Today’s politics are stunting growth and profitability, say over 80% of Canadian business leaders: Beazley’s Spotlight on Geopolitical & Economic Risk Report
- 71% of U.S. and Canadian leaders expect to change suppliers or supply chains because of geopolitical disruption
- 91% of leaders in North America are concerned about employee-related risks such as talent, employment costs, and mental health, up from 77% in January
West Hartford, CT (Oct. 15, 2026) – Leaders in Canada increasingly agree that geopolitical tensions and political change are impacting growth and profits as 2026 has gone on, according to Beazley’s latest Spotlight on Geopolitical and Economic Risk 2026 report. This report, based on a survey of 3,500 global business leaders, shows how businesses are having to adapt to a world where disruption is a permanent feature as political uncertainty, trade tensions and competition for critical resources are limiting growth opportunities and curtailing profitability.
Here’s how Canadian leaders responded when asked if today’s geopolitical landscape is impacting their businesses:
Alongside these challenges, businesses in all of North America also reported these growing concerns as of July 2026:
- 71% expect to change suppliers or supply chains in response to ongoing geopolitical disruption.
- 91% agreed that employee-related risks including access and retention of talent, cost of employment, and mental health challenges are a concern, up from 77% in January 2026.
- 29% of leaders are concerned about economic uncertainty, and 22% are concerned about political risk.
The findings show geopolitical and economic uncertainty is increasingly shaping business investment, trade, and operational decision-making. As firms adapt to a world where disruption is no longer an occasional challenge but a permanent feature of doing business, they are prioritising resilience, adaptability and strategic flexibility over efficiency alone.
However, while greater optionality can help preserve continuity and support short-term resilience, efforts to reduce exposure in one area can shift dependencies elsewhere, creating new vulnerabilities and operational challenges.
As organizations seek to remain adaptable in an increasingly uncertain operating environment, 35% globally plan to invest in technology and AI to strengthen resilience, compared with 29% globally planning to invest in insurance alongside risk and crisis-management services.
Paul Bantick, Chief Underwriting Officer at Beazley, said, “In this era of constant disruption, trusted insurance partners have never been more valuable. Combining deep risk expertise with proven claims expertise, they help organisations to anticipate emerging threats, prepare for and recover faster when disruption occurs. No business can predict every event, but those that understand the depth of their critical dependencies and are prepared to respond quickly to change, will be better placed to trade, invest and seize growth opportunities despite today’s ongoing uncertainty.”
Access the full Risk & Resilience Survey Report.
About the Survey
In January 2026, Beazley partnered with research firm Opinion Matters to survey 3,500 business leaders from internationally operating companies based in the UK, US, Canada, Singapore, France, Germany, and Spain.
Respondents represented a range of company sizes, from US$/CA$/SG$/GB£/EUR€ 250,000 to over 1 billion in annual revenue, across all surveyed markets.
The main survey was conducted between 5th–13th January 2026. This annual Risk & Resilience Survey began in 2021 with 1,000 respondents from the UK and US. It expanded to 2,000 in 2022–2023 with the addition of Canada and Singapore, and to 3,500 in 2024 with France, Germany, and Spain.
About Beazley
Beazley plc (BEZ.L) is a leading specialty insurance business with operations in Europe, North America, Latin America, Bermuda and Asia. Beazley manages six Lloyd’s syndicates. All Lloyd’s syndicates are rated A+ by A.M. Best.
Beazley’s underwriters in the United States focus on writing a range of specialist insurance products. In the admitted market, coverage is provided by Beazley Insurance Company, Inc., an A.M. Best A rated carrier licensed in all 50 states and its subsidiary, Beazley America Insurance Company, Inc. In the surplus lines market, coverage is provided by Beazley Excess and Surplus Insurance, Inc.
Beazley’s European insurance company, Beazley Insurance dac, is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland and is rated ‘A’ by A.M. Best and ‘A+’ by Fitch.
Beazley’s Bermuda entity, Beazley Bermuda Insurance Limited, is rated ‘A’ by A.M. Best and regulated by the Bermuda Monetary Authority.
Beazley is a market leader in many of its chosen lines, which include Directors & Officers, Financial Lines, Cyber, Property, Marine and Aviation, Reinsurance, Accident and Life, and Political Risks and Contingency business.
Beazley is a company of Zurich. For more information, please visit www.beazley.com.
SOURCE: Beazley Group via Omnia Partners
Tags: Beazley, disruption, survey
