UK Insurers Prioritise AI and Third-Party Risk in 2026

The UK insurance sector enters 2026 with a clear agenda: accelerate innovation while reinforcing resilience. New research from Dun & Bradstreet shows firms are prioritising AI adoption and tightening controls on external exposure, including third-party relationships and fraud. These ambitions share a single foundation: trusted, well-governed data. Without it, AI cannot deliver meaningful insight, and risk strategies lose their edge.

AI and Third-Party Risk, Twin Pillars of Strategy

With 37% of insurance firms naming internal AI adoption as a key priority for 2026, the technology remains a standout focus. Equally significant is third-party risk reduction, also cited by 37% of respondents. This dual emphasis reflects a sector balancing growth ambition with heightened vigilance against external threats. Other priorities fall behind, with 31% of firms focusing on market expansion, and 26% on embedded finance and improved decision-making.

However, ambition alone is not enough. More than half (55%) of insurance firms have seen AI projects fail as a result of poor data quality, and only 17% of firms operate unified data platforms. To realise AI’s potential, insurers must strengthen data accuracy, governance, and integration.

Third-Party Risk a Broader Challenge

Insurers face mounting challenges from fraud, cyberattacks, and supply chain vulnerabilities, all of which are amplified by fragmented data and legacy systems. Regulatory frameworks such as the EU AI Act and DORA add further pressure to demonstrate robust governance. It’s no surprise then that 76% of respondents cite operational risk, including third-party and supply chain exposure, as a top concern. For insurers, the ability to integrate, verify, and act on real-time data is becoming a core defence mechanism.

“As we move through 2026, the insurance market is navigating a delicate balance between innovation and risk management,” says 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.”

View the full report here to explore the findings.