< Back to the full 2026 report on Top Risks Simplify for success: Financial services firms must streamline operations, embrace technology enablement 6 min read 2026 Executive Perspectives on Top Risks and OpportunitiesAcross financial services, executives are balancing aggressive growth goals with rising operational and regulatory pressures. Protiviti’s Executive Perspectives on Top Risks and Opportunities Survey—based on feedback from 1,540 global board members and C-suite leaders—shows a clear pattern: firms see meaningful upside in revenue expansion, ecosystem development, and new market opportunities, but face real obstacles in AI-readiness, data quality, legacy technology, cyber threats, and evolving customer expectations. The path forward centers on simplifying operations and modernising technology infrastructures. Read the full report to see how your peers are preparing for AI‑driven transformation, prioritising investments, and fortifying their organisations for the future.Download the 2026 financial services insights10-minute readWatch the 2026 cross-industry webinar60-minutes, on-demand Where financial services leaders see the greatest growth opportunities over the next two to three yearsSimplify for success. This is not simplification for its own sake, but rather a strategic imperative to streamline business models, optimise operations, and leverage technology to drive efficiency and effectiveness. 72 % Revenue potential 66 % Ecosystem development 55 % Geographic expansion Based on a five-point scale assessing agreement/disagreement. Percentages reflect sum of "Agree completely" and "Agree somewhat" responses. Our webinar series Discover how leading executives are turning today’s top risks—AI, cybersecurity, and talent—into tomorrow’s growth. Join us for actionable insights to help your organisation outpace uncertainty and seize new opportunities. Register now Explore featured solutions and industries Pro Digital Hightech Artificial Intelligence (AI) We help organisations reach the possible with AI that’s innovative, controlled, and accountable, focusing on delivering business outcomes, supporting you through change, and building trust through responsible, expert-led implementation. Technology We help organisations modernise with purpose to maximise ROI and drive enterprise impact, transforming technology with speed, accuracy & focused-outcomes. Pro cloud Cybersecurity We help leaders align cyber initiatives with core business objectives to drive growth, build trust, and ensure resilience focusing on protecting your revenue, reputation and customer trust. Pro Briefcase Operational Resilience With our expertise across the four domains of operational resilience: business, technology, cyber and third-party, we help organisations build scalable programmes that effectively prepare for and protect against disruption. Pro Legal Briefcase Mortgage & Consumer Lending The pace of transformation across mortgage and consumer lending has introduced both opportunities and challenges for operations, technology, risk, and compliance functions. Pro Building office Banking and Capital Markets Technology is rapidly evolving and digital adoption accelerating. Regulatory obligations are increasing in scope, rigor and complexity. Global events continue to challenge the financial industry, exacerbating existing and exposing new risks. Asset & Wealth Management At Protiviti, we partner with you to tailor solutions that address complex challenges, drive operational excellence, and support business growth. We are recognised for delivering the four essentials for success amid disruption: strong human capital, a flexible workforce, right-sized technology, and innovative processes... Pro Document Consent Insurance Protiviti helps insurers to be more effective and efficient in a way that is risk-sensitive, regulatory compliant, well-controlled, and enabled by leading technologies. Payments Protiviti's payments consulting services professionals serve as trusted advisors, offering strategic insights and a blend of payments industry knowledge, product experience, and business acumen. Get more Top Risks insights Discover our full catalog of insight briefs for additional research findings and expert commentary related to the 2026 report on Top Risks. Insights by industry Insights by organisational role Insights by industry Aerospace & Defense Energy & Utilities Healthcare Manufacturing & Distribution Private Equity Technology, Media & Telecommunications Insights by organisational role Finance Teams Information Security Teams Internal Audit Teams Operations Teams Technology & Data Teams FAQs + EXPAND ALL How are financial services executives preparing their organisations for AI at scale? + Executives cite data quality and technology infrastructure as the biggest barriers to AI deployment, with 30% pointing to an inability to deploy AI at a competitive pace and 27% flagging uncertain returns. They also note that fragmented data and rigid legacy systems limit AI-driven efficiency and customer impact. Protiviti helps organisations build AI-ready data foundations and modernise core operations so AI can be deployed responsibly and at scale. What technology investments are financial services leaders prioritising to stay competitive? + The top investment areas are cybersecurity (57%), business process improvements (40%), and customer experience enhancements (37%). Leaders emphasise simplifying operations and modernising technology stacks to support future growth, reduce friction, and enhance resilience. Protiviti supports institutions in cloud modernisation, process redesign, and end-to-end technology transformation that strengthens both performance and control. On what near-term risks are financial services executives most focused? + Financial services leaders cite cyber threats (#1), third-party risks, and new risks from implementing AI as the most significant near-term challenges. They also highlight pressure to adapt quickly to shifting regulations without compromising operational stability. Protiviti helps organisations enhance cyber resilience, optimise third-party oversight, and align risk frameworks to evolving regulatory and AI-driven expectations. How are financial services organisations strengthening operational resilience amid rising technology and third-party risks? + Financial services executives identify cyber threats as the top near-term global risk, followed closely by third-party risks and emerging challenges tied to implementing AI. They also emphasise the need to modernise systems and diversify technology providers to reduce concentration risk and support evolving regulatory expectations such as DORA. Protiviti helps organisations reinforce resilience by strengthening cyber defense, enhancing third-party oversight, and modernising technology and operational frameworks to adapt to these pressures. What long-term risks do financial services leaders believe will shape the next decade? + The top long-term challenges include customer expectations and competition (48%), AI deployments (47%), and security and privacy risks (47%). Leaders expect these dynamics to transform how financial institutions deliver products and services. Protiviti helps organisations prepare for this trajectory by supporting digital resilience, secure data practices, and modernisation strategies aligned to future customer needs. Subscribe to our thought leadership Get exclusive access to more content and insights to help you stay ahead. Sign up ✕ Scroll to top Introduction Webinar series Featured solutions and industries More Top Risks insights FAQs
