Risk managers across the globe are to be asked to identify the biggest threats to their operations in an effort to map out the issues which are keeping the World’s business leaders awake at night.

The Federation of European Risk Management Associations (FERMA) has announced the launch of its Global Risk Manager Survey 2026, marking the second consecutive edition of its expanded collaboration with leading international risk management associations including RIMS, PARIMA, Alarys, IRMSA, and Club Francorisk.

The report will cover Europe, the United States, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Africa, with the organisation describing the survey as the most comprehensive international study of trends, challenges, and developments shaping the risk management profession today.

“The 2026 edition will examine a broad range of strategic and operational topics, including the evolving scope, focus and maturity of the risk management function; how a rapidly shifting risk landscape is shaping risk priorities in the short, medium and long term; and how risk managers’ contributions to business-critical areas such as ESG and digitalisation are evolving,” it explained. “It will also explore developments in the insurance market and their impact on risk transfer strategies.”

Laurent Nihoul, (above) CEO of FERMA, added: “This survey gives risk professionals a valuable opportunity to benchmark their organisations against peers across the world. By gathering robust, global data, FERMA aims to support the profession with actionable insights, encourage innovation, and help shape a shared vision for the future of risk management.”

The 2024 Global Risk Manager Survey – the first to extend beyond Europe – was the largest ever undertaken by FERMA, attracting more than 1,000 respondents from 77 countries, underlining the importance of developing a global perspective on risk management.

Last year’s survey warned organisations must integrate a more holistic risk management framework aligned with overall corporate strategy to address both the immediate threats posed by cyber-attacks and geopolitical and economic uncertainty, plus the longer-term risks of technology shifts, regulatory developments and climate change.

believes FERMA following the release of the Global Risk Manager Survey 2024 produced in partnership with PwC.

The results of the survey found that organisations were having to manage varying threats across different time horizons. The report cautioned that over the next 12 months, the top five risks for companies would include cyber-attacks, geopolitical uncertainties, uncertain economic growth, talent management and data breach.

Extending the period to 3 years, the top concerns shifted to regulation and the speed of technological change, while the geopolitical environment continues to be a critical area of concern.

Now in its third decade, the FERMA study remains a key benchmark for the profession, offering deep insight into how the role of the risk manager is adapting within an increasingly complex and fast-changing risk environment.

Tadas Cilcius, FERMA board member and chair of the Risk Manager Survey 2026, commented: “The Global Risk Manager Survey continues to be one of the most authoritative references for understanding how the profession is evolving. Maintaining the survey’s global reach allows us to capture diverse perspectives, assess how priorities differ across regions, and identify emerging practices that are redefining the role of the risk manager worldwide.”