Nasdaq’s analysis of the latest 2026 earnings and regulatory filings shows listed companies revising risk disclosures, governance practices and reporting processes as AI use expands. The review covered more than 42,000 documents from over 4,500 companies and included a survey of finance and legal professionals. Its findings point to AI becoming part of corporate strategy, board oversight and public disclosure—not just a technology issue.
For investors, how companies describe AI-related risks is emerging as another indicator of governance and operating uncertainty. Disclosures on AI’s effects on business operations, data, compliance and strategy may also shape how markets assess a company’s risk management.
488 companies added AI risk factors
In the latest disclosure cycle, 488 companies added risk factors related to artificial intelligence. The additions were not confined to technology firms, suggesting AI’s reach is spreading across industries and business processes.
Adding AI-related risks to a filing generally reflects a need to reassess potential operational, data, compliance and strategic exposures tied to deploying the technology. Nasdaq’s research treats these disclosures as part of an evolving approach to corporate risk reporting. It does not detail the specific risks added by each company or their potential financial impact.
Board-level AI oversight disclosures reach 50%
Half of the companies reviewed disclosed board-level oversight of AI in 2026, up from 33% the previous year. The increase suggests AI decisions are receiving more attention beyond technology teams and management, with boards taking a greater role in accountability, governance frameworks and oversight.
Board involvement in AI strategy and risk oversight can affect how companies approve related investments, review internal controls and respond to emerging business risks. But a disclosure of board oversight does not mean companies have the same governance authority or processes. The division of responsibilities and the oversight mechanisms described in each filing remain important context.
Finance and legal professionals see research as AI’s leading use
Among surveyed finance and legal professionals, 62% said research and analysis was AI’s most valuable application today. Companies are using AI to support reporting, organize information and prepare decisions, in addition to customer-facing products and back-office automation.
For listed companies and their advisers, stronger research and analysis tools could change how they gather information, review documents, identify risks and prepare disclosures. Nasdaq’s Disclosure Research Agent is designed for this work, helping users compare company disclosures, identify emerging trends and assess market practices.
The findings offer an early view of the 2026 disclosure season, focused on AI risk factors, board governance and changes to reporting processes. Further filings and governance disclosures will be needed to show how companies are using AI in practice, whether oversight is reflected in internal controls, and whether newly disclosed risks affect financial reporting.