2026 Risk in Focus Report

The Internal Audit Foundation’s “Risk in Focus” 2026 report delivers critical insights from more than 4,000 internal audit leaders across 131 countries, revealing how geopolitical uncertainty and digital disruption are reshaping the global risk landscape.

This year’s research shows geopolitical uncertainty risk jumping 10 percentage points — the largest increase of any risk area — while digital disruption including artificial intelligence rose 9 percentage points to become the second-highest risk globally. Cybersecurity maintains its position as the top concern, with 73% of respondents ranking it among their five highest risks.

Key findings from the global analysis:

• North America experienced the most dramatic shift in geopolitical uncertainty, with risk ratings increasing 19 percentage points as new trade policies and regulatory changes created widespread business disruption.
• Digital disruption risks surged across regions, with Latin America seeing a 17-percentage-point spike and the Middle East up 12 percentage points as organizations struggle to balance AI opportunities with emerging cyber threats.
• Internal auditors are expanding advisory services and increasing participation in strategic planning to help organizations navigate rapidly changing risk environments.
• Industry analysis reveals unique risk patterns, with manufacturing, agriculture and wholesale/retail sectors particularly exposed to geopolitical uncertainties, while financial services and information/communication industries face heightened digital disruption pressures.

The report synthesizes survey data with insights from 18 roundtables involving 182 participants and 24 in-depth interviews across six global regions, providing both quantitative benchmarks and practical guidance for audit planning in an increasingly volatile world.