AI Rises To Second-highest Global Business Risk, Allianz Survey Finds

BERLIN, Jan 14 (Bernama-dpa) -- Artificial intelligence (AI) has surged to become one of the world's top business risks, according to insurer Allianz, reported German Press Agency (dpa).

In its latest annual "Risk Barometer," published on Wednesday, AI jumped from 10th to second place behind long-standing leader cybercrime.

The report said the two risks are increasingly connected, with criminals using AI to enhance attacks. However AI can also pose risks without malicious intent, for example if managers or employees make decisions based on inaccurate or misleading data.

The survey, conducted in October and November 2025, included 3,338 respondents from 97 countries, including corporate executives, risk and claims advisers, brokers, industry specialists and Allianz staff.

Rankings varied by country: AI ranked fourth in Germany, second in Switzerland and first in Austria.

AI is a double-edged sword: a majority of companies see the technology as an opportunity, including for automated defence against malicious cyberattacks.

Allianz said cybercriminals increasingly use AI for social engineering, impersonating executives to trick staff with customised emails, voice cloning, or even deepfake videos.

Most attacks still require human action, usually an employee enabling the attack, said Michael Daum, head of cyber claims at Allianz Commercial.

Risks also arise from legitimate AI use within companies. AI operates with a degree of autonomy, meaning outputs can be false or fabricated, said Allianz Commercial manager Alexandra Braun.

Errors or biased results could trigger lawsuits, negative press coverage, or reputational damage.

AI could also infringe copyright if it reproduces protected material without permission.

Business interruptions ranked third among the top corporate risks this year.

Cyberattacks are often a factor, with online extortion a common cause: hackers lock a company's computer systems through encryption and demand large sums for their release.

--BERNAMA-dpa