A majority of senior executives at US companies expect an increase in litigation over the coming year as economic strains and AI drive increased disputes risk, according to a report from consultancy AlixPartners.
The 2026 US Risk Survey found that 63% of executives across legal, compliance and risk functions believe corporate disputes will increase in 2026, with 47% of those respondents expecting to see more litigation related to cybersecurity and data privacy. AlixPartners added that stricter state laws on data, AI and employment and a surge in M&A deals in 2025 could also spur more disputes over the coming year.
Some 65% of respondents ranked cybersecurity incidents as the most concerning risk event over the next 12 months, though only 48% said they are ‘very prepared’ to address cyber threats despite the risk of rising attacks.
Another 34% ranked AI-powered attacks as a top cybersecurity concern, doubling from 17% in 2025. Roughly three-quarters of respondents (74%) admitted that they haven’t completed system upgrades to curb such threats.
Data privacy risk events were flagged by 58% of respondents as a top concern. And while 73% said data encryption is among the most important measures to address data privacy risk, only 50% say they are enhancing or planning to enhance encryption.
Meanwhile, 80% of respondents said that relaxed federal AI policy poses a potential compliance risk, even though almost half lack key elements of AI governance, including not having a governing body or committee or somebody overseeing AI.
Sean Dowd, a partner and managing director at AlixPartners, said: “These findings offer an important signal for C‑suites and their boards. As risks continue to evolve, organisations benefit from taking a clear view of where they may be exposed and reinforcing their defences. That starts with rigorously identifying the most consequential vulnerabilities and taking a pragmatic approach to addressing them.”
Cryptocurrency is also creating risk for companies, with 59% using or testing crypto for payments and transactions but only 44% conducting third-party risk assessments for fintech or banking partners.
Sanctions risk is also increasing given heightened geopolitical tensions, with only 35% of organisations saying they feel ‘very prepared’ for potential sanctions changes.
The survey was based on responses from 500 senior executives at companies in the US.
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