significant vulnerabilities.
💻 Technology resilience & system reliability
Legacy infrastructure, complex integrations, and rapid transformation efforts continue to introduce operational strain.
Why this matters:
These are structural risks, not short-term anomalies. Without sustained investment in governance, controls, and resilience, they will continue to reappear year after year.
At the same time, organizations must keep an eye on novel and emerging risks, including:
• AI governance and model risk
• Automation failures
• Systemic third-party technology outages
Balancing the known risks with the emerging ones is where mature operational risk programs truly differentiate themselves.
Curious, what risks are staying at the top of your 2026 watchlist?
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