Shifting Global Risks: Sedgwick’s Outlook for 2026 Highlights Emerging Threats
Sedgwick, a prominent player in integrated risk and claims solutions worldwide, has launched its latest annual outlook on emerging risks for 2026. The study combines in-depth analysis, specialist input, and feedback from top executives at major corporations to pinpoint evolving challenges in areas like emerging technologies, environmental disruptions, interconnected logistics networks, human capital dynamics, and international tensions.
The findings emphasize the importance of forward-thinking strategies in a world of overlapping uncertainties. As Sedgwick’s leadership notes, success in the coming year will hinge on readiness for unforeseen developments, beyond immediate concerns.
Strengthening Oversight for Emerging Technologies
A major focus is on managing uncertainties tied to rapid tech advancements, particularly in intelligent systems. A significant portion of large firms have now formed specialized teams to oversee these implementations, yet many acknowledge gaps in full operational readiness. Key hurdles include the brisk pace of innovation and evolving oversight rules.
These tools are already influencing loss evaluation, prevention engineering, and broader safety protocols. For the insurance sector, varying levels of client maturity in this space could drive new approaches to policy design, advisory services, and innovative coverage options. Projections suggest deeper alignment with established risk management standards, prioritizing accountability, fairness, and ongoing monitoring by 2026.
Mounting Pressures from Environmental Disruptions
Intensifying climate events, escalating asset values, and workforce bottlenecks are elevating expenses and extending downtime for recovery operations. Three-quarters of leaders surveyed foresee notable strain on coverage markets from these factors, prompting adjustments in coverage limits, deductibles, and specialized financing tools amid fluctuating conditions.
Restrictions on workforce mobility, often tied to policy changes, impact a majority of operations, with some reporting acute shortages that hinder post-disruption restoration. In context, 2025 saw worldwide economic impacts from such events reach around $220 billion, with insured portions at $107 billion—largely from U.S.-based wildfires and storms, including a record $40 billion from California blazes—underscoring the push for fortified infrastructure and adaptive planning.
Logistics Networks Under Strain from International Dynamics
Unpredictable global relations, evolving commercial agreements, and oversight changes remain dominant worries for operational continuity. Two-thirds of big-company respondents noted drawbacks from recent U.S. import rules, while a similar share flagged broader economic and political fluctuations as chief disruptors.
Early 2025 saw new duties imposed on inflows from major partners like China, Mexico, and Canada, spurring diversification toward regions such as Southeast Asia and India. This “nearshoring” and ally-focused relocation, as highlighted in recent geostrategic reviews, is gaining momentum to counter vulnerabilities. Digital threats further complicate matters, viewed as a primary weak point by many, likely intensifying scrutiny on third-party safeguards and contingency protections.
Evolving Workforce Needs Amid Tech Integration
Shifts in employee priorities and skill requirements pose ongoing dilemmas, with many executives highlighting challenges in knowledge transfer across generations and adapting roles to new tools. Interest is growing in immersive technologies for enhancing workplace safety, potentially opening avenues for tailored compensation and prevention programs.
Broadly, international instability ranks as the foremost worry for over half of participants, closely trailed by digital vulnerabilities at half. Remarkably few feel comprehensively equipped for worldwide threats, calling for flexible planning and phased response mechanisms.
Sedgwick experts stress that proactive foresight and adaptability will distinguish thriving entities in 2026. By weaving together insights on tech governance, environmental preparedness, logistics fortification, talent strategies, and global monitoring, firms can better safeguard operations and align with evolving demands.
In an era defined by simultaneous disruptions, those mastering interconnected risk management—supported by analytics and collaborative expertise—stand poised for sustained performance ahead.
Disclaimer: This article is provided for informational purposes only. It is not offered or intended to be used as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice.