Growth, talent, resilience and AI are top-of-mind for CAEs

AI is expanding rapidly, yet CAEs identify integration into existing technologies, processes and the workforce as their single greatest challenge, with 48% citing it as a top concern. Poor integration into legacy systems increases risk rather than unlocking value. Protiviti helps organizations implement AI responsibly by aligning governance, data quality and operating models to support safe, scalable adoption.

CAEs report that business process improvements and cybersecurity are tied as the top investment priorities at 51% each. These modernization efforts often intersect with technology upgrades and automation, creating new risk surfaces that require expanded assurance. Protiviti helps organizations modernize processes and systems while maintaining strong controls and operational stability.

CAEs warn that poor data quality is directly responsible for failed AI initiatives, and 42% cite data and cybersecurity risks as a top AI-related concern. With 42% also highlighting governance and accountability gaps, strengthening data lineage, integrity and stewardship have become essential. Protiviti helps organizations build robust data governance frameworks so they can improve accuracy, reduce operational risk and support responsible AI-enabled growth.

Cyber threats are the No. 1 near-term global risk, fueled by rising attack volumes and increased vulnerability created by rapid AI adoption. CAEs also identify third-party risk as a key challenge, ranking it among the most pressing areas requiring enhanced oversight. Protiviti helps organizations strengthen cyber resilience by designing and enhancing defense capabilities, improving threat detection and response, and embedding robust control frameworks that protect critical assets across both internal and third-party environments.

CAEs identify customers and competition (60%), markets and economies (36%), and AI deployments (33%) as the most significant long‑term challenges shaping the next decade. They also note that emerging technologies like quantum computing may have substantial future implications despite low current awareness. Protiviti helps organizations anticipate long-horizon risks and build resilience strategies that align with evolving customer expectations and technology-driven disruption.