#United States #Chicago #risk management #Hub International #2026 Report

Insights from the HUB International 2026 North American Report

In a recent revelation from HUB International Limited, a prominent player in global insurance brokerage and financial services, the HUB International 2026 North American Report makes a compelling case regarding the state of risk management across organizations in North America. The findings indicate that a staggering one-third of firms are operating without a comprehensive risk management strategy, thereby exposing themselves to various escalating threats.

The report draws evidence from extensive research conducted across 10 key industries, presenting a nuanced picture of the current risk landscape. A noteworthy aspect of this year's report is the introduction of the Risk Management Maturity Model, a structured framework intended to aid organizations in assessing their risk management levels and identifying areas for enhancement.

As 2025 draws to a close, the HUB International 2026 Profitability Resiliency Executive Survey sheds light on a widening divide between risk awareness and actionable plans. Despite leaders acknowledging rising operational costs, cybersecurity challenges, and regulatory pressures, many organizations remain stagnant in their strategic evolution. Marc Cohen, the Chairman and CEO of HUB, underscores this issue, stating, "Most organizations know about the cracks in their foundation, but awareness alone doesn’t translate into readiness." In today's rapid-paced environment, the maturation of organizations in risk management should emerge as a pivotal metric of leadership effectiveness. Transitioning along this maturity curve—combined with a deeper understanding of managing exposures—has become essential to contemporary business strategies.

Current State of Organizations

The survey findings underscore a grim reality: half of the surveyed organizations are operating with only a rudimentary level of risk maturity, concentrating mainly on compliance and regulatory aspects. Contrastingly, a mere 5% of businesses exhibit traits of advanced risk management maturity. Alarmingly, only 15% of organizational leaders perceive risk management as a collective responsibility among employees, despite the escalating cybersecurity and reputational dangers posed by technological advancement.

The report outlines four principal risks that may significantly affect profitability in the upcoming year:
1. Rising Operating and Labor Costs - Identified as the most pressing issue, with 92% of respondents fearing impacts on profits. Only 22% reported complete confidence in managing these costs.
2. Technology and Cybersecurity Risks - With 60% of leaders ranking them among the top threats, confidence in managing such risks remains low.
3. Regulatory and Legal Challenges - This area saw the most significant concern jump, increasing by 21 points, indicating a pressing need to adjust to evolving legislation concerning data privacy and governance.
4. Geopolitical Risks - Approximately 34% of respondents are increasingly perceiving geopolitical instability as a direct threat to profitability, up from 19% last year. Alarmingly, only 15% feel confident in managing this risk.

This widening gap in risk maturity emphasizes the urgency for organizations to refine their approaches. As we look towards 2026, it is imperative that business leaders prioritize a more proactive stance in evolving their risk management strategies, ensuring that their operations can withstand the multifaceted pressures of today’s dynamic market environment.

Conclusion

For further insights and to explore the issues highlighted in the HUB International 2026 North American Report, including 13 Industry Outlooks, you can access the full report through HUB’s media center. As HUB International continues to advocate for effective risk management strategies, organizations are encouraged to reassess their current practices and invest in frameworks that prioritize resilience and profitability in an increasingly uncertain world.