CyberCube has forecast that 2026 will usher in a phase of AI disillusionment, as boardroom optimism and conference hype collide with the constraints of legacy systems, fragmented data, and regulatory caution, though those that apply AI with discipline and focus will still reap rewards.
“As the cyber insurance ecosystem continues to evolve, one truth has become clear: the organisations that thrive are those that anticipate change rather than react to it,” CyberCube said in its new 2026 predictions report.
According to the firm, the year ahead will test assumptions, challenge long-held practices, and redefine what “good” looks like in cyber risk management, underwriting, and portfolio strategy.
“AI will continue to dominate boardroom conversations, not just as an enabler, but as a disruptive force that reveals who has embraced disciplined adoption and who risks falling behind,” CyberCube’s report observed.
What’s more, shifts in regulation, including age-restriction laws, may unintentionally undermine security and privacy for all users.
“Against this backdrop, insurers and reinsurers are demanding clearer, faster, more actionable insights — especially in moments of crisis, when timely intelligence directly influences performance. Brokers, too, face a pivotal moment,” CyberCube said.
The firm added, “The ability to achieve advisory-driven differentiation will increasingly hinge on digital scale, specialisation, and quantification, as clients seek partners who can translate complexity into clarity.”
Pascal Millaire, CEO of CyberCube, commented, “In 2026, I predict we’ll see a period of AI disillusionment. The enthusiasm of boardrooms and conferences will meet the reality of legacy systems, data silos, and regulatory caution.
“Many initiatives will stall before they turn into pilots, let alone scale. But that’s not failure. It’s part of the technology hype cycle that every transformative innovation must pass through as the initial buzz of AI model expectations meets reality.”
Bob Petrie, President & CEO of Origami Risk, and CyberCube Board Member, added, “AI will reduce repetitive manual tasks and deliver relevant insights, while humans will make all the critical decisions in a claim. 2026 will transform the way claims shops operate, leading to better claims management and freeing up time for more high-value tasks.”
