Directors and Officers Insurance Insights 2026

Directors and officers are navigating a particularly challenging environment as they head into 2026. Geopolitical uncertainty, fiscal pressures and emerging risks from artificial intelligence, cyber threats and forever chemicals are elevating liability exposure at both public and private companies.

Allianz Commercial’s 2026 D&O insurance insights report examines the top risk trends driving director and officer liability, drawing on global claims data and expert analysis across key markets.

Key insights from the report:

• Geopolitical instability and armed conflicts are creating complex operational and financial challenges, with directors facing increased scrutiny for misjudging risks or failing to adapt to changing regulatory environments.
• Cyber-related incidents have emerged as a major frequency driver of D&O claims, with directors held increasingly responsible for oversight of cyber security as regulations like NIS2 raise personal accountability.
• PFAS litigation highlights how emerging risks require boards to conduct horizon scanning and disclose potential exposures before they fully materialize.
• Trade tensions and tariffs are heightening bankruptcy risks and compliance exposures for private companies, particularly in manufacturing, retail and construction sectors where global insolvencies are forecast to rise 5% in 2026.