The World in 2026

Since its inception, Prosegur Research has sought to anticipate and bring order to the turbulent chaos that shapes reality. The different dimensions in which any individual or corporation is embedded—such as economics, geopolitics, and security—are intrinsically interconnected. As a result, any attempt to categorize the world into variables or trends is ultimately an effort to reduce the prevailing environment of uncertainty.

As early as 2020 and 2021, Prosegur Research anticipated the existence of seven global megatrends—later consolidated into five in 2023—that appear to shape or condition the evolution of any system at a global level, under the premise that, today, the only constant is change. This document continues that reflective process, enabling the reader to identify, within each key future driver, a range of aspects we consider particularly relevant for 2026, as well as the main implications for global security and for any corporation whose business continuity may be affected.

In 2026, the landscape will be shaped around the security of the critical, meaning that risk management can no longer be addressed in silos. Companies today require an integrated vision that brings together physical security, cybersecurity, risk intelligence, business continuity, and reputational management.

Addressing the full spectrum of threats demands composure in the face of adversity, the customization of models, and—above all—the flexibility to adapt corporate frameworks to each physical or temporal context. In this environment, so-called cutting-edge companies take on particular relevance. Operating within a hybrid security framework, they combine distinctly human and social capabilities with advanced technical and digital skills, with the aim of building composable systems that enable autonomy and scalability in the face of any challenge or disruption.