AI Has Become Top Global Risk, AXA Report Found
Artificial intelligence overtook climate change as the primary threat in an expert survey covering 62 countries.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Artificial intelligence is now the top-ranked global risk according to the 2026 AXA Future Risks Report. The survey of 4,345 experts revealed significant concern regarding the pace of AI development relative to existing governance systems.
Why it matters
AI's rapid evolution and its compounding effect on electricity grid strain have outpaced current management frameworks. This shift marks a critical transition in how global institutions categorize technological versus environmental threats.
Only 9% of global experts expressed confidence in the current state of public authority preparedness for AI risks, a figure that drops to 3% among respondents in Europe. Meanwhile, 54% of experts classified AI and big data as rapidly emerging risks.
The players
AXA
A multinational insurance company that produces annual reports on emerging global systemic risks.
Ipsos
A global market research and consulting firm that conducted the data collection for the risk report.
The details
Insurance carriers are responding to this perceived volatility by restructuring coverage through AI-specific exclusions and new policy forms. These instruments act as a mechanism to manage loss exposure as the technology moves faster than the current regulatory infrastructure. The survey data was collected by Ipsos between 14 May and 24 June 2026, capturing views from both experts and the public.
Timeline
14 May 2026 marked the start of AXA survey data collection.
24 June 2026 marked the end of AXA survey data collection.
13 October 2026 is the publication date of the AXA Future Risks Report.
The Tech Race
The 2026 AXA Future Risks Report demonstrates a fundamental shift in how global experts weigh technological dangers against established environmental threats. This trajectory follows the pattern set by increasing institutional concern over AI’s infrastructure requirements, including surging energy demand.
Insurance policyholders can expect to see new AI-specific exclusions and modified coverage forms when renewing commercial or professional liability policies. These changes reflect the industry's attempt to mitigate the financial exposure associated with AI-driven systemic risks.
The takeaway
The insurance industry is pivoting toward rigid coverage boundaries as AI volatility scales. Watch for upcoming industry policy adjustments in the aftermath of the 13 October 2026 publication.
Further reading
For broader analysis on the field, browse our Artificial Intelligence section.
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