RISK, REPUTATION AND REWARD IN 2026
In a high-risk, high-confidence environment, businesses are adapting faster than ever. Grayling’s Risk, Reputation and Reward 2026 report highlights the trends, pressures, and opportunities shaping business strategy and reputation this year. Explore the risks, pressures, and opportunities shaping global business in 2026 with Grayling’s latest research exploring:
REGULATORY AMBIGUITY
MEDIA FRAGMENTATION
AI ADOPTION VS. TRUST
ENERGY TENSION
REPUTATION VALUE
REPUTATION RISK IN 2026 DEMANDS STRATEGIC FORESIGHT
Businesses must proactively embed governance, anticipate technological disruption and ensure their ethical foundations are resilient enough to withstand unprecedented scrutiny and complexity.
We polled CEOs/C-Suite level individuals across Energy, Tech, Retail, Finance, Health, Communications, Digital and Creative industries and here's what they had to say:
62%
of business leaders believe threats to business will increase in 2026
85%
feel very or somewhat optimistic about their business growth prospects
33%
cite government regulatory and policy changes as a top threat to business
76%
are concerned about the impact of rising energy costs and supply instability
62%
feel concerned about the reputational risks AI poses to their business.