The global landscape has entered an era of unprecedented volatility. For decades, risk management was often viewed through the prism of financial stability, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. However, a seismic shift has occurred, forcing businesses to confront a new, more complex reality where geopolitical forces are not abstract, but direct threats to their bottom line. From trade tensions and supply chain disruptions to energy crises and political fragmentation, the interconnectedness of global events means that a crisis in one part of the world can have a cascading effect on every business.
This is not a theoretical problem. Recent research underscores the immediate and tangible impact of these forces. According to a survey by International SOS, a staggering 74% of risk management experts believe geopolitical tensions will significantly impact their organisations in 2024. Furthermore, reports from organisations like the World Economic Forum highlight a growing sense of a fractured global landscape, with geopolitical, economic, and technological challenges threatening to destabilise the market.
For risk professionals, the challenge is clear: how can a business not only survive but thrive in this environment? The answer lies in proactive, integrated, and well-informed risk management. This is the central theme of #RISK Europe, where the agenda is specifically designed to provide the tools and insights needed to tackle this new era of geopolitical uncertainty.
The Future of GRC in Europe: Adapting to a Fragmented Regulatory Landscape
One of the most pressing challenges facing businesses in Europe is the fragmentation of the regulatory environment. This session will explore how political divergence across European nations is leading to a patchwork of regulations on everything from data privacy and AI governance to supply chain due diligence.
This session will explore the challenges and opportunities of navigating a European regulatory landscape marked by political and legal fragmentation. This session will provide strategies for building agile Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) frameworks that can adapt to rapid policy changes, ensuring compliance without sacrificing innovation or market access.
This is particularly relevant as organisations like the European Central Bank note that political and policy uncertainty in Europe is a key risk to financial stability.
The Return of Energy Security
The era of stable and predictable energy markets is over. Geopolitical rivalries and regional conflicts have exposed vulnerabilities in global energy supplies, leading to price volatility and operational risks.
This session will examine the resurgence of energy security as a primary business risk. This session will delve into the geopolitical drivers behind rising energy costs and supply disruptions, offering strategies for businesses to enhance their resilience through supply chain diversification, strategic planning, and a deeper understanding of the new geo-energy dynamics.
This topic is critical for industries from manufacturing to technology, all of which are reliant on stable energy prices and supply.
Top Geopolitical Risks of 2025
Anticipating and preparing for future risks is the essence of effective risk management. This session provides a forward-looking analysis of the most significant geopolitical risks on the horizon.
The session is based on insights from global risk experts and intelligence reports, who will outline the key geopolitical threats businesses can expect in 2025. It will cover everything from potential trade wars and supply chain disruptions to cyber warfare and political instability, providing a roadmap for proactive mitigation and strategic decision-making.
As global trade restrictions have nearly tripled since 2019, according to KPMG, and as trade wars are expected to intensify in 2025, this session provides essential, forward-looking guidance.
Other Critical Sessions
Beyond these core topics, the #RISK Europe agenda offers a holistic approach to managing interconnected risks. Sessions on cybersecurity and AI governance are intrinsically linked to geopolitical competition, as nations increasingly view technology as a matter of national security. Discussions around economic risk, financial crime, and ESG reporting also take on a new dimension when viewed through a geopolitical lens.
A conflict in a key market, for example, can become a financial crime risk, a sanctions challenge, and a supply chain disruption all at once.
The modern risk professional must be equipped to handle this complexity. A siloed approach where different teams handle different types of risk is no longer sufficient. An integrated strategy is paramount to ensure that a geopolitical shock is not an existential crisis, but a manageable challenge. Events like #RISK Europe serve as a vital platform for this kind of cross-functional learning.
In a world where political lines and economic strategies are constantly being redrawn, knowledge is not just power—it is the ultimate form of resilience. Attending #RISK Europe provides the opportunity to gain the guidance, network with peers, and acquire the strategic foresight needed to navigate these turbulent times. It is a chance to move from a reactive to a proactive stance, ensuring your organisation is not a victim of geopolitical volatility, but a master of it.
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