New Zealand businesses impacted by global risk landscape, but have their own unique challenges – BDO New Zealand Risk Report
In 2025, the risk environment is as complex as it has ever been for business leaders. Geopolitical tensions, trade and supply chain issues and technological disruption are putting pressure on organisation all over the world – but the newly released 2025 BDO New Zealand Risk Landscape Report highlights that New Zealand businesses face a unique set of challenges in 2025 and beyond.
“The global risk landscape shares many similarities with what we’re seeing here in New Zealand - particularly around geopolitical tensions and regulatory pressures. But New Zealand’s position is unique. Our geographic isolation, diverse business mix and local economic challenges mean that risks affecting larger, more exposed markets don’t always affect smaller Kiwi enterprises in the same way. Understanding these differences is key to building effective, locally relevant risk strategies.”
The 2025 BDO New Zealand Risk Landscape Report contextualises the 2025 BDO Global Risk Landscape Report for the New Zealand market, based on BDO’s interactions with local clients. (BDO’s global report is based on a survey of 500 senior executives across Europe, Africa, APAC, the Middle East and the Americas).
Regulatory risk remains the leading risk factor for businesses globally
The BDO Global Risk Landscape Report shows the top five risks organisations around the world are most unprepared for are:
- Regulatory risk
- Supply chain
- Talent or people
- Geopolitical tensions
- Environmental risk
While each of these risks are relevant in New Zealand’s business environment, the 2025 BDO New Zealand Risk Landscape Report identifies eight of the most pressing local concerns for business leaders this year.
Eight risk factors facing New Zealand businesses
- Regulation and compliance
- Fraud
- Geopolitics
- Talent and people
- Environment
- Cyber crime
- Competition
- Technology
Risk as a lever for growth
Business growth is a priority concern for many businesses in our current economic context, as highlighted in the recent BDO Business Wellbeing Index (May 2025 report).
While the risk environment is multifaceted, the BDO report highlights that organisations adopting a compliance-first approach, as opposed to a risk-first strategy, may potentially overlook valuable growth opportunities.
“The business environment is constantly shifting, and unexpected challenges are inevitable. The organisations that thrive are those that prepare early. That means having clear processes and controls, conducting regular audits and training, and knowing when to seek external support. But preparation doesn’t mean avoiding risk altogether. Businesses must also be willing to take calculated risks to seize opportunities and drive growth. Striking that balance will be a key challenge for New Zealand businesses in 2025 and beyond.”
Media enquiries and related resources
BDO Risk Advisory National Leader, Tarunesh Singh, is available for comment. In the first instance and to schedule an interview, please contact Michal Petrus, BDO Head of Clients & Marketing.
- View here the 2025 BDO New Zealand Risk Landscape Report.
- Click here to view and download a photo of Tarunesh Singh.
