< 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 modernizing technology infrastructures. Read the full report to see how your peers are preparing for AI‑driven transformation, prioritizing investments, and fortifying their organizations for the future.Download the 2026 financial services insights10-minute readWatch the 2026 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, optimize 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 organization outpace uncertainty and seize new opportunities. Register now Explore featured solutions and industries Pro Digital Hightech Artificial Intelligence (AI) We help organizations 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 organizations modernize with purpose to maximize 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 organizations build scalable programs 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 recognized 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 organizational role Insights by industry Aerospace & Defense Energy & Utilities Healthcare Manufacturing & Distribution Private Equity Technology, Media & Telecommunications Insights by organizational role Finance Teams Information Security Teams Internal Audit Teams Operations Teams Technology & Data Teams FAQs + EXPAND ALL How are financial services executives preparing their organizations 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 organizations build AI-ready data foundations and modernize core operations so AI can be deployed responsibly and at scale. What technology investments are financial services leaders prioritizing to stay competitive? + The top investment areas are cybersecurity (57%), business process improvements (40%), and customer experience enhancements (37%). Leaders emphasize simplifying operations and modernizing technology stacks to support future growth, reduce friction, and enhance resilience. Protiviti supports institutions in cloud modernization, 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 organizations enhance cyber resilience, optimize third-party oversight, and align risk frameworks to evolving regulatory and AI-driven expectations. How are financial services organizations 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 emphasize the need to modernize systems and diversify technology providers to reduce concentration risk and support evolving regulatory expectations such as DORA. Protiviti helps organizations reinforce resilience by strengthening cyber defense, enhancing third-party oversight, and modernizing 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 organizations prepare for this trajectory by supporting digital resilience, secure data practices, and modernization strategies aligned to future customer needs. Connect with us Michael Thor Michael Thor is an experienced Managing Director with Protiviti and leads the firm’s Americas Financial Services industry practice. He also serves on Protiviti’s global Financial Services leadership team. Michael has over 25 years of experience providing internal audit, ... Learn More Subscribe to our thought leadership Get exclusive access to more content and insights to help you stay ahead. 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