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AI Driving New Cyber Risk Landscape: AXIS Survey Compares CEO and CISO Views on AI's Promise Versus its Unprecedented Risks

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PEMBROKE, Bermuda, Jan. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (“AXIS Capital” o...

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AI Summary

AXS's latest report highlights the shifting risk landscape influenced by AI among executives. With a significant portion planning to increase cybersecurity budgets, the disparity in U.S. and U.K. perspectives on AI indicates a pivotal moment for investment in tech-driven risk management solutions.

Sentiment Rationale

AXS's proactive stance on AI risks may encourage investor confidence and drive up stock value, reminiscent of past trends where tech adaptation boosted insurance sectors.

Trading Thesis

Buy AXS for potential gains as AI transforms cybersecurity risk management in 2026.

Market-Moving

  • Increase in cybersecurity budgets may drive demand for AXS’s insurance solutions.
  • Growing perception of AI risks could lead to higher premium rates.
  • U.S.-UK disparity in AI confidence could reshape market landscapes for insurers.
  • More companies adopting AI tools increases overall market for AXS’s offerings.

Key Facts

  • AXS report shows AI transforming risk landscape for executives.
  • 82% of CEOs/CISOs plan to increase cybersecurity budgets in next year.
  • U.S. executives more optimistic about AI's effectiveness than U.K. peers.
  • CISOs demonstrate more caution, viewing AI as increased exposure risk.
  • AI-driven attacks viewed as the top emerging cyber threat.

Companies Mentioned

  • Standard & Poor's (N/A): AXS holds an 'A+' financial strength rating.
  • A.M. Best (N/A): AXS rated 'A' for excellence in insurance.

Industry News

The article fits within 'Industry News' as it discusses a pivotal trend affecting risk management through AI, directly relevant to insurers like AXS adapting to these challenges.

AI's Impact on Cyber Risk: Insights from AXIS Capital's Survey

PEMBROKE, Bermuda, January 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — AXIS Capital Holdings Limited (NYSE: AXS) has unveiled new research illustrating how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the risk landscape as perceived by Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) and Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). The survey, which involved 500 executives from the U.S. and U.K., highlights significant disparities in perceptions regarding the risks and benefits of AI, alongside its effects on cybersecurity preparedness.

Transformative Benefits and New Risks of AI

According to Vince Tizzio, AXIS President and CEO, “AI is clearly a transformative force for data analytics, innovation, and operational efficiency. However, it also propels us toward an entirely new risk landscape.” The report emphasizes that while AI enhances cyber defense technologies, it simultaneously provides cybercriminals with enhanced tools, leading to new risks. AI-driven threats include:

  • Shadow AI and unauthorized use
  • Model manipulation and deep fakes
  • Data breaches and leakage
  • Advanced ransomware attacks

These threats are characterized by their speed, adaptability, and difficulty in detection, which raises alarms for corporate security.

Key Findings from the Survey

Several pivotal statistics emerged from the survey, including:

  • AI-driven attacks are regarded as the foremost emerging cyber threat by 29.6% of U.S. respondents and 20.8% of U.K. respondents.
  • Only 23.1% of executives aged 55 and older believe AI will bolster their company’s cybersecurity, compared to 77.4% of leaders aged 35-44.
  • Approximately 82% of those surveyed plan to enhance their cybersecurity budgets over the next 12 months.
  • Three-quarters (75.2%) anticipate reducing cybersecurity headcount due to increased productivity from AI tools.

Perceptions of AI in the U.S. vs. the U.K.

The survey uncovered a transatlantic trust gap, revealing varying levels of confidence between U.S. and U.K. executives. For instance:

  • 85% of U.S. leaders feel prepared for AI threats, while only 44% of U.K. leaders share this confidence.
  • In the U.S., 88.4% of CEOs believe AI will enhance their company’s safeguards, in stark contrast to 55% of U.K. CEOs.
  • A significant difference also appears in trust levels, with 82% of U.S. CEOs trusting AI for cybersecurity decisions compared to 47% of their U.K. counterparts.

Moreover, 94% of U.S. respondents carry cyber insurance, vastly outpacing the 68.4% of respondents from the U.K.

Differing Perspectives: CEOs vs. CISOs

Another major insight from AXIS Capital's survey reveals contrasting viewpoints between CEOs and CISOs. CEOs see AI as a means to enhance productivity and gain a competitive edge, while CISOs perceive it as a source of increased risk exposure:

  • 60.2% of CEOs believe they are better prepared than competitors to handle AI threats, compared to 50.6% of CISOs.
  • CEOs (67.1%) feel more confident than CISOs (58.6%) that AI tools can facilitate cybersecurity decisions.

Moreover, CISOs prioritize shadow AI as the top risk (27.2%) while CEOs identify data leakage as their primary concern (28.7%).

Survey Methodology

The findings are based on a 23-question online survey, conducted from October 22 to 29, 2025, involving 500 CEOs and CISOs across the U.K. and U.S. The U.S. group included 138 CEOs and 112 CISOs, while the U.K. group comprised 123 CEOs and 127 CISOs. Respondents represented companies with at least 250 employees.

About AXIS Capital

AXIS Capital is a global specialty underwriter and provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions, boasting shareholders' equity of $6.4 billion as of September 30, 2025. With operations spanning Bermuda, the United States, Europe, Singapore, and Canada, AXIS has been rated "A+" (Strong) by Standard & Poor's and "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best for its financial strength.

For more information, visit the AXIS Capital website at www.axiscapital.com and follow them on LinkedIn and X.

Media Contact

Mairi MacDonald
AXIS Capital Holdings Limited
Email: mairi.macdonald@axiscapital.com
Phone: +44 20 7877 3809

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