Most large Finnish firms see business risk due to geopolitical situation

Geopolitical events in 2026 have increased the risks faced by Finnish companies, according to a survey commissioned by OP Financial Group.

The Corporate Pulse survey also showed that the geopolitical situation is also directly impacting on companies' strategic goals and firms are seeking and finding new growth opportunities in the changing business environment, said OP in a press release on Tuesday.

Up to 87% of companies that operate in Finland – and have an annual turnover of at least €200 million – reported a rise in the risks facing them and their businesses due to geopolitical events in 2026.

Only 6% do not feel that risks have increased because of geopolitics.

The year 2026 has been marked by trade policy tensions and the wars in Ukraine and the Middle East.

For companies, geopolitical risks can cause problems such as months of delay in key component deliveries, the introduction of new tariffs in export markets, or the need for much larger investments in cybersecurity.

Companies operating in Finland have had to reassess their risks, supply chains and growth strategies.

"Geopolitics is no longer just background noise for companies, but now influences where they invest and grow. Firms have learned to anticipate risks and make decisions as situations change. It's important that they look ahead and seek growth, even during upheavals in global politics," said Katja Keitaanniemi, Chief Executive Officer of OP Corporate Bank.

Global political developments are also impacting on companies' long-term planning. Around 69% reported that their long-term strategic choices have already been affected by the geopolitical situation.

Almost one in three companies has reacted to the geopolitical situation by repatriating its supply chains – or moving them to neighbouring regions – to secure supply and production.

One in four has done so to counter the elevated threat of protectionism. In addition, 84% of respondents reported that they have increased investments in cybersecurity due to the worsening geopolitical climate.

"Geopolitical tensions have accelerated the relocation of supply chains closer to the home country. Although this is primarily driven by risk management, it could also create new opportunities for investments, employment and economic growth in Finland," said Keitaanniemi.

On the other hand, opportunities can be glimpsed in the changing business environment. More than half of the respondents view the defence sector as a source of direct or indirect business opportunities.

Furthermore, the latest economic signals indicate positive developments in the business sector. The earnings season was more favourable than expected on the Nasdaq Helsinki, with OP Pohjola's analysts observing exceptionally few unpleasant surprises in turnover figures.

According to the latest Business Tendency Survey by the Confederation of Finnish Industries, the private-sector rebound has continued and broadened, as the outlook improves despite uncertainty in the international economy.

"The changing business environment is forcing companies to reinvent themselves. Finnish companies seem unfazed by the geopolitical uncertainty. In fact, they're actively seeking new sources of growth; one of the most prominent of these is the defence sector. Demand is building up around the sector, which could create opportunities for companies in areas ranging from technology to logistics and from industry to services," Keitaanniemi added.