Gallagher AI survey: 82% of respondents report positive impacts, though data protection, errors remain top challenges

Rhea-AI Summary

Gallagher (NYSE:AJG) released its third annual AI Adoption and Risk Survey of 1,200+ global businesses on February 23, 2026. The survey found 63% have implemented AI in parts of their business (up from 45% in 2025) and 82% report positive organizational impacts.

Respondents expect AI to drive revenue growth (83%), measure ROI over an average 28 months, and cite top challenges: skills/recruiting gaps, AI errors/misinformation (57%), legal/reputational risk (56%) and data/privacy breaches (55%).

Positive

• AI implementation rose to 63% from 45% in 2025
• 82% of respondents reported positive organizational impacts
• 83% expect AI to drive future revenue growth
• 93% feel "quite well" or "very well" informed on AI risks

Negative

• Over 50% report skills gaps and recruitment challenges
• 57% cite AI errors, misinformation and hallucinations as top threats
• 55% identify data protection and privacy violations as a major concern
• 28 months average estimated time to realize AI ROI

ROLLING MEADOWS, Ill., Feb. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gallagher, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services company, recently conducted its third annual AI Adoption and Risk Survey of more than 1,200 global businesses. Results show companies are increasingly integrating AI into their operations, with 63% of businesses having fully operationalized or implemented AI within parts of their business, up from 45% in 2025, focusing on IT operations, client-facing functions and analytics.

As AI adoption accelerates, 82% of respondents report positive impacts on their organizations. Additionally, 83% believe that AI will drive revenue growth in the future. Most businesses—93%—feel confident in their understanding of AI risks, rating their knowledge as "quite well" or "very well."

Despite the widespread rollout of AI, the survey reveals several challenges, including:

• Over half of respondents report skills gaps and recruitment challenges.
• 46% appointed an AI ethics officer to balance technology with ethical considerations.
• Nearly two-thirds of organizations (63%) are actively measuring ROI, estimating it will take an average of 28 months to realize that return.
• AI errors, misinformation and hallucinations remain a key concern, topping the list of perceived threats from AI adoption (57%), as do legal and reputational risks from AI misuse (56%) and data protection and privacy violations (55%).

The survey also revealed the importance of maintaining a human element in relation to AI technology, including personal accountability, governance, and training.

While full operationalization of the technology may be some years away for some businesses, steady progress is being made within many organizations. What should remain top of mind is customer experience, according to Steve Rhee, Global Chief Digital Officer, Gallagher.

"This survey complements what we've seen with our clients. At Gallagher, our AI adoption journey is about more than just implementing cutting-edge technology—it's about empowering our people and centering on our customer needs," said Rhee. "We have continued to invest over the last several years in data, analytics and digital workforce skill development to ensure our teams are equipped to deliver the best outcomes and solutions for our clients in a rapidly evolving landscape."

To read more about the survey, click here.

About Gallagher
Gallagher (NYSE: AJG) is one of the world's largest insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firms. As a community insurance broker and trusted local consultant, we help people and businesses move forward with confidence. With more than 69,000 people working around the globe, we are connected to the places where we do business and to every community we call home. Managing risk with customized solutions and a full spectrum of services, helping you foster a thriving workforce, and always holding ourselves to the highest standards of ethics to help you face every challenge - that is The Gallagher Way.  

Media contact:
Kelli Murray
Gallagher
Kelli_Murray@ajg.com
(847) 273-3896

 

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SOURCE Gallagher

FAQ

How many companies have implemented AI according to Gallagher's February 23, 2026 survey (AJG)?

63% of surveyed companies have implemented AI in parts of their business, up from 45% in 2025. According to Gallagher, this reflects an 18-percentage-point year-over-year increase in partial or operational AI adoption across respondents.

What percentage of respondents in Gallagher's AJG survey reported positive impacts from AI?

82% of respondents reported positive impacts on their organizations from AI adoption. According to Gallagher, those benefits span operations, client-facing functions and analytics across the surveyed global businesses.

What are the top AI-related risks cited in Gallagher's February 23, 2026 survey (AJG)?

The top risks are AI errors/misinformation (57%), legal/reputational risk (56%), and data/privacy violations (55%). According to Gallagher, these concerns top the list despite widespread AI rollout among respondents.

How long do companies expect to realize ROI from AI in Gallagher's AJG survey?

Respondents estimate an average of 28 months to realize AI return on investment. According to Gallagher, nearly two-thirds of surveyed organizations are actively measuring ROI and tracking that timeline.

What workforce challenges did Gallagher identify in the AJG AI survey dated February 23, 2026?

Over half of respondents reported skills gaps and recruitment challenges related to AI. According to Gallagher, these shortages are a leading impediment to broader operationalization of AI capabilities.