Global business leaders feeling the effects of a riskier world

BDO is a leading provider of professional services. (CNW Group/BDO Canada)

72% of global business leaders believe the world has become a riskier place.

TORONTO, June 14, 2017 /CNW/ - Companies in Canada and around the world are being increasingly impacted by risk, with nearly three quarters (72%) of business leaders citing that they believe we are living in a riskier world.

The findings were published in The BDO Global Risk Landscape Report, which surveyed 500 C-suite leaders, board and audit committee members from all major industries in 55 countries to determine what they consider the biggest risks facing their businesses, now and into the future.  The results cited disruptive technologies, cybersecurity threats and reputational risks as the main challenges likely to test companies in the coming years, however, there was a significant reduction in overall risk perception compared to BDO's 2016 survey, where 87% of global business leaders felt the world was a riskier place.

Regulatory Risk

Nine years after the height of the global financial crisis, many business leaders remain deeply concerned about their ability to adapt to growing compliance pressures. With regulators continually addressing a number of issues, 85% of leaders identified regulatory risk as the biggest risk their businesses are not prepared to handle.

Disruptive Influences

Technology represents a double-edged sword in today's marketplace, and perspectives on its benefits were largely dependent on whether an organization is able to leverage new methods of production, regulation and disruption to its advantage. Uncertainty lies ahead for 88% of CEO respondents, who felt their organization's inability to embrace innovation and technological change represented the greatest risk.

Cyber Risk

In an era where high-profile data breaches continually hit the headlines, cyber breaches remain top of mind for many CEOs, with 75% reporting cyber exposure as their main concern. Not only are cyber breaches costly – research by IBM and the Ponemon Institute found the average cost rose to $4 million in 2016 – the long-term reputational impacts can be devastating to a company.

David Prime, National Risk & Advisory Services Partner commented, "We're operating in an increasingly interconnected world where risk is unavoidable, but not unmanageable. There are a number of ways companies can manage these identified risks, but it's vital they take a proactive approach."

Overall, the global stage reflects more similarities than differences when it comes to risk perception and will require companies to take a multi-faceted, agile approach in their search for resilient risk management policies.

Read the full report here.

About BDO

BDO is a leading provider of professional services to clients of all sizes in virtually all business sectors. Our team delivers a comprehensive range of assurance, accounting, tax, and advisory services, complemented by a deep industry knowledge gained from nearly 100 years working within local communities. As part of the international BDO network, we're able to provide seamless and consistent cross-border services to clients with global needs.

SOURCE BDO Canada

contact David Prime, National Risk & Advisory Services Partner, 613 780 6458, [email protected].