Can Zurich Help Prevent and Mitigate Data Centre Risks?

Zurich Resilience Solutions has unveiled a dedicated Data Center Risk Advisory practice, expanding its focus on the growing complexity and scale of modern data centre developments. 

The new practice brings together more than 100 specialist risk engineers to support hyperscale and AI-driven facilities from early design through construction and into live operations.

Part of Zurich Insurance, Zurich Resilience Solutions is positioning the new practice as a response to the rapid acceleration of global data centre investment and the increasing risk exposure that accompanies larger, more power-dense and more interconnected facilities.

The announcement comes as data centre investment surged 92% year on year to US$32.9bn in November 2025, with global investment projected to reach US$6.7tn by 2030. 

As development timelines compress and facilities scale up, operators face higher exposure to construction delays, downtime, safety incidents and operational failures.

Building on existing risk solutions

The formation of the Data Center Risk Advisory practice builds on Zurich’s recently launched Data Center Project Guard solution.

Project Guard extends Zurich’s builders risk coverage with custom features designed to address loss drivers unique to modern data centres, including critical equipment exposure, commissioning risks and complex construction sequencing.

Zurich says the new practice deepens its ability to advise on these challenges by integrating risk engineering expertise earlier in the project lifecycle. This includes support during site selection, design reviews, power and cooling strategies and construction planning, as well as ongoing advisory services once facilities are operational.

The firm currently supports more than US$1tn in data centre assets and projects across more than 20 US states. The company already provides prevention and mitigation advisory services from planning and commissioning through construction and live operations, with the new practice formalising and scaling that capability.

Engineering focus across the lifecycle

The Data Center Risk Advisory team’s expertise spans data centre planning and construction, property and critical equipment protection and operational resilience. 

It also covers physical and cyber risk management, business continuity planning and resilience against extreme weather events, which are increasingly relevant as facilities grow in scale and criticality.

Zurich highlights that its engineers work across hyperscalers, developers and contractors, reflecting the interconnected nature of large data centre programmes. By addressing risks at each stage of development, the firm aims to reduce costly rework, minimise delays and improve overall project outcomes.

Customer feedback has been a key driver behind the formalisation of the practice. Zurich reports a Transactional Net Promoter Score of 97 for its resilience services, which it says reflects trust in its risk engineering approach.

Responding to hyperscale complexity

Craig Phillips, Managing Partner, Advisory Services, Zurich Resilience Solutions U.S., says the practice reflects the growing importance of data centres as critical infrastructure.

“We recognise the vital role data centres and AI play in the world – driving innovation, increasing efficiency, and solving complex challenges," he adds.

"We're proud to help customers navigate the complexities of data centre builds, reduce exposures and costs and improve project outcomes.”

Craig’s comments underline Zurich’s focus on risk avoidance rather than reactive mitigation, particularly as hyperscale and AI-driven facilities introduce new concentrations of electrical, mechanical and operational risk.

The firm argues that the convergence of high power density, advanced cooling systems and accelerated construction schedules demands a more integrated approach to risk advisory than traditional insurance-led models.

A holistic approach to data centre risk

Jon Tate, Head of Core Risk Engineering, Zurich Resilience Solutions U.S., emphasises the depth of experience behind the new practice.

He explains: "With more than 100 risk engineers specializing in data centers – supported by a broader team, each with an average of 26 years of experience working with various industries and hazards – the new practice reflects our 360° view of risk.

“This approach helps our customers identify and address challenges across every stage of their projects – through construction and into operation, supporting resilience and long-term success.”

Zurich’s approach positions data centres alongside other forms of mission-critical infrastructure that require continuous risk assessment as technologies, operating models and external threats evolve. 

As AI-driven workloads increase power density and operational sensitivity, Zurich is betting that early and sustained risk engineering engagement will become a core requirement for large-scale data centre delivery and operation.