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Risk in Context Podcast: Tackling geopolitical risks in an era of higher friction

Discover how senior leaders can better manage evolving and escalating geopolitical risks.

03/10/2026 · 2 minute read

An accelerating geopolitical transition is reshaping the rules that previously underpinned cross-border trade, finance, and digital connectivity, leaving organizations to operate amid an elevated state of fragility. The evolving conflict in the Middle East is creating significant risks for businesses across sectors and geographies.

Regional disturbances and other geopolitical risks, together with political shifts and leadership choices, can cascade into material operational challenges and financial impacts for organizations. Addressing these continuously evolving and emerging challenges requires a strategic approach that includes robust risk management and insurance solutions. According to the Political Risk Report 2026, organizations should consider rethinking their risk management strategies and focus not solely on protecting operations, but also on identifying and seizing emerging opportunities.

In this episode of Risk in Context, Angela Duca, Global Head of Credit Specialties, speaks with Christopher Coppock, Credit Specialties’ Head of Geopolitical and Economic Risk Analysis, and Stuart James, Global Client Group Leader, Trade Credit. They examine some of the findings from the Political Risk Report 2026, including risks that organizations should be aware of, and share actions that organizations should consider to remain resilient in a changing geopolitical environment.

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Key takeaways

Geopolitical risk is reshaping trade, finance, and digital infrastructure

A multi-decade geopolitical transition, with more assertive governments and competing priorities, is increasing friction across multiple areas, with geopolitical uncertainty impacting financial performance for many organizations.

Managing short- and long-term risks requires strategic planning

Organizations should find ways to balance headline-driven volatility with five- to 10-year strategic goals that better enable them to align operational response to both immediate and longer-term requirements.

Data and country-risk models help reveal second- and third-order impacts

Quantitative inputs, combined with additional analysis, may reveal discrepancies and guide organizations on where to focus further research, while supporting operational and strategic investment and decision-making.

About our speakers

Angela Duca

Angela Duca

Global Head of Credit Specialties

  • United States

Angela Duca is the Global Head of Credit Specialties and a member of Marsh’s global specialty executive committee. She is responsible for driving strategy, growth, client service, and innovation in Credit Specialties solutions worldwide. She joined Marsh in 2008 and previously served as Chief Administrative Officer for Credit Specialties, where she collaborated with leadership to establish and implement global strategies, contributing to the team's success and execution of key initiatives. In her more than 20 years in the insurance industry, she has provided solutions for property and casualty, multinational, specialty, and credit and political risk coverage across various sectors, including manufacturing, chemicals, services, and financial institutions.

Christopher Coppock

Head of Geopolitical and Economic Risk Analysis, Credit Specialties Marsh Risk

  • United Kingdom

Christopher Coppock leads the Political Risk Analysis team within Marsh’s Credit Specialties Practice, providing political risk assessments, economic analysis, and sector-specific insights for clients and for internal applications. Prior to joining Marsh, he worked at Darktrace, focusing on critical cybersecurity insurance issues. He holds master’s degrees from Sciences Po, Paris, and the London School of Economics in international affairs and global security issues.

Stuart James

Stuart James

Global Client Group Leader, Trade Credit

  • United Kingdom

Stuart James is the Global Client Group Leader, Trade Credit. Based in London, he leads a global team focused on the acquisition, retention, and ongoing service of global trade credit clients. He has more than 30 years of trade credit experience, including global leadership roles with two major insurers. Since joining Marsh in 2016, he has championed the use of data and analytics to support clients in maximizing their capital efficiency whilst delivering rich and global insights to accurately assess cover availability and optimal program design.

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