Sheridan, WY, 27 October 2025 –Fortune 100 companies are increasingly focusing on AI strategy, risk management, and digital transformation as they integrate the technology into their growth plans. A recent EY report highlights this shift, revealing that nearly half (48%) of these companies now include AI in board-level governance, a significant increase from 16% in 2024. Furthermore, four in 10 companies have assigned AI responsibilities to at least one board committee, compared to just one in 10 last years. This trend underscores the growing importance of AI governance, enterprise AI, and responsible AI adoption at the highest levels of corporate leadership.
The increasing reliance on AI has led more companies to recognize and disclose associated risks. Over one-third of Fortune 100 companies now list AI as a material risk in their annual 10-K filings, up from 14% in 2024. Key concerns include deepfake threats, data leakage, and shadow AI risks caused by unauthorized AI tools used by employees. This shift signals a stronger commitment to regulatory compliance, AI ethics, and cyber risk transparency.
Alongside AI governance, companies are enhancing their cyber resilience and digital security posture. Over 70% follow external cybersecurity frameworks with two-thirds aligning with NIST cybersecurity standards. Nearly 60% conduct cyber simulations, tabletop exercises, and incident response drills. Audit committees manage cybersecurity oversight in almost 80% of cases, while about 85% of companies have a board-level cybersecurity expert or are actively seeking one. These initiatives support zero-trust strategies, threat intelligence integration, and resilient IT infrastructure.
Despite these proactive measures, challenges remain. Nearly half of companies struggle to manage AI operational risks, according to Audit Board, as they deploy new AI tools. Barriers include inconsistent execution, algorithmic bias, and governance gaps. Many AI initiatives remain in pilot mode, highlighting the need for stronger AI lifecycle management, risk quantification, and enterprise-wide AI adoption strategies.
EY’s survey of 975 executives in July to August 2025 found that most large companies deploying AI have faced early-stage financial setbacks, totaling about $4.4 billion. Losses stem from compliance gaps, flawed outputs, bias, and operational disruptions. However, firms remain optimistic, viewing AI as a long-term growth driver that boosts efficiency, productivity, and competitive advantage even if immediate ROI is offset by reinvestment in AI optimization and automation initiatives.
Fortune 100 companies accelerating AI governance, cybersecurity resilience, and digital transformation efforts to stay competitive. Yet, responsible AI adoption, risk management and continuous upskilling remain critical. As AI and cybersecurity evolve, companies must embrace proactive oversight, enterprise AI frameworks, and emerging technology strategies to secure their future in a rapidly digitalizing world.