A new survey by Dun & Bradstreet has uncovered how financial services and insurance (FS&I) leaders are confronting rising threats and data challenges while pursuing AI and digital transformation.
Drawing on insights from over 2,000 senior professionals across five major markets, the Financial Services & Insurance Pulse Survey 2025 reveals a sector caught between ambition and execution — increasing investment in innovation but struggling to overcome legacy systems, poor data quality and a volatile risk environment.
The report identifies cybersecurity and fraud as the top risks for FS&I firms, with 79% of professionals expressing concern about digital threats and 78% worried about fraud. Over 70% of respondents admitted concern across all 11 risk types assessed, from compliance and operational risks to emerging ESG and reputational threats. This widespread anxiety highlights how uncertainty and digital exposure are reshaping industry priorities.
Data quality remains a significant obstacle. Around 64% of firms said they lack confidence in their data for decision-making and risk management, while more than half admitted to failed AI projects resulting from poor data foundations. Despite their enthusiasm for automation, many institutions continue to rely on fragmented systems and manual processes that undermine their transformation ambitions.
The report also found that AI and digital transformation are among the leading strategic priorities for 2026, cited by 39% and 36% of respondents respectively. However, Dun & Bradstreet’s research found that many organisations are struggling to translate investment into impact, leaving them vulnerable to inefficiencies, compliance failures and poor customer outcomes. A large proportion of firms (38%) admitted they remain unprepared for critical risks, even as spending on mitigation continues to rise.
Third-party risk is another costly area of exposure. An overwhelming 91% of respondents said they had experienced negative effects from third-party relationships, with average losses exceeding $700,000. In Germany, this figure nearly doubles to $1.5m, highlighting the global scale of the challenge.
Market variations were also notable. The survey found Switzerland topped the risk sensitivity scale, showing the highest concern levels for compliance and strategic threats. UK firms reported the strongest concern around fraud (83%) and reputational risk, while U.S. organisations were most alarmed by cyber threats (85%). Germany, by contrast, posted the lowest levels of concern across almost every category, suggesting lower perceived vulnerability.
The report, which can be downloaded here, offers insights into the state of resilience, the cost of poor visibility, AI-adoption, top priorities and concerns for 2026, and case studies.
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