Decoding Global Risk: Your Roadmap to Resilience (#RISK Series)

In 2025, the #RISK Series will delve into the most pressing risk issues facing organizations across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, through a combination of in-person and digital events. This article explores the key topics and themes that will define the conversation across the series, offering a glimpse into the critical insights and actionable strategies attendees can expect to gain.

The Ever-Present Threat: Cybersecurity and Data Breaches

Cybersecurity remains a top priority across all regions, and the #RISK Series will provide in-depth coverage of the evolving threat landscape. From increasingly sophisticated ransomware attacks and phishing campaigns to the exploitation of vulnerabilities in cloud infrastructure and the rise of AI-powered threats, attendees will gain insights into the latest attack vectors and defense strategies.

• #RISK Digital North America will focus on best practices for data breach response and the importance of building a cyber-resilient culture.
• #RISK New York will examine cybersecurity challenges specific to the financial sector, including the protection of sensitive financial data and the security of trading platforms. The growing use of AI and automation in cybersecurity, examining both the opportunities for enhanced threat detection and response, and the risks associated with AI-driven attacks.
• #RISK North America, LA will explore cybersecurity, addressing issues like intellectual property theft and content piracy. The expo will also look at the specific cybersecurity challenges faced by technology companies on the West Coast, including securing cloud infrastructure and protecting against data breaches.
• #RISK Europe will delve into the unique cybersecurity challenges faced by European organizations, including navigating the complexities of GDPR and NIS2 compliance and addressing emerging threats like deepfakes and disinformation campaigns. There will be discussions around supply chain security.
• #RISK GCC will focus on cybersecurity threats specific to the region, including those related to critical infrastructure and the energy sector.

Data Privacy and Protection: A Global Imperative

With data privacy regulations continuing to evolve worldwide, the #RISK Series will provide essential guidance on navigating the complexities of compliance and protecting sensitive data.

• #RISK Digital North America will offer deep dives into North American privacy laws like CCPA, CPRA, and PIPEDA, exploring best practices for data minimization, consent management, and cross-border data transfers.
• #RISK New York will address data privacy considerations for financial institutions, including the handling of customer financial data and compliance with evolving regulations. The event will also examine the balance between data privacy and innovation.
• #RISK North America, LA will focus on data privacy in the context of California’s stringent regulations (CCPA/CPRA) and the implications for businesses operating in the state.
• #RISK Europe will be a central hub for discussions on GDPR compliance, data subject rights, and the evolving landscape of data protection in the EU. The event will also provide insights into data localization and data sovereignty.
• #RISK GCC will explore data localization requirements and the challenges of balancing data privacy with national security concerns.

Regulatory Compliance: Adapting to a Shifting Landscape

The regulatory landscape is constantly shifting, with new laws and regulations emerging across various sectors and jurisdictions. The #RISK Series will provide updates on key regulatory developments and their implications for businesses.

• #RISK Digital North America will examine potential regulatory changes under a new US administration in 2025 and explore strategies for adapting compliance programs. The evolution of AI-related regulations and guidelines and their implications for risk management.
• #RISK New York will focus on financial regulations, including SEC regulations, Dodd-Frank, and the evolving landscape of anti-money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) compliance.
• #RISK North America, LA will address industry-specific regulations relevant to the West Coast, such as those related to technology, media, and entertainment.
• #RISK Europe will cover key regulatory developments in Europe, including MiFID II, PSD2, and the ongoing evolution of financial and non-financial regulations.
• #RISK GCC will focus on regulatory compliance challenges in the region, including data localization laws and evolving regulations related to financial crime and cybersecurity.

Financial and Economic Risk: Navigating Uncertainty

Economic volatility, inflation, and geopolitical instability continue to pose significant risks to businesses worldwide. The #RISK Series will provide insights into managing these risks and building financial resilience.

• #RISK New York will be a key forum for discussing financial risk management, including credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, and the impact of macroeconomic trends on financial institutions.
• #RISK North America, LA will explore the economic risks and opportunities facing businesses on the West Coast, including the impact of inflation, supply chain disruptions, and the changing global economic order.
• #RISK Europe will examine the economic outlook for Europe, including the risks of recession, inflation, and energy security challenges.
• #RISK GCC will focus on economic diversification efforts in the region, investment risks, and the impact of global economic trends on GCC economies.

Emerging Risks: AI, Crypto, and Beyond

The #RISK Series will also explore emerging risk areas that are rapidly transforming the business landscape, including the risks and opportunities associated with artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrencies, and the evolving world of decentralized finance (DeFi).

• #RISK New York will delve into the world of crypto risk, examining the cybersecurity vulnerabilities of crypto exchanges and platforms, the challenges of regulating decentralized finance, and the potential impact of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).
• #RISK North America, LA will explore the intersection of AI and risk management, discussing the ethical implications of AI, the risks of algorithmic bias, and the need for AI governance frameworks.
• #RISK Europe will address the growing importance of AI governance and the need for responsible AI development and deployment. Exploring the ethical considerations surrounding AI, including bias, fairness, transparency, and accountability.
• #RISK GCC will examine the adoption of AI and blockchain technologies in the region and the associated risks and regulatory considerations.

ESG and Sustainability: A Growing Priority

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are increasingly important for businesses, investors, and regulators. The #RISK Series will address the growing importance of ESG considerations in risk management.

• #RISK New York will explore the integration of ESG factors into investment decision-making and the role of financial institutions in driving sustainability.
• #RISK North America, LA will focus on environmental and social responsibility risks facing businesses in California, including climate change, resource scarcity, and social justice issues.
• #RISK Europe will examine the evolving landscape of ESG regulations in Europe, including the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
• #RISK GCC will address the growing importance of ESG considerations in the region, including the role of Islamic finance in promoting sustainability.

Geopolitical Risks: Navigating a Complex World

Geopolitical instability, trade tensions, and global conflicts continue to create significant risks for businesses operating internationally. The #RISK Series will provide insights into navigating these challenges.

• #RISK Digital North America will examine the geopolitical risks facing North American businesses, including the impact of US-China relations, supply chain disruptions, and global economic uncertainty.
• #RISK New York will explore the implications of global geopolitical trends for financial markets and investment strategies.
• #RISK North America, LA will address the specific geopolitical risks facing businesses on the West Coast, particularly in relation to trade and technology competition with Asia.
• #RISK Europe will provide a deep dive into the geopolitical risks facing Europe, including the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine, energy security concerns, and political instability in various countries.
• #RISK GCC will be a central forum for discussing geopolitical risks in the Middle East, including regional conflicts, political transitions, and the changing dynamics of global power.