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Executive Insights: Navigating AI’s Dual Role In Cybersecurity

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

January 17, 2026

AI: Catalyst For Growth And Source Of Risk

A recent survey by corporate insurer Axis Capital reveals a pronounced divide among top executives regarding the risks, rewards, and implications of emerging artificial intelligence technologies. As advancements in AI drive improvements in cybersecurity defense, they simultaneously arm cybercriminals with increasingly sophisticated tools, intensifying the threat landscape.

Contrasting Perspectives: CEOs And CISOs

In a detailed study involving 250 CEOs and chief information security officers (CISOs) from the U.S. and U.K., executives articulated divergent views on AI’s impact. While CEOs overwhelmingly perceive AI as a driver of productivity and competitive advantage, CISOs express concern over increased vulnerabilities, particularly in the context of potential data leaks. Only 19.5% of CEOs admitted to a lack of confidence in AI fortifying their cybersecurity measures, compared to 30% of CISOs, highlighting a critical gap in perception among board-level decision makers.

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Adapting To Rapid Change

According to Axis Capital CEO Vincent Tizzio, AI introduces challenges that extend beyond conventional cybersecurity issues. In an interview with CNBC, he said the rapid evolution of AI requires constant reassessment of the tools and investments that underpin corporate security strategies. His comments underscore the importance of agile decision making at the highest levels of corporate governance.

Geographical Variations In Preparedness

The survey also found regional differences. About 85% of U.S. executives said they feel adequately prepared for AI-related threats, while 44% of U.K. executives reported the same. The gap suggests that while AI is viewed as a competitive asset in both markets, implementation and risk management practices vary significantly.

Heightened Investment In Cybersecurity

With ransomware attacks nearly doubling over the past two years, cybersecurity has become a top strategic priority. A total of 82% of respondents said they plan to increase cybersecurity budgets in the coming year, reflecting heightened concern over evolving AI-enabled threats.

In an environment where cybersecurity is central to executive decision making, the findings from Axis Capital’s survey highlight a clear challenge: organizations must balance the benefits of AI with its risks to protect critical systems while sustaining growth.

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Eurobank Wins Two Euromoney Awards Following Cyprus Merger

Eurobank has been named Cyprus’ Best Bank for 2026 by Euromoney, while also receiving the award for Best Bank for Large Corporates at the publication’s latest Awards for Excellence.

Merger Marks A Milestone

The awards recognise the bank’s performance during 2025, a year marked by the completion of the legal merger between Hellenic Bank and Eurobank Cyprus. The transaction created Eurobank Limited, which the group says is now Cyprus’ largest banking and insurance organisation, with assets exceeding €28 billion.

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Euromoney’s Awards for Excellence evaluate banks’ performance over the previous calendar year, with this edition covering January 1 to December 31, 2025.

Lending, Customers And Digital Growth

Eurobank said its business lending portfolio expanded by around 17 per cent during 2025, while its customer base grew to more than 710,000 retail clients and 11,500 business customers.

The bank also continued its digital expansion, saying more than 96 per cent of transactions are now completed through digital channels, and most financing applications are submitted via its mobile app.

Expanding International Presence

Eurobank also highlighted the opening of its first representative office in India, describing the move as a step toward strengthening business links between Cyprus and India while supporting Cyprus’ role as a gateway to the European Union for Indian businesses and investors.

According to the bank, Euromoney recognised not only the successful completion of the merger but also its lending growth, digital transformation and contribution to Cyprus’ position as an international business and investment hub.

CEO On The Awards

“The Euromoney awards confirm Eurobank’s strong momentum and the successful implementation of our group’s strategy in Cyprus,” Chief Executive Michalis Louis said.

He said the merger strengthened the bank’s ability to support households, businesses and the wider economy, while highlighting continued investment in digital services and the opening of the representative office in India as key milestones during the year.