Top ten current risks for Switzerland

Swiss companies face a unique risk landscape in 2025. Cyberattacks remain at the top of the list of current risks in Swiss boardrooms - in line with global and EMEA results. While fire and natural disasters used to be the main causes of business interruption, cyberattacks are now the main cause. This underlines the fact that cyber security must remain a key strategic priority: A single incident can disrupt operations, shake customer confidence and have significant financial and regulatory consequences.

Geopolitical risks are becoming increasingly important

Geopolitical volatility has gained in importance and ranks 3rd in Switzerland - higher than in the EMEA region (5th place) or worldwide (9th place). This reflects the increased sensitivity to international instability, supply chain disruptions and the impact of changing trade relations on the export-oriented Swiss economy.

Exchange rate fluctuations and failure to innovate/meet customer needs are specifically Swiss issues that appear in the national top ten, but do not appear in the EMEA or global results. The importance of exchange rate risk highlights Switzerland's strong integration into global markets and the challenges posed by currency fluctuations. The focus on innovation underlines the country's technological leadership and the need to stay ahead in a rapidly changing business environment.

Climate change still seen as a major risk

Climate change also appears in the top ten Swiss risks, highlighting the growing awareness of environmental issues and the need for sustainable business strategies.
Looking ahead, geopolitical volatility is classified as the number one risk for Switzerland. This reflects growing concerns about international instability, regional conflicts and their impact on the Swiss economy and supply chains. Climate change is one of Switzerland's top three future risks, while it does not appear in the top five globally - a sign of the strong local awareness of environmental and sustainability issues. The absence of increasing competition and commodity price risk/material scarcity in the Swiss top five future risks globally is striking. Instead, Switzerland places more emphasis on climate and geopolitical risks.

AI not a top ten risk in Switzerland

Artificial intelligence (AI) is the biggest climber in the future risks category for Europe, entering the EMEA top ten for the first time and rising nine places. This is a notable divergence: while EMEA organizations increasingly see AI as a future risk, it is not yet a top issue for Swiss respondents.

Companies in Europe continue to strengthen their governance and risk management: 62 % have an established risk committee on the board. 67 % of European companies have their own risk management department (by comparison: UK 75 %, North America 76 %).

Source: Aon. Aon's Global Risk Management Survey is based on the insights of nearly 3,000 risk managers, C-level executives and executives from 63 countries and 16 industries in organizations of all sizes.

The Swiss top ten current risks in 2025

1. cyber risks
2. economic slowdown/slow recovery
3. geopolitical volatility
4. business interruption
5. failure of the (supply) supply chains or distribution channels
6. raw material price risk/material shortage
7. regulations/legislative amendments
8. exchange rate fluctuations
9. failure to innovate/fulfill customer needs
10. climate change
10. cash flow/liquidity risk

From trade shifts and new tariffs to AI-driven upheavals: Companies are facing a volatile landscape that challenges traditional risk frameworks. But in the midst of upheaval, there are also opportunities. Companies that rethink their approach to risk - seeing it not just as a compliance task but as a strategic lever - are better positioned to adapt and grow.

This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/top-ten-der-aktuellen-risiken-fuer-die-schweiz/