trends

2026: the Year AI Grows Up

Taylor Wessing provides insights on upcoming AI regulations and developments for 2026, highlighting the maturity of AI technologies and compliance requirements due to the EU AI Act. Companies must prepare for risks associated with high-risk AI systems, including implementing risk management protocols and achieving dataset quality. The introduction of Codes of Practice will guide compliance, while potential changes in personal data use regulations could impact AI development. The firm also anticipates discussions on copyright, AI liability insurance, and the integration of AI agents into workflows, emphasizing the necessity for standardization and cybersecurity in an evolving landscape marked by both innovation and increased threat actor sophistication.

https://www.taylorwessing.com/en/interface/2025/predictions-2026/2026-the-year-ai-grows-up

The Era of Instinct-Driven IT Is Over: What TBM Leaders Want CIOs to Know for 2026

CIOs must adapt to a changing landscape where financial clarity, accountability, and AI integration are crucial. CEOs expect more precision in technology investments, pushing CIOs to justify value over mere spending. Skills in financial storytelling and a comprehensive understanding of technology costs beyond just cloud expenses are essential. CIOs who rely on past instincts or spreadsheets risk falling behind, while those who embrace AI and improved management practices will lead the way into a future of enterprise technology.

https://nationalcioreview.com/articles-insights/leadership/the-era-of-instinct-driven-it-is-over-what-tbm-leaders-want-cios-to-know-for-2026/

How Big Tech’s Monopoly of AI Threatens Fair Competition

Big Tech’s AI monopoly limits competition and exacerbates inequality, concentrating power among a few firms (Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta) that control essential resources and infrastructure. This creates high entry barriers for startups and public institutions, leading to reduced innovation and a digital divide. The study explores market concentration, structural barriers, and the impact on emerging economies. It highlights the need for regulatory measures to promote fairness, autonomy, and inclusive innovation while addressing global disparities in AI development and access.

https://trendsresearch.org/insight/how-big-techs-monopoly-of-ai-threatens-fair-competition/

CISOs Face AI, Deep-fakes & Regulatory Minefield in 2026

CISOs face rising AI risks, deep-fakes, geopolitical threats, and regulatory challenges in 2026, demanding new resilience strategies. AI's adoption poses decision-making, privacy, and security issues. Deep-fakes enhance misinformation and fraud, while geopolitical tensions increase cyber risks. Regulatory frameworks complicate compliance, and a skills shortage hampers security responses. Quantum computing concerns long-term data security. CISOs must focus on business resilience and proactive security planning for success.

https://itbrief.asia/story/cisos-face-ai-deep-fakes-regulatory-minefield-in-2026

HTN Now: The CIO Role Now and in the Future, Developing Digital Maturity and Skills, and Digital Priorities in Line With the 10 Year-plan

HTN hosted a webinar focusing on the evolving CIO role in healthcare, featuring experts discussing digital maturity, strategic leadership, and future challenges. Panelists highlighted shifts in responsibilities and the importance of technology adoption in driving transformation. They shared their unconventional paths to their positions and emphasized the necessity for soft skills, customer experience, and leveraging AI in healthcare. The discussion also touched upon the integration of technology in patient care and the significance of strong leadership for navigating future challenges in the digital landscape.

https://htn.co.uk/2025/11/27/htn-now-the-cio-role-now-and-in-the-future-developing-digital-maturity-and-skills-and-digital-priorities-in-line-with-the-10-year-plan/

Fighting Payment Fraud With AI

AI combats payment fraud as criminals utilize it to execute attacks. Traditional defenses falter against AI-driven scams, leading to increased false declines of legitimate transactions. Static rule-based systems fail to adapt to evolving fraud tactics. AI enables real-time transaction analysis, enhancing accuracy and reducing losses by dynamically scoring risks. Companies like Stripe leverage AI for improved fraud prevention, leading to increased revenues and better customer experiences. Investing in AI for fraud prevention is now vital for growth and trust in e-commerce.

https://www.business-reporter.co.uk/technology/fighting-payment-fraud-with-ai

Tech Predictions for 2026 and Beyond

Extreme TLDR:

Tech predictions for 2026 highlight a shift towards AI-enhanced companionship, addressing global loneliness, especially among the elderly. Companion robots show promise in improving mental health and creating emotional connections. The developer role evolves into a “renaissance developer,” blending creativity with AI tools rather than becoming obsolete. Organizations must prepare for quantum computing's impact on security by adopting post-quantum cryptography now. Military tech innovations will rapidly transition to civilian applications, reshaping various sectors. Lastly, AI will revolutionize personalized education, providing tailored learning experiences and freeing teachers to focus on creativity and engagement, making individual attention more accessible for all students.

https://www.allthingsdistributed.com/2025/11/tech-predictions-for-2026-and-beyond.html

Criminal Networks Industrialize Payment Fraud Operations

Criminal networks are increasingly organized and industrialized in payment fraud, using tools like AI and botnets to automate attacks. A Visa report highlights a 477% rise in AI-related fraud tactics, with attacks evolving to exploit weaknesses and spread across multiple platforms. Monetization of stolen credentials has accelerated, often using rapid cash-out methods that evade detection. Synthetic content complicates identity verification, allowing fraudsters to masquerade as legitimate entities. Traditional fraud controls are becoming ineffective against these sophisticated and rapid tactics, increasing systemic risks through vulnerable third-party partnerships.

https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2025/11/27/visa-payment-fraud-trends-report/

The Incredible Shrinking Shelf Life of IT Skills

IT skill relevance is shrinking rapidly; demands change every 1-2 years due to fast tech innovation. CIOs must foster a culture of continuous learning as skills quickly become outdated. Skills like FinOps are currently sought after but may diminish as AI takes over tasks. Organizations need adaptive workers to maintain competitive advantage and keep pace.

https://www.cio.com/article/4093446/the-incredible-shrinking-shelf-life-of-it-skills.html

Cybersecurity Trends to 2026: AI Threats, Supply Chains & Identity

Cybersecurity by 2026 will prioritize AI threats, supply chain risks, and identity management, shifting focus toward visibility and biometric authentication. Companies will treat cyber resilience as a business competency, emphasizing quick threat detection and identity management as central to security strategies. Passwords may be phased out in favor of more secure authentication methods.

https://itbrief.co.uk/story/cybersecurity-trends-to-2026-ai-threats-supply-chains-identity

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