The 2026 Landscape of the Risk Management Profession in Australasia: A State of Industry Report
The role of the risk professional is changing, and it is changing quickly. Across Australasia, organisations are operating in an environment marked by increasing complexity, regulatory pressure, technological disruption, cyber risk, economic uncertainty and heightened stakeholder expectations. Risk professionals are no longer being called upon only to support governance, assurance or compliance. They are being asked to contribute to strategy, strengthen organisational resilience, improve decision making and help create long term value.
This report confirms what many of our members are already experiencing in practice: risk management is becoming more central to how organisations lead, adapt and make decisions in uncertain conditions. The profession is maturing, and with that maturity comes both greater influence and greater expectation.
RMIA commissioned this follow up study to our 2023 benchmark research because we wanted to listen carefully to the profession. We wanted to understand what risk professionals are experiencing, where they see the profession heading, what capabilities they need, and how RMIA can better support them. Conducted independently by First Point Research & Consulting, the research captures the perspectives of risk professionals across Australasia and provides important insight into the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping the future of our profession.
The findings are clear. Risk professionals are seeking more than technical knowledge alone. They are looking for stronger capability in strategic thinking, leadership, stakeholder influence, communication, AI, emerging technologies, and complex decision making. They are also calling for more practical learning, deeper professional networks, greater collaboration and clearer pathways for recognition and development.
For RMIA, this is an important message, and one we take seriously. Our members are telling us what matters. They are telling us where the profession is moving, what support they need, and how we can continue to strengthen the value of membership in a changing landscape.
As the peak body for risk management in Australasia, RMIA has a responsibility to respond. This research will help inform the next stage of our work, including our professional development programs, accreditation pathways, Chapter activities, and event program. It will also guide how we continue to build stronger communities of practice, create more opportunities for connection, and support members at every stage of their professional journey.
The value of RMIA membership sits at the centre of this work. Our role is to ensure that members have access to relevant insights, credible professional development, meaningful networks, practical tools and opportunities to contribute to the future direction of the profession. Listening to members is not a one off exercise. It is central to how we remain relevant, responsive, and effective as a professional body.
This report is therefore not simply a reflection of where the profession is today. It is a call to action. It gives RMIA a clearer mandate to support risk professionals as they build the skills, confidence and influence required to lead in a more complex world.
We thank all those who contributed their time and insights to this research. Your feedback matters, and it will help shape what RMIA does next. We look forward to continuing to work with our members, partners and broader professional community to advance the risk profession and strengthen its contribution across Australasia.
Jane E. Whiter
Interim Chief Executive Officer
Risk Management Institute of Australasia (RMIA)