AU Group Report Highlights Rising Trade Risks for GCC Businesses

As GCC economies diversify and companies expand into new markets, a less discussed challenge is emerging: exposure to a much broader range of international trade risks.

According to AU Group's Credit Insurance Market 2026 study, global business insolvencies rose 6% in 2025 and are expected to increase by a further 4% in 2026, while trade protectionism, supply chain disruption and geopolitical tensions continue to reshape international commerce.

Aurélien Paradis, CEO of AU Group MEA, believes many Gulf businesses are still approaching risk management with a playbook designed for a different era of global trade.

He can provide insights on:

• Why economic diversification is changing the risk profile of GCC companies
• The growing link between geopolitics and corporate credit risk
• How businesses should rethink expansion into international markets
• What the next phase of GCC trade growth could look like