The latest risk insights report from Beazley;
Businesses are navigating a risk environment more layered and unpredictable than ever. Beazley’s 2025 Geopolitical and Economic Risk & Resilience report surveyed 3,500 senior business leaders, placing a spotlight on the greatest risks:
- 68% of businesses cited geopolitical and economic uncertainty as a roadblock to growth, rising to 83% in July 2025.
- Over a quarter (27%) note inflationary pressures as a top risk in 2025 – up from 24% in 2024.
- 21% said economic uncertainty was their biggest threat in 2024. Now in 2025 it’s 26%.
These converging risks are leading many businesses to take a short term approach, however Beazley’s report highlights the real opportunities lie in looking ahead. Firms embedding sharper foresight, faster adaptation and a clear view of where risk meets opportunity are continuing to grow in the testing environment. Agility is no longer just defensive; it is a competitive advantage.
Predicting future risks
In response to the challenges they face, 32% of forward-looking companies plan to reassess the security of their overseas operations this year, up from 23% last year. This signals a clear shift in mindset – they are treating security threats as active risks, not distant possibilities. A further third (32%) of global firms also plan to explore insurance that includes risk and crisis management – up from 24% in 2024. As an example, supply chain disruption is no longer a future threat. Nearshoring, friendshoring and flexible logistics networks are now standard. In fact, 87% plan to adjust suppliers or reroute operations due to geopolitical tensions.
High-risk, high-opportunity frontiers
Despite uncertainty, firms are investing in AI, fusion energy and lunar exploration. These ventures carry risk but offer strategic advantage when combined with risk management and insurance solutions. 35% of firms are boosting investment in risk management and loss prevention measures, an increase from 23% in January 2024 to ensure bold innovation is backed by resilience.
Insurance as a growth enabler
Firms are taking a more strategic approach to risk transfer and prevention. Insurance is evolving beyond protection. Firms are using it to:
- Expand into new markets despite political or regulatory hurdles
- Secure critical energy and mineral resources
- Stay ahead of emerging risks, from cyber threats to geopolitical disruption
Bethany Greenwood, CEO of Beazley Furlonge Limited and Group Head of Specialty Risks Beazley, said:
“Resilience isn’t just about surviving disruption; it is about turning risk into competitive advantage. Innovative insurance solutions, including political risk coverage, parametric supply chain protection and crisis management services, are helping businesses act confidently in uncertain conditions.”
See the report here.
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