AI adoption risks in US business have emerged as the main concern for senior executives, according to a recent survey from Vistra, a global provider of business services.
The results indicate that 50% of respondents now see the adoption of AI as their greatest business risk, overtaking concerns about economic downturns (48%) and supply chain issues (43%).
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The “AI anxiety” point to growing apprehension over the introduction of new technologies while ensuring data remains protected.
Nearly half (49%) of those using external AI solutions identified data security as their most pressing risk, while 55% listed data protection as their top compliance issue.
Market volatility is contributing to faster investment decisions, with 66% of those surveyed stating that uncertainty is causing them to move more quickly, and over one-third described this acceleration as “significant”.
The survey also indicates that 84% of businesses are prioritising technology and digital transformation, with a particular focus on adopting AI.
Workforce considerations are also affected by AI developments. The survey revealed that 45% of executives said they would consider leaving their current employer if it fell behind in adopting AI, and 30% reported that “falling behind would affect their long-term loyalty” to the company.
According to the survey, 72% use AI in strategic decision-making, and only 1% have not implemented any form of AI.
The most noted applications include cybersecurity threat identification (73%), supply chain risk management (69%), and automated processes for regulatory compliance (67%).
Looking ahead, 85% of participants expect AI adoption to be essential for growth during the next three years.
Strategic changes are evident in supply chains as well; 59% of respondents said they are redirecting supply chain activities towards Latin America, making it the preferred alternative to China, followed by Southeast Asia at 57%.
EMEA was selected by 22%, pointing to shifts in sourcing strategies.
On regulatory matters, 28% of executives cited new policies—including ESG requirements, financial regulations, and AI directives—as their primary concern. Tariffs and trade policy were close behind at 27%. Uncertainty around trade has also led to employment adjustments, with 32% noting hiring freezes or reductions in workforce size.
Vistra Americas executive vice president Jim Lee commented: “AI has shifted from being a promising innovation to a defining factor in competitiveness. Despite the mounting compliance and data risks it brings, businesses now see falling behind in AI as a greater threat than an economic slowdown or regulatory change.
“As leaders navigate significant geopolitical uncertainty, AI is becoming a cornerstone of strategic decision-making, reshaping how firms manage risk and regulatory complexity, and identify growth opportunities. What we’re witnessing is a paradox of progress, where AI anxiety and ambition are rising together. While companies fear what AI can do if mismanaged, they fear being left behind even more.”
