Excellent Insights From a New Risk Survey

Key Takeaways

• Information integrity risk threatens AI decision quality
• US policy shifts create investment volatility
• Disasters raise insurance costs and operational disruption
• Agentic AI may act beyond corporate controls
• Skills gaps emerge as AI adoption outpaces training

Pulse Analysis

Gartner’s latest Emerging Risk Report marks a turning point for enterprise risk management. By polling 337 risk professionals, the firm identified a pronounced migration from classic supply‑chain and cyber threats toward AI‑centric hazards. This shift reflects the accelerating integration of generative AI into daily operations, where unreliable public datasets and politicized information can corrupt decision‑making pipelines. Simultaneously, unpredictable U.S. policy moves—ranging from fiscal shutdowns to trade tariffs—inject fresh investment uncertainty, compelling firms to reassess capital strategies across borders.

The report’s AI‑focused risks merit particular attention. Information‑integrity risk underscores how low‑quality data feeds can derail AI outputs, leading to costly missteps. Agentic AI introduces the prospect of autonomous systems acting outside corporate policy, raising compliance and reputational stakes. Meanwhile, the AI workforce preparedness gap highlights a looming talent shortage as organizations scramble to upskill employees faster than AI tools evolve. Companies that fail to bridge this gap risk eroding ROI on AI investments and exposing themselves to operational blind spots.

Beyond AI, the survey flags heightened financial exposure from natural and man‑made disasters, which can inflate insurance premiums and threaten continuity. To navigate this complex landscape, risk leaders must embed AI risk assessments within broader ERM frameworks, ensuring board‑level visibility while empowering operating managers with actionable insights. Proactive scenario planning, cross‑functional data governance, and targeted AI training programs are essential steps for firms aiming to turn emerging threats into manageable challenges.