SINGAPORE, February 12, 2026 — Incidents involving threats to individuals or client assets increased by more than a third in 2025, accounting for 37% of all incidents reported to Alert:24 – the in-house risk advisory and crisis support service provided by Willis, a WTW business (NASDAQ:WTW). The second most common peril notified in its latest Crisis Management Annual Review, which was political repatriation, made up for a fifth (19%) of all 2025 incidents.
2025 was a year that continued to reshape the global risk environment. Geopolitical volatility, economic pressure, shifting alliances and the rise of youth led activism created sustained uncertainty for organisations operating internationally. Amid escalating conflicts, political division and social unrest, businesses faced a more complex risk environment, requiring them to safeguard people and assets, maintain operations, and strengthen long-term resilience.
The overall volume of incidents remained broadly consistent with recent years, while the nature of the risks evolved. Rising threat alerts in regions of escalating geopolitical risk drove increased demand for intelligence and support, while ongoing instability in high-risk markets continued to test organisational preparedness.
“The Asia Pacific region will continue to face heightened crisis-related pressures in 2026, shaped by sustained civil unrest, driven by economic pressures, political grievances and rising youth activism.”
Will Miller | Head of Crisis Management, Asia Pacific
Looking ahead to 2026, businesses face an operating environment marked by persistent unpredictability. The interplay between political dynamics, economic pressures and rapidly shifting security conditions will continue to test organisational resilience. “The Asia Pacific region will continue to face heightened crisis-related pressures in 2026, shaped by sustained civil unrest, driven by economic pressures, political grievances and rising youth activism,” said Will Miller, Head of Crisis Management for Asia Pacific at Willis.
Countries such as Indonesia, Nepal and the Philippines may continue to witness mass protests, particularly in urban centers, as populations react to austerity measures, restrictions on social freedoms, and perceived elite corruption. Student movements and Generation Z activists are expected to play a prominent role, leveraging digital platforms and social networks to mobilise demonstrations. Governments may respond with a combination of concessions and force, potentially escalating tensions and prolonging instability, which could impact domestic economic activity and foreign investment.
Interstate and internal conflicts, as well as terrorism are also expected to persist as critical challenges. India and Pakistan are likely to maintain heightened alert levels along Kashmir, with potential for sporadic cross-border skirmishes, while the possibility of acts of terrorism escalating tensions and triggering military confrontations, remains. Tensions along the Thailand-Cambodia border are expected to remain fragile, as both sides seek tactical advantage, with ASEAN and U.S. mediation continuing to play a key role in preventing further escalation.
Regional and international security cooperation, including intelligence sharing and counter-terrorism initiatives, will remain essential to mitigating risks to civilians, trade and critical infrastructure.
Other highlights in the Review include:
Beyond 2025, episodes of political instability will reshape global trade, creating an environment of ongoing uncertainty where a single event can trigger widespread commercial disruption. As a result, firms that can anticipate and swiftly adapt to political risks affecting their international supply chains are better positioned to outperform competitors.
“As SRCC events become more unpredictable and, in some cases, more severe, it is essential that organisations strengthen both their crisis management plans and insurance protections.”
Will Miller | Head of Crisis Management, Asia Pacific
Will added: “Across Asia Pacific, we continue to see how quickly strikes, riots and civil commotion (SRCC) can escalate into significant operational and financial exposure for businesses. Social pressures, economic uncertainty and heightened political sensitivities mean that even traditionally stable markets are not immune. As SRCC events become more unpredictable and, in some cases, more severe, it is essential that organisations strengthen both their crisis management plans and insurance protections. Ensuring adequate SRCC coverage is no longer just a safeguard against property damage, it’s a critical enabler of business continuity, protecting supply chains, assets and people in an increasingly volatile environment.”
Download the Crisis Management Annual Review 2026.
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