Geopolitics Reshapes Security Budgets in Financial Services

RUSI's William Dixon on How Trade Wars Lead to Inflation and Amplify Cyber Risks Mathew J. Schwartz (euroinfosec) • September 16, 2025

Geopolitical instability is reshaping the financial services sector's cybersecurity priorities as it triggers budgetary pressures.

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"Cybersecurity, as much as we love to think of it as an enabler of business, is, of course, a cost center," said William Dixon, senior associate fellow for cyber and international security at the British think tank Royal United Services Institute. "Cyber leaders have been expected to do more for less."

Blame the current financial situation on trade wars straining global markets, and rising interest rates restricting investment. With revenue growth slowing, many cybersecurity teams that enjoyed annual budget increases are feeling the squeeze.

Combined, international efforts to combat cybercrime are also feeling the pressure. "Geopolitical fractures in particular means, from an international ...