They are, by definition, not well understood. There is scarcity of data, making it difficult to model and quantify their effect and often have significantly different dimensions in the developed and developing world.
Emerging Risks often evolve from a complex relationship between four main drivers: geopolitics, law and regulation, science and technology, and the environment. They tend to operate on a global level, and some, such as AI and Climate Change are on such a scale that they influence almost every aspect of life, in almost every country.
Others, such as PFAS, first become evident in a particular country or region and the principal challenge is to identify the potential for those risks to worsen or become systemic. Some are self-contained and can be managed by making changes to underwriting practice or policy wording. Others such as Cyber and sanctions, are systemic and require ongoing education across the whole business.
Each Emerging Risk follows a different path, some are driven by regulation, others take place in a regulatory vacuum, others are immature because the scientific and political debate is yet to translate into a discussion of loss and damage.
In all cases, Emerging Risks are prone to rapid fluctuation in speed and severity. They require continuous monitoring and adaptation and the principal challenge for global organisations facing these risks, is how to keep abreast of developments.
Here we share our insight on key areas to help you stay ahead of the curve. Explore the latest developments and gain valuable guidance on seizing new opportunities and managing risks effectively. Where there is opportunity, there is risk.
As the business landscape constantly evolves, you need a legal partner with an in-depth understanding of how to best address and navigate the risks you face. We bring our knowledge of navigating legal risk to help you succeed.
Social Media Addiction
From likes to lawsuits: Navigating the insurance impact of Social Media Addiction
Social media has become an integral part of modern life, but an increasing level of scrutiny has arisen around the risks of addiction. Claims have been made in the U.S. alleging that addictive algorithms and AI interactions are causing widespread mental health issues. Early signs suggest that these trends could spread globally.
Register for our 2026 Emerging Risk webinar topics here
Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Powering the future: Understanding insurance risks in the Next Gen Nuclear era
Nuclear power is re-emerging as a secure, resilient energy source. Next-generation technologies promise scalable solutions to meet rising demand driven by AI data centres, crypto exchanges, and other energy-intensive industries. With innovation comes complexity and opportunities for risk transfer.
Next Gen Nuclear
The Sanctions challenge: Staying ahead in a multi-jurisdictional landscape
As geopolitical tensions rise, sanctions are spreading around the world, and the management of sanctions risk is more critical than ever. The multi-jurisdictional nature of sanctions liability, and the rapid rate of change, create the risk of inadvertent non-compliance, contractual disputes and reputational harm.
Sanctions
Litigation Funding under the spotlight: Global developments and Insurer strategies
The ready availability of litigation funding is vital for access to justice, but its rapid and largely unregulated growth brings new challenges for insurers. Lack of transparency, inconsistent disclosure rules, and potential conflicts of interest can undermine the integrity of proceedings.
Litigation Funding
Corporate structures under pressure: Managing Head Office Liability risks
Globalisation has driven parent companies to design corporate structures with clear boundaries for finance, management and liability. But recent litigation trends are challenging these safeguards, with an increasing number of claims seeking to hold parent companies directly accountable for the actions of overseas subsidiaries. For insurers, this evolving risk means heightened exposure under General Liability and Directors’ & Officers Liability policies, as parent companies face growing scrutiny and potential liability for global operations.
Head Office Liability
Insuring the final frontier: Space risks and emerging coverage challenges
As commercial space activity accelerates and satellite networks become critical to global infrastructure, insurers in 2026 face a new frontier of risk. From orbital debris and cyber threats to complex regulatory frameworks, the space sector is reshaping traditional underwriting norms.
Space
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