The insurance industry has long been recognized as one that requires the ability to adapt—even if change might not happen overnight. As the landscape continues to shift, it’s crucial for insurers to be cognizant of the diverse challenges they face and strategically tackle each one.

Continue reading to explore the six key challenges and risks facing insurance companies over the next year or so, and how they might be mitigated through hiring the right talent, especially at senior level.

6 insurance industry risk factors

As the insurance sector grapples with multifaceted challenges, identifying and understanding these risk factors is the first step in crafting a resilient strategy for the future.

1. Compliance changes

Regulatory dynamics in the insurance sector are never static. With each state presenting its unique set of rules and guidelines, companies often find themselves navigating a labyrinth of compliance mandates.

The ever-changing nature of regulations necessitates that insurers both keep up with the latest updates and also forecast potential shifts to preemptively address them. Failing to do so can expose firms to hefty fines, legal action and an unwanted reputation.

2. Cybersecurity threats

The digital age, while bringing convenience, also brings significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities. 75% of US companies are vulnerable to cyberattacks – and, given they hold sensitive client data, insurance firms are some of the most lucrative targets.

This doesn’t just pose a threat to the data itself; a breach can erode client trust and create long-term reputation damage. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, insurers must remain a step ahead, investing in robust cyber defenses and promoting a culture of security.

3. Technology changes

Technology’s rapid evolution is leaving no room for people sitting on the fence. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) systems and generative AI (GenA) offers innovative ways to assess and manage risks. In fact, Deloitte’s 2025 global insurance outlook reveals that the areas with the highest number of GenAI implementations to date are in distribution, risk management and claims handling.

Indeed, 91% of insurance companies are already investing, or plan to invest in AI technology, and one-in-ten specialty insurers will be scaling their AI use in 2025 – but many actuaries (84%) are concerned about a lack of technical skill, while only 43% of underwriters trust automated recommendations from predictive analytics tools.

As tech continues its relentless march forward, insurance companies must stay updated on the latest trends, ensuring that they have the skills needed to harness technology’s potential without falling victim to its pitfalls.

The confidence gap must also be plugged – with all the benefits AI offers, from more precise actuarial models to unlocking new value streams, companies need to recognize that AI adoption is no longer a choice.

4. Climate change & other environmental factors

With the world facing unprecedented environmental changes, insurers find themselves dealing with increased claims related to natural disasters and environmental damage.

For example, in the first half of 2024, global insured losses from natural disasters rose to $60 billion, 62% higher than the ten-year average. The intensifying focus on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) factors, especially climate risk, accentuates this challenge.

Insurers must re-evaluate their coverage models and anticipate different environmental threats, ensuring they’re both fair to their customers and sustainable for the company. In 2025, ESG is no longer a side note—it’s a pivotal consideration that shapes the very fabric of insurance strategies and product offerings.

5. Talent shortage

High-performing talent remains the backbone of the insurance industry. Despite technological advancements, it’s still the human touch that discerns nuances and makes strategic decisions. Talent, especially senior talent, shapes businesses, deals with risks and drives companies forward.

However, where will that talent come from? The Chamber of Commerce forecasts that by 2036, 50% of the current insurance workforce will retire, leaving more than 400,000 open positions unfilled.

While an expected rise in layoffs is exacerbating the talent crunch, it’s also creating new opportunities to capitalize on displaced executives. 14% of insurance companies plan to cut staff in the next 12 months – savvy firms will know that there’s too much value hidden in this new wave for it to go ignored.

For insurance companies, attracting and, most crucially, retaining talent is more than an HR task—it’s a strategic imperative that influences your ability to meet industry challenges head-on.

6. Financial risks

The economic landscape is, to put it mildly, in a state of flux. As whispers of market instability grow louder and recessionary clouds gather, insurance companies face pronounced financial risks.

These don’t just come from market downturns, but also from the cumulative impact of other industry challenges, making financial foresight and strategic management an imperative.

How insurance companies can mitigate or prevent these risks

For insurance companies, risk mitigation shouldn’t be a reactionary response. Rather, it should be a continuous process. By building a proactive company culture that emphasizes strategic foresight, preparedness and adaptability, firms can navigate current challenges and also preempt future ones.

This requires a blend of leveraging technology for predictive insights, fostering partnerships that can provide real-time market intelligence and promoting a culture of continuous learning.

However, the best protection insurance companies can invest in against these risks is talent. People, with their expertise, intuition and experience, remain at the heart of any effective risk mitigation strategy.

Insurance firms should always be scouting for talent, fostering relationships and creating a pipeline of potential candidates. Keeping the lines of communication open—even when you’re not in active hiring mode—can ensure that when the need arises, the best talent is within reach.

How Hanover can help

At Hanover, we understand that in today’s volatile landscape, it’s the human element that can truly make a difference. Our extensive networks, executive search experience and deep understanding of all the nuances of the insurance industry, position us uniquely to identify and deliver the expertise your insurance company needs.

If you’re interested in having a chat about building a talent pipeline for your insurance firm, contact me directly today.