Research published by Dun & Bradstreet, a provider of business decisioning data and analytics, suggests the UK insurance sector is approaching 2026 with a strong focus on technological advancement alongside tighter management of operational risk.
The company’s findings show insurers are concentrating on expanding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) while strengthening oversight of third-party relationships, fraud, and other external exposures. Dun & Bradstreet highlights that both objectives depend heavily on the availability of accurate, well-managed data.
According to the research, 37% of UK insurance firms identify internal AI adoption as a leading priority for 2026. An equal proportion point to third-party risk reduction as a key area of focus. Dun & Bradstreet interprets this alignment as a reflection of insurers seeking to pursue growth and efficiency gains while responding to increased risk linked to suppliers, partners, and wider ecosystems.
Other strategic priorities are cited less frequently, with 31% of firms focused on market expansion and 26% on embedded finance initiatives and improved decision-making processes.
The research also points to persistent data-related barriers. Dun & Bradstreet reports that more than half of insurers surveyed have experienced unsuccessful AI initiatives due to poor data quality, while only 17% currently operate unified data platforms. The company notes that without improvements in data governance, integration, and accuracy, insurers are likely to struggle to achieve consistent returns from AI investments.
Beyond AI, Dun & Bradstreet identifies operational risk as a growing concern across the sector. Challenges linked to fraud, cyber incidents, and supply chain disruption are being intensified by fragmented systems and legacy infrastructure. The company adds that regulatory developments, including the EU AI Act and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA), are increasing expectations for transparency, control, and accountability.
Within this environment, Dun & Bradstreet’s research finds that 76% of respondents consider operational risk, including third-party and supply chain exposure, to be a top concern. The company concludes that insurers’ ability to integrate, verify, and act on timely data is becoming a central component of effective risk management and long-term resilience.
“As we move through 2026, the insurance market is navigating a delicate balance between innovation and risk management,” added Zulf Raja, Head of Insurance at Dun & Bradstreet. “Firms are not just exploring AI and digital transformation, they are doing so with a sharper eye on third-party risk, data integrity, and economic uncertainty. The companies that succeed will be those that combine growth ambitions with resilience.”
