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AlixPartners 2025 Global Risk Survey
In a new era of uncertainty, risks are hitting organizations from all angles. Yet fewer than 4 in 10 senior executives say their organizations are “very prepared” to address nearly all of them.
Our Global Risk Survey included a significant number of respondents from key regions including the U.S., Asia-Pacific (China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Singapore), Western Europe (Austria, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy), the UK, and Latin America (Brazil, Mexico).
Asia-Pacific Respondents
Asia-Pacific respondents are more concerned about a range of geopolitical and technology risks—including cybersecurity breaches, digital disruption, sanctions and trade controls, regional conflict, and increased nationalism—than those in any other region. They’re also the least prepared to address most of the risk events we asked about.
"Asia Pacific is particularly vulnerable to evolving sanctions, trade controls, and regulatory measures. Yet the region is too attractive to ignore, both as a market and a key link in global supply chains. In particular, multinationals and private equity players have invested significant sums in APAC and will need a nimble approach to assess their risk. For instance, governance, bribery and corruption risks remain elevated in the region. This means that even if some international anti-corruption efforts decrease, the risk of financial crime and reputational damage is still high."
Latin American Respondents
Latin American respondents are more concerned than their counterparts about labor availability, crime and fraud risk, and new sanctions. They also anticipate more corporate litigation than those in any other region.
"Uncertainty surrounding judicial reforms, fiscal pressures, and increased scrutiny on organized crime—both foreign and domestic—are projected to lead to a rise in domestic litigations and cross-border disputes in Latin America. Countries like Mexico, which are experiencing record levels of foreign investment alongside ongoing controversial reforms in key sectors such as energy, will continue to see an increase in both commercial and investor-state arbitrations."
UK Respondents
UK respondents are more concerned about cybersecurity requirements and data privacy laws than any other region—and among the least prepared when it comes to AI readiness.
"The UK’s high level of tech innovation but low level of tech regulation (compared to the EU) seems to be creating quite a risk hotspot; we believe UK companies need to define their risk-taking strategy for AI innovation and establish appropriate governance and controls fast.”
U.S. Respondents
U.S. respondents anticipate more significant increases in financial crime and corporate litigation—as well as greater increases in financial crime regulations and sanctions—than their peers. But U.S. organizations are also the most prepared to address risks related to regulatory shifts, data privacy, cybersecurity, and AI.
“On balance, the survey results confirm what many in the U.S. regulatory and litigation circles have been discussing during this time of change and uncertainty, a lull in regulatory enforcement activity certainly won’t inhibit financial crimes from occurring, and if the regulatory agencies fail to bring actions when needed, aggrieved parties may pursue justice via civil litigation.”
Western European Respondents
Western European respondents are more concerned about geopolitical conflicts than their peers. However, they're among the least confident in their personnel’s ability to detect risks and the least prepared to address potential changes in sanctions and international regulations. They’re also least likely to have AI policies and guidance in place, even as they expect AI-related regulatory enforcement to pick up more than those in any other region.
"Central and Western European economies are deeply woven into the fabric of global supply chains. When sanctions shift and tariffs change, the effects elevate regulatory risks. To navigate these turbulent waters, firms must bolster their trade compliance programs to fend off criminal and civil enforcement threats."
About our survey respondents
The data for AlixPartners' 2025 Global Risk Survey is based on a survey of 1,000 senior executives serving in legal, regulatory/compliance, and risk functions across the globe. Respondents were surveyed from February 5 – February 28, 2025 and include professionals from the U.S., the UK, Western Europe (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, and Switzerland), Asia Pacific (China, Hong Kong SAR, Japan, and Singapore), and Latin America (Brazil and Mexico). Our survey incorporated responses from executives across a wide variety of industries, with the largest numbers coming from financial services (21%), technology (20%), and manufacturing (14%).