CBRN risks are a growing threat to society, and the limited ability of re/insurers to absorb them creates a significant protection gap. Innovative public-private mechanisms would boost resilience and mitigate potential economic disruption.

The threat posed by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) incidents – particularly those stemming from terrorism – is a critical concern for policymakers and the re/insurance industry. While such events are rare, the rapidly evolving threat landscape, marked by rising geopolitical tensions, emerging technologies and increasingly capable violent non-state actors (VNSAs), demands sustained vigilance and strategic risk management. In 2021, the UK Government warned that a successful terrorist CBRN attack is likely by 2030 – an indication of growing unease about the escalation of global CBRN threats.