The Global Risk in Focus 2026 report, released by the Internal Audit Foundation in collaboration with European Institutes of Internal Auditors, identifies cybersecurity, geopolitical instability and digital disruption as the defining risks for organizations worldwide The Institute of Internal Auditors ECIIA Corporate Compliance Insights.
Cybersecurity and data security remain the number one concern for chief audit executives (CAEs), with 73% of respondents globally and 82% in Europe ranking it as their highest risk. Internal audit functions report spending the most time on this area, with post‑quantum readiness beginning to feature in audit scopes. ECIIACorporate Compliance Insights.
Geopolitical uncertainty saw the sharpest rise, jumping 10 percentage points year‑on‑year. Conflicts, trade tensions and regulatory fragmentation are reshaping risk landscapes, forcing companies to rethink supply chains and market strategies.
Digital disruption, including artificial intelligence, rose nine percentage points to become the second‑highest risk globally. Audit leaders warn that rapid AI adoption is outpacing governance frameworks, creating exposure to ethical, operational and compliance risks.
Human capital, diversity and talent management hold second place in Europe, with retention and skills gaps threatening competitiveness. Respondents highlight the need for stronger workforce strategies to address demographic shifts and digital skills shortages.
Climate change and sustainability continue to feature prominently, though with regional variation depending on regulatory pressure and exposure to transition risks. Boards are expected to demand deeper assurance on climate resilience and ESG reporting.
The report shows that internal audit priorities are shifting from compliance to resilience, with boards expected to demand deeper assurance on cyber resilience, geopolitical exposure and workforce sustainability. “Know your risks. Plan strategically,” the report advises, framing risk management as a board‑level imperative rather than a back‑office function.
For African economies, the findings resonate strongly. High borrowing costs, volatile inflation and infrastructure gaps compound global risks. The emphasis on digital disruption is particularly relevant as fintech and mobile money platforms expand rapidly across Ghana and Nigeria, raising both opportunity and oversight challenges.
The Risk in Focus 2026 report positions cybersecurity, geopolitical instability and digital disruption as the defining risks of the year, with human capital and sustainability close behind. For boards and audit committees, the message is clear: resilience requires integrated strategies that span technology, people and geopolitics. Internal audit functions are expected to play a central role in ensuring organizations not only survive shocks but adapt to them.
