Doorstep International

Top risks and controls for Enterprise Risk

The Enterprise Risk register lists 23 key risks and 360 best-practice controls across 3 units: Credit Risk Management, Liquidity Risk Management, Market Risk Management. Use it to identify risks, benchmark your existing controls or start a risk and control self-assessment (RCSA).

ERM is a top-down strategy that examines risks for a bank or financial organisation strategically and comprehensively. It enables organisations to create and implement a standardised risk-based approach to risk management across the organisation. ERM aims to shield the organisation against the potentially damaging effects of new and emerging risks while reducing the impact of unfavourable risk events.

Units covered

Credit Risk Management: key risks and controls

This unit is focused on assessing and managing credit-related risks, including the risk of default on loans and other credit exposures.

RiskWhat can go wrongBest-practice controls
Collateral RiskThe risk that the value of the collateral provided by the borrower to secure the loan may decline, making it insufficient to cover potential losses in case of default.
  • Collateral Valuation: Regularly assess the value of collateral assets to ensure they are appropriately valued based on current market conditions.
  • Collateral Quality Analysis: Evaluate the quality and marketability of the collateral to determine its liquidity and ability to be converted into cash quickly.
  • Collateral Concentration Monitoring: Monitor the concentration of collateral types to avoid overexposure to specific assets or asset classes.
  • Collateral Performance Review: Review the performance of collateral assets to identify any trends or potential issues that may affect their value.
  • Documentation Verification: Verify the completeness and accuracy of collateral documentation to ensure that the bank has a valid claim on the collateral.
  • Collateral Eligibility Criteria: Define clear eligibility criteria for acceptable collateral and regularly review them to ensure they remain relevant and appropriate.
  • Collateral Haircut Assessment: Assess the appropriate haircut or discount applied to the collateral's value to account for potential fluctuations in its market price.
  • Collateral Margining: Implement a margining process to ensure that the value of collateral is continuously monitored and adjusted to maintain the required margin levels.
  • Monitoring Collateral Substitution: Keep track of any changes or substitutions made to the collateral and evaluate their impact on risk exposure.
  • Collateral Stress Testing: Conduct stress tests to assess the resilience of the collateral portfolio under adverse market conditions.
  • Collateral Market Monitoring: Stay informed about market conditions and factors that may impact the value of the collateral assets.
  • Collateral Reporting: Prepare regular reports on collateral performance and quality for management and risk committees.
  • Collateral Review Committee: Establish a dedicated collateral review committee to oversee and assess the collateral risk management process.
  • Counterparty Risk Assessment: Evaluate the creditworthiness of counterparties and their ability to provide adequate collateral.
  • Collateral Risk Limits: Set and monitor collateral risk limits to manage exposure to collateral-related risks.
  • Collateral Audit: Conduct periodic audits of collateral management processes and controls to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
  • Collateral Margin Call Process: Establish a robust process for margin calls to ensure timely adjustments to collateral positions.
  • Collateral Risk Analytics: Use data analytics to gain insights into the performance and risk profile of collateral assets.
Counterparty RiskThe risk that a counterparty, such as another financial institution or a corporate entity, will fail to meet its contractual obligations, leading to potential losses for the bank.
  • Counterparty Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough credit assessment of each counterparty before engaging in any transactions. Evaluate their financial health, creditworthiness, and track record.
  • Credit Rating Review: Regularly review the credit ratings of counterparties to stay updated on their credit quality and any changes in their risk profile.
  • Exposure Limit Setting: Set exposure limits for each counterparty based on their credit risk profile and the bank's risk appetite.
  • Real-time Exposure Monitoring: Implement systems to monitor real-time exposures to each counterparty and ensure they remain within approved limits.
  • Stress Testing and Scenario Analysis: Conduct stress tests and scenario analyses to assess the impact of adverse market conditions on the bank's exposures to different counterparties.
  • Collateral Management: Monitor the collateral provided by counterparties to mitigate credit risk. Ensure the collateral is sufficient and meets the bank's quality standards.
  • Market Intelligence: Stay informed about market developments and news that may impact the creditworthiness of counterparties.
  • Financial Statement Analysis: Regularly analyze the financial statements of counterparties to identify any signs of financial distress.
  • Review of Legal Documentation: Review and monitor the legal documentation, such as contracts and agreements, with counterparties to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and any potential risks.
  • Early Warning Indicators: Establish early warning indicators to detect signs of deteriorating creditworthiness or increased counterparty risk.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to counterparty risk management and reporting.
  • Counterparty Risk Reporting: Prepare regular reports on counterparty risk exposures and credit quality for management and the board of directors.
  • Market and Industry Analysis: Monitor market and industry trends that may impact the credit risk of counterparties operating in specific sectors.
  • Ongoing Due Diligence: Continuously monitor counterparties' performance and creditworthiness, especially for long-term relationships.
  • Communication with Counterparties: Establish open lines of communication with counterparties to discuss potential risks and address any concerns.
  • Use of Credit Derivatives: Use credit derivatives to hedge or mitigate counterparty credit risk, where appropriate.
Country RiskThe risk associated with lending to or investing in borrowers located in countries with unstable economic or political environments.
  • Economic Indicators Analysis: Monitor and analyze key economic indicators such as GDP growth, inflation rates, unemployment rates, trade balances, and fiscal deficits of the country.
  • Political Stability Assessment: Assess the political stability and governance quality of the country, including changes in leadership, government policies, and political developments.
  • Sovereign Credit Rating Review: Keep track of changes in the country's sovereign credit rating provided by credit rating agencies, which can indicate changes in perceived creditworthiness.
  • Currency Risk Analysis: Analyze the stability of the country's currency and potential exchange rate fluctuations, as these can impact the bank's foreign currency exposures.
  • Interest Rate Risk: Monitor changes in the country's interest rates, as this can affect the cost of funding and investment returns.
  • Country-specific Events Monitoring: Stay informed about country-specific events such as elections, civil unrest, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions that may affect the country's economic and political stability.
  • Economic Forecasts: Consider economic forecasts and outlooks for the country provided by reputable sources to anticipate potential risks.
  • Financial Market Analysis: Analyze the country's financial markets, including stock markets, bond markets, and foreign exchange markets, to understand investor sentiment and potential vulnerabilities.
  • Trade and Export Data: Review trade data and export figures to gauge the country's economic health and external sector performance.
  • Risk Rating Models: Use risk rating models and tools to assess the overall country risk profile based on multiple indicators and variables.
  • Credit Risk Assessment: Conduct credit risk assessments for borrowers and counterparties in the country, considering both sovereign and non-sovereign risks.
  • Regulatory Changes: Stay informed about any changes in regulatory frameworks and policies that may affect the bank's operations and exposures in the country.
  • External Data Sources: Leverage external data sources, research reports, and country risk databases to complement internal risk assessments.
  • Diversification Analysis: Assess the bank's overall exposure to the country and consider diversification strategies to reduce concentration risk.
  • Engage with Experts: Seek insights and perspectives from country risk experts and consultants who specialize in analyzing and monitoring specific regions.
  • Scenario Analysis: Conduct scenario analysis to evaluate the impact of adverse events on the bank's exposures in the country.
  • Monitoring of News and Media: Stay updated with news and media coverage on the country to identify potential risks and opportunities.
Credit Concentration RiskThe risk that a significant portion of a bank's credit exposure is concentrated in a particular industry, sector, or geographic region, making it vulnerable to adverse developments in that area.
  • Data Collection and Aggregation: Gather relevant data on the bank's exposures to different counterparties, industries, sectors, and geographic regions. Aggregate this data to assess the overall concentration risk.
  • Establish Concentration Risk Limits: Set concentration risk limits based on the bank's risk appetite and regulatory requirements. These limits should define acceptable levels of exposure to specific concentrations.
  • Regular Reporting: Develop a reporting mechanism to monitor concentration risk on a regular basis. Provide reports to senior management and the board of directors to keep them informed about concentration risk exposure.
  • Portfolio Analysis: Conduct detailed portfolio analysis to identify concentrations in different asset classes, products, or business lines.
  • Stress Testing: Perform stress tests on the portfolio to assess the impact of adverse scenarios on concentration risk. Test the portfolio's sensitivity to potential risks and stress factors.
  • Diversification Strategy: Evaluate the diversification of the bank's exposures to reduce concentration risk. Implement strategies to diversify the portfolio and minimize overexposure to specific risks.
  • Counterparty Risk Assessment: Regularly assess the creditworthiness and risk profile of counterparties. Identify and manage potential concentration risks arising from exposures to high-risk counterparties.
  • Industry and Sector Analysis: Monitor economic conditions, industry trends, and sector-specific risks to understand potential concentration risks related to specific industries or sectors.
  • Geographic Exposure Analysis: Assess geographic exposure to identify concentration risks stemming from high exposure to specific regions or countries.
  • Monitoring Regulatory Limits: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to concentration risk management. Stay updated on any changes to regulatory guidelines.
  • Risk Appetite Framework: Align concentration risk management with the bank's risk appetite framework to ensure a consistent approach to risk-taking.
  • Sensitivity Analysis: Conduct sensitivity analysis to evaluate the impact of changing market conditions on concentration risk exposure.
  • Use of Risk Metrics: Utilize relevant risk metrics to quantify concentration risk, such as the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI) or other concentration indices.
  • Peer Comparison: Compare the bank's concentration risk profile with peer institutions to benchmark its risk levels.
  • Risk Committee Review: Present concentration risk reports to the risk committee for review and discussion.
Credit Migration RiskThe risk that the credit quality of a borrower or issuer may deteriorate over time, leading to potential losses if the borrower's creditworthiness declines.
  • Credit Rating Updates: Regularly track credit rating changes for borrowers and issuers in the bank's portfolio. Credit rating agencies provide updates on the creditworthiness of entities.
  • Credit Risk Grading: Use an internal credit risk grading system to assess the credit quality of borrowers and identify potential migration risk based on changes in the grading.
  • Credit Review Process: Conduct periodic credit reviews of borrowers to assess their financial condition, business performance, and credit risk profile.
  • Industry and Economic Analysis: Monitor industry-specific and macroeconomic trends that may impact the credit quality of borrowers in certain sectors.
  • Financial Statement Analysis: Analyze the financial statements of borrowers to identify any signs of deterioration in their creditworthiness.
  • Stress Testing: Perform stress tests to assess how changes in economic conditions or other factors could affect the credit quality of borrowers.
  • Scenario Analysis: Conduct scenario analyses to evaluate the impact of different market and economic scenarios on credit migration risk.
  • Early Warning Indicators: Establish early warning indicators that signal potential credit migration risks, such as deteriorating financial ratios or weakening cash flow.
  • Default and Delinquency Tracking: Monitor the portfolio for any increase in defaults or delinquencies as these can be indicative of credit migration risk.
  • Credit Risk Reporting: Prepare regular credit risk reports that provide insights into credit migration trends and changes in the credit quality of the portfolio.
  • Model Validation: Validate credit risk models used to assess credit migration risk to ensure their accuracy and effectiveness.
  • Internal Rating System Review: Periodically review the bank's internal rating system to ensure it appropriately captures credit migration risk.
  • Credit Risk Committee: Establish a dedicated credit risk committee to oversee credit migration risk and make informed decisions based on the analysis.
  • Peer Comparison Analysis: Conduct peer comparison analysis to benchmark the credit quality of borrowers against industry peers.
  • Regular Portfolio Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of the bank's credit portfolio to assess the credit migration risk across different segments and asset classes.
  • External Research and Reports: Stay informed about external research and reports that provide insights into credit migration risk in relevant industries and sectors.
Credit Rating Downgrade RiskThe risk that the credit rating of a borrower or a security held by the bank is downgraded, affecting its value and increasing the risk of default.
  • Credit Rating Review: Regularly review the credit ratings of borrowers and issuers in the bank's portfolio. Monitor both individual credit ratings and the overall credit rating distribution of the portfolio.
  • Rating Agency Reports: Stay updated on reports and publications from credit rating agencies regarding changes in credit ratings and outlooks for relevant industries and sectors.
  • Credit Analysis and Monitoring: Conduct thorough credit analysis when extending credit to borrowers and continuously monitor their financial health and creditworthiness.
  • Stress Testing: Perform stress tests on the bank's credit portfolio to assess the impact of potential credit rating downgrades on overall portfolio risk.
  • Scenario Analysis: Conduct scenario analyses to evaluate the effect of different economic and market scenarios on credit ratings and credit risk exposures.
  • Early Warning Indicators: Identify and track early warning indicators that may signal deteriorating credit quality or heightened credit rating downgrade risk.
  • Industry and Economic Research: Monitor industry and economic trends that may impact the creditworthiness of borrowers and issuers.
  • Rating Transition Matrices: Use rating transition matrices to understand the probability of credit rating migrations over time.
  • Diversification and Concentration Analysis: Assess the diversification and concentration of credit exposures across industries, sectors, and individual borrowers to mitigate concentration risk.
  • Regulatory Reporting: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to credit risk management and credit rating downgrade disclosures.
  • Collateral Valuation: Regularly evaluate the value of collateral held against credit exposures to determine its adequacy and potential impact on credit risk.
  • Financial Statement Analysis: Analyze financial statements and key financial ratios of borrowers to detect any signs of credit quality deterioration.
  • Market Feedback: Engage in communication with the market and industry participants to gain insights into potential credit risks.
  • Credit Committee Reviews: Conduct regular credit committee reviews to assess the credit quality of the bank's exposures and any potential rating downgrade risks.
  • External Credit Risk Models: Utilize external credit risk models to enhance credit risk assessments and evaluate potential rating downgrade scenarios.
  • Management Information System (MIS): Establish an effective MIS to track and report credit rating-related metrics and developments.
Default RiskThe risk that a borrower will be unable to repay the principal or interest on a loan or debt obligation.
  • Credit Analysis and Underwriting: Conduct thorough credit analysis and underwriting before extending credit to borrowers. Regularly review and update credit files as needed.
  • Credit Rating Monitoring: Monitor the credit ratings of borrowers to track any changes in their creditworthiness.
  • Financial Statement Analysis: Analyze the financial statements of borrowers to assess their financial health and ability to service their debt.
  • Loan Portfolio Review: Regularly review the bank's loan portfolio to identify any deterioration in credit quality and assess concentration risks.
  • Early Warning Systems: Implement early warning systems to identify signs of potential default, such as deteriorating financial metrics or changes in borrower behavior.
  • Default Rates Analysis: Monitor historical default rates to identify trends and potential shifts in credit quality.
  • Industry and Economic Analysis: Assess the industry and economic conditions to gauge the impact on borrower credit risk.
  • Risk Rating System: Establish a risk rating system to categorize borrowers based on their credit risk profiles and update ratings as needed.
  • Collateral Valuation: Regularly assess the value of collateral securing loans and monitor any changes that could affect the bank's recovery in case of default.
  • Credit Migration Analysis: Analyze the credit migration of borrowers over time to assess changes in their credit quality.
  • Stress Testing: Conduct stress testing on the loan portfolio to evaluate the impact of adverse economic scenarios on default risk.
  • Delinquency Monitoring: Monitor delinquency rates to identify borrowers at risk of default.
  • Watchlist Management: Maintain a watchlist of borrowers exhibiting signs of credit deterioration and implement appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
  • Regular Portfolio Reviews: Conduct regular reviews of the loan portfolio to identify any potential issues or emerging trends in credit quality.
  • External Data Sources: Use external data sources, such as credit bureaus and industry reports, to supplement internal credit risk assessments.
  • Risk Reporting and Communication: Prepare regular risk reports and communicate credit risk information to relevant stakeholders, including senior management and the board of directors.
  • Scenario Analysis: Perform scenario analysis to assess the impact of various economic and market conditions on default risk.
  • Loan Loss Provisioning: Ensure adequate loan loss provisions are maintained based on expected default rates and loss severity.
Early Repayment RiskThe risk that borrowers may repay their loans earlier than expected, leading to reinvestment risk and potential loss of interest income for the bank.
  • Prepayment Penalty Clauses: Include prepayment penalty clauses in loan agreements that impose a fee or penalty on borrowers who repay their loans before a specified period, discouraging early repayments.
  • Longer-Term Loans: Offer longer-term loans with maturity dates further into the future. This reduces the likelihood of early repayments and provides the bank with a more predictable stream of interest income.
  • Interest Rate Lock-ins: Offer fixed-rate loans with interest rate lock-ins for a specific period. This can help the bank maintain stable interest income even if interest rates decline and borrowers are motivated to repay and refinance at lower rates.
  • Diversified Loan Portfolio: Maintain a diversified loan portfolio with loans of varying terms and interest rate structures. This can help balance the impact of prepayments across the portfolio.
  • Monitoring Prepayment Trends: Continuously monitor prepayment trends in the loan portfolio and analyze factors driving early repayments. This helps in understanding borrower behavior and potential risk exposure.
  • Reinvestment Strategies: Develop proactive reinvestment strategies to deploy funds from prepayments into new loans or investments with attractive risk-adjusted returns.
  • Loan Recapture Programs: Implement loan recapture programs to retain borrowers who are likely to refinance elsewhere. Offer competitive interest rates or incentives to encourage borrowers to stay with the bank.
  • Early Warning Systems: Establish early warning systems to identify borrowers who are likely to prepay their loans. This enables the bank to take proactive measures to manage the impact of prepayments.
  • Modeling Prepayment Risk: Utilize prepayment models to estimate the likelihood of early loan repayments under different economic scenarios. This helps in stress testing and scenario analysis.
  • Communication with Borrowers: Maintain open communication with borrowers and educate them about the potential impact of early repayments on their financial situation. This may help manage prepayment risk to some extent.
  • Hedging Strategies: Consider using hedging instruments, such as interest rate swaps or options, to mitigate the impact of interest rate changes on the bank's interest income.
  • Asset Liability Management (ALM): Employ ALM techniques to manage the bank's assets and liabilities to minimize the impact of prepayment risk on overall profitability.
  • Regular Portfolio Review: Conduct periodic reviews of the loan portfolio to identify loans with higher prepayment risk and develop appropriate risk management strategies for such loans.
Industry RiskThe risk that borrowers from specific industries may face challenges due to changes in market conditions, regulations, or technological disruptions.
  • Industry Research and Analysis: Conduct in-depth research and analysis of various industries to identify key trends, challenges, and potential risk factors.
  • Economic Indicators Monitoring: Track relevant economic indicators that can impact specific industries, such as GDP growth, inflation rates, and employment data.
  • Market Intelligence: Stay updated with industry-specific news and developments to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
  • Financial Statement Analysis: Analyze the financial statements of companies within the industry to assess their financial health and potential risks.
  • Regulatory and Policy Monitoring: Monitor regulatory changes and government policies that may impact the industry's operations and risk profile.
  • Competitive Landscape Analysis: Evaluate the competitive landscape within the industry to understand market dynamics and potential risks related to competition.
  • Technological Advancements: Stay informed about technological advancements that could disrupt or impact the industry.
  • SWOT Analysis: Conduct a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats) analysis for the industry to identify key risks and areas of concern.
  • Industry Benchmarks: Use industry benchmarks and performance metrics to compare the bank's exposure to the industry against the broader market.
  • Scenario Analysis: Perform scenario analyses to evaluate how specific events or market conditions could impact the industry's risk profile.
  • Expert Opinions and Reports: Seek insights from industry experts and research reports to gain a deeper understanding of industry risks.
  • Company Visits and Meetings: Conduct visits to companies within the industry and hold meetings with industry executives to gain firsthand knowledge of risks and challenges.
  • Data Analytics: Utilize data analytics to monitor key performance indicators and detect early warning signs of industry risks.
  • External Data Sources: Access external data sources, such as industry-specific databases and market research reports, to supplement internal risk monitoring.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration: Foster collaboration between risk management teams and business units to ensure a comprehensive understanding of industry risks.
  • Review of Industry-Specific Risk Models: If available, review and assess industry-specific risk models to enhance risk monitoring and analysis.
  • Stress Testing: Conduct stress tests that specifically focus on industry-specific risk scenarios.
  • Regular Reporting: Prepare regular reports on industry risk for management and the board of directors to inform decision-making.
Interest Rate Impact RiskThe risk that changes in interest rates can affect the ability of borrowers to service variable rate loans, leading to potential default.
  • Interest Rate Stress Testing: Conduct regular stress tests to assess the impact of interest rate changes on borrowers' ability to service variable rate loans under adverse scenarios.
  • Interest Rate Risk Modeling: Use sophisticated interest rate risk models to quantify the potential effects of interest rate movements on loan portfolios and identify vulnerable segments.
  • Interest Rate Hedging: Consider using interest rate derivatives or other hedging instruments to mitigate the impact of interest rate fluctuations on the loan portfolio.
  • Loan Portfolio Diversification: Maintain a well-diversified loan portfolio with a mix of fixed-rate and variable-rate loans. Diversification can help spread the risk and reduce the overall exposure to interest rate changes.
  • Effective Communication with Borrowers: Establish clear communication channels with borrowers to inform them about potential interest rate changes and provide guidance on managing interest rate risks.
  • Interest Rate Caps and Floors: Consider incorporating interest rate caps or floors into loan agreements to limit the impact of interest rate fluctuations on borrower payments.
  • Loan Underwriting and Stress Testing: Ensure rigorous loan underwriting practices that take into account borrowers' ability to service loans under different interest rate scenarios.
  • Monitoring Borrower Creditworthiness: Continuously monitor borrowers' creditworthiness to identify potential risks early on and take appropriate actions if needed.
  • Establishing Loan Covenants: Set appropriate loan covenants that trigger actions if borrowers' financial conditions deteriorate due to interest rate changes.
  • Dynamic Pricing: Implement dynamic pricing mechanisms for variable rate loans that reflect changes in interest rates and borrower risk profiles.
  • Interest Rate Risk Management Committee: Form a committee responsible for overseeing interest rate risk management strategies and actions.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory guidelines related to interest rate risk management and borrower protection.
  • Scenario Analysis: Conduct scenario analyses to understand the potential impact of different interest rate scenarios on borrower defaults and loan performance.
  • Regular Risk Assessments: Conduct regular risk assessments to identify emerging risks and adjust risk management strategies accordingly.
  • Training and Education: Provide training and education to bank staff involved in loan origination and risk management to enhance their understanding of interest rate risk and its implications for borrowers.
Legal and Documentation RiskThe risk arising from legal issues, errors, or omissions in loan documentation, which may hinder the bank's ability to enforce loan terms in case of default.
  • Robust Documentation Process: Establish a comprehensive and standardized loan documentation process that includes thorough due diligence and review of legal documents before finalizing loan agreements.
  • Legal Review: Engage qualified legal counsel to review loan documentation to identify potential legal issues, errors, or omissions and ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
  • Training and Education: Provide ongoing training and education to loan officers and staff involved in the documentation process to enhance their understanding of legal requirements and best practices.
  • Checklists and Templates: Develop checklists and templates for loan documentation to ensure that all necessary elements are included and completed accurately.
  • Independent Verification: Implement a process for independent verification of loan documentation to identify any discrepancies or errors that may have been overlooked.
  • Quality Control Reviews: Conduct regular quality control reviews of loan documentation to assess its accuracy and completeness.
  • Documentation Audits: Perform periodic audits of loan documentation to identify potential issues and take corrective actions promptly.
  • Standardization of Terms: Standardize loan terms and conditions to minimize the risk of errors or omissions in documentation.
  • Collateral Management: Ensure proper documentation and registration of collateral to secure the bank's interests in case of default.
  • Electronic Documentation Management: Use electronic documentation management systems to streamline the documentation process, minimize manual errors, and facilitate easy retrieval of documents when needed.
  • Internal Controls: Implement robust internal controls to prevent errors and omissions in loan documentation.
  • Documentation Review Committee: Establish a documentation review committee to oversee the documentation process and ensure compliance with established procedures.
  • Legal Risk Insurance: Consider obtaining legal risk insurance to protect the bank against potential losses arising from legal issues in loan documentation.
  • Vendor Due Diligence: If outsourcing documentation services to third-party vendors, conduct due diligence to ensure their competence and adherence to legal requirements.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Stay updated on relevant legal and regulatory changes that may impact loan documentation and promptly adjust practices to remain compliant.
  • Continuous Improvement: Continuously review and improve the loan documentation process based on feedback and lessons learned.
Liquidation RiskThe risk that a bank may face difficulties in liquidating collateral or assets pledged by defaulting borrowers, resulting in delayed or reduced recovery of funds.
  • Robust Collateral Assessment: Implement a rigorous collateral assessment process to ensure that the value and quality of pledged assets are accurately determined before granting loans.
  • Diversification of Collateral: Encourage borrowers to pledge a diverse range of assets as collateral to reduce the concentration risk associated with a specific type of collateral.
  • Collateral Valuation and Monitoring: Regularly monitor and reevaluate the value of collateral assets to ensure they are sufficient to cover the outstanding loans.
  • Collateral Haircuts: Apply conservative haircut percentages to the valuation of collateral assets to account for potential price fluctuations and reduce the risk of underestimating their true value.
  • Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio Limits: Set appropriate LTV ratio limits to restrict the amount of exposure relative to the value of the collateral, thereby reducing the risk of overexposure.
  • Collateral Type Restrictions: Establish guidelines regarding acceptable collateral types, avoiding assets that may be difficult to liquidate or are subject to legal or regulatory restrictions.
  • Monitoring Borrower Creditworthiness: Continuously monitor the creditworthiness of borrowers to identify early warning signs of potential default and take proactive measures.
  • Timely Collateral Enforcement: Act promptly to enforce collateral rights and take legal actions in case of borrower default.
  • Proper Collateral Documentation: Ensure that all collateral documentation is accurate, complete, and legally enforceable to avoid delays in the recovery process.
  • Stress Testing and Scenario Analysis: Conduct stress testing and scenario analysis to assess the impact of adverse market conditions on collateral values and recovery prospects.
  • Monitoring Market Conditions: Keep track of market conditions to assess potential impacts on the liquidity and value of pledged assets.
  • Collateral Margin Calls: Implement collateral margin call mechanisms to require borrowers to post additional collateral when the value of existing collateral falls below a certain threshold.
  • Regular Collateral Reviews: Periodically review and update the collateral management policies and procedures to align with changing market conditions and regulatory requirements.
  • Collateral Management Expertise: Ensure that staff responsible for collateral management possess the necessary expertise and training to make informed decisions.
  • Diversification of Loan Portfolio: Maintain a diversified loan portfolio to reduce the overall impact of potential defaults on the bank's financial position.
Underwriting RiskThe risk of inadequate assessment of a borrower's creditworthiness during the underwriting process, leading to loans being extended to risky borrowers.
  • Credit Policy Review: Regularly review and update the bank's credit policy, ensuring it aligns with the institution's risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
  • Credit Scoring Analysis: Analyze the effectiveness of the bank's credit scoring models and assess their predictive power in identifying credit risk.
  • Portfolio Segmentation: Monitor the credit portfolio by segmenting it based on risk characteristics, such as borrower types, loan sizes, industries, and geographic regions.
  • Credit Quality Metrics: Track key credit quality metrics, such as default rates, delinquency rates, and loss rates, to identify trends and potential deteriorations in credit quality.
  • Underwriting Guidelines Compliance: Ensure that underwriters adhere to established underwriting guidelines and assess the consistency of their decisions.
  • Exposure Limits Monitoring: Monitor credit exposure limits for individual borrowers and sectors to avoid excessive concentration risk.
  • Exception Tracking: Monitor and track exceptions to the bank's underwriting policies and investigate the reasons behind them.
  • Review of Loan Covenants: Regularly review and assess the performance of borrowers against loan covenants to identify potential early warning signals.
  • Credit Risk Rating Validation: Periodically validate the accuracy of credit risk ratings assigned to borrowers.
  • Quality of Collateral: Evaluate the quality and marketability of collateral used to secure loans, especially in cases of higher-risk lending.
  • Portfolio Stress Testing: Conduct stress tests on the loan portfolio to assess its resilience under adverse economic scenarios.
  • Industry and Economic Analysis: Monitor industry trends and economic conditions to identify sectors that may pose higher underwriting risks.
  • Credit Review Audits: Conduct regular credit review audits to assess the quality of underwriting decisions and identify areas for improvement.
  • Monitoring Early Warning Signals: Establish and monitor early warning indicators that may signal potential credit deterioration.
  • Credit Committee Review: Conduct regular reviews by the credit committee to assess the quality of credit decisions and the overall credit risk in the portfolio.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and guidelines related to underwriting practices.
  • Loan Portfolio Analytics: Use data analytics to gain insights into the loan portfolio's performance and identify potential areas of concern.
  • Training and Development: Provide ongoing training to underwriters to enhance their skills and knowledge in identifying and mitigating underwriting risks.

Liquidity Risk Management: key risks and controls

This unit monitors and manages the bank's ability to meet its short-term funding needs and maintain adequate liquidity levels.

RiskWhat can go wrongBest-practice controls
Asset Liquidity RiskAsset liquidity risk is the risk that certain assets held by the bank cannot be easily converted into cash without significant loss in value. This can arise when assets have limited trading activity or are backed by illiquid underlying assets.
  • Diversification of Asset Portfolio: Maintain a diversified asset portfolio to reduce concentration risk. Avoid overexposure to illiquid assets and consider holding a mix of liquid and less liquid assets.
  • Regular Valuation and Monitoring: Regularly value illiquid assets using reliable valuation methodologies. Monitor changes in the value of these assets to assess potential risks.
  • Stress Testing: Conduct stress tests to evaluate the impact of adverse market conditions on the value of illiquid assets. Assess their potential effect on the bank's liquidity position.
  • Contingency Funding Plan: Develop a contingency funding plan that outlines strategies to address potential liquidity shortfalls resulting from the illiquidity of assets.
  • Asset Liability Management (ALM): Use ALM techniques to align the maturity profiles of assets and liabilities, reducing the risk of having to sell illiquid assets during periods of stress.
  • Liquidity Risk Limits: Set appropriate liquidity risk limits, including limits on illiquid assets, to manage exposure to these types of assets prudently.
  • Maintain Sufficient High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA): Hold a sufficient level of high-quality liquid assets that can be readily converted into cash to meet short-term funding needs and manage liquidity risks.
  • Robust Risk Analytics: Utilize risk analytics and stress testing models to assess the potential impact of changes in illiquid asset values on the bank's capital and liquidity positions.
  • Collateral Management: Manage collateral effectively to ensure that the bank's collateralized assets have sufficient liquidity to meet funding needs if required.
  • Rebalancing and Portfolio Optimization: Regularly review and optimize the asset portfolio to align with the bank's risk appetite and maintain a balance between liquid and illiquid assets.
  • Liquidity Buffer: Maintain an adequate liquidity buffer to absorb unexpected liquidity demands, which can arise due to the illiquidity of certain assets.
  • Enhanced Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence before acquiring illiquid assets to understand the risks associated with their liquidity and underlying value.
  • Contingent Liquidity Facilities: Establish access to contingent liquidity facilities to provide emergency funding support in case of unexpected liquidity demands.
  • Communication and Reporting: Ensure clear communication and reporting of the bank's exposure to illiquid assets to key stakeholders, including senior management and regulators.
Contingent Liquidity RiskContingent liquidity risk arises from off-balance-sheet commitments and contingent liabilities that may be triggered under certain circumstances. These commitments can place additional demands on the bank's liquidity during times of stress.
  • Comprehensive Risk Identification: Conduct a thorough assessment of all off-balance-sheet commitments and contingent liabilities. Identify and categorize the types of risks associated with each commitment.
  • Contingency Funding Plan: Develop a comprehensive contingency funding plan that outlines specific strategies to address potential liquidity shortfalls triggered by contingent liabilities. The plan should consider various stress scenarios.
  • Liquidity Stress Testing: Regularly conduct liquidity stress tests to evaluate the bank's ability to manage liquidity demands arising from contingent liabilities under adverse market conditions.
  • Monitoring and Reporting: Implement robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms to track changes in contingent liabilities and their potential impact on the bank's liquidity position.
  • Diversification of Contingent Liabilities: Avoid over-concentration of contingent liabilities with a particular counterparty or industry. Diversify the bank's exposure to reduce concentration risk.
  • Collateral and Credit Enhancements: Where appropriate, obtain collateral or credit enhancements to mitigate potential credit risk associated with off-balance-sheet commitments.
  • Risk Limits and Exposure Caps: Set risk limits and exposure caps for off-balance-sheet commitments and contingent liabilities to prevent excessive risk-taking.
  • Counterparty Risk Assessment: Conduct a thorough assessment of counterparty risk associated with off-balance-sheet commitments. Evaluate the creditworthiness and financial stability of counterparties.
  • Legal Due Diligence: Perform legal due diligence to ensure that the bank's obligations related to contingent liabilities are well-defined and enforceable.
  • Risk Transfer Mechanisms: Explore risk transfer mechanisms such as insurance, credit derivatives, or securitization to transfer some of the risks associated with contingent liabilities.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to off-balance-sheet commitments and contingent liabilities.
  • Stress Scenario Planning: Develop and analyze stress scenarios specific to the bank's off-balance-sheet commitments. Assess the potential impact of adverse events on liquidity and capital positions.
  • Risk Awareness and Training: Raise awareness among relevant stakeholders about the risks associated with off-balance-sheet commitments and provide training on appropriate risk management practices.
  • Liquidity Risk Governance: Establish clear governance and oversight for managing liquidity risks arising from off-balance-sheet commitments and contingent liabilities.
  • Regular Review and Updates: Regularly review and update risk management strategies to align with changing market conditions and regulatory requirements.
Funding Liquidity RiskThis risk occurs when a bank does not have sufficient funds to meet its financial obligations and fund new loans or investments. It can arise from an imbalance between the bank's assets and liabilities or disruptions in funding sources.
  • Contingency Funding Plan: Develop a comprehensive contingency funding plan that outlines specific actions to address potential liquidity shortfalls. The plan should identify alternative funding sources and strategies to maintain adequate liquidity during stressful periods.
  • Diversification of Funding Sources: Avoid over-reliance on a single funding source. Diversify funding channels, including deposits, interbank borrowing, wholesale funding, and access to central bank facilities, to increase flexibility and resilience.
  • Liquidity Stress Testing: Regularly conduct liquidity stress tests to assess the bank's ability to withstand adverse market conditions and funding disruptions. Use the results to identify vulnerabilities and fine-tune the contingency funding plan.
  • Maturity Matching: Match the maturities of assets and liabilities to minimize maturity mismatches. Reducing short-term funding needs and ensuring long-term assets support long-term liabilities can mitigate liquidity risk.
  • High-Quality Liquid Assets (HQLA): Maintain a sufficient stock of high-quality liquid assets that can be quickly converted into cash to meet short-term funding needs during market stress.
  • Liquidity Risk Limits: Set appropriate liquidity risk limits and ensure the bank stays within the prescribed thresholds. Regularly monitor compliance with these limits.
  • Intraday Liquidity Monitoring: Implement systems to monitor intraday liquidity flows to ensure the bank can meet payment obligations throughout the day.
  • Collateral Management: Ensure that eligible collateral is available for potential secured borrowings, which can enhance the bank's ability to access additional funding sources.
  • Relationship Management with Lenders: Foster strong relationships with lenders and funding partners to improve the bank's access to funding during challenging times.
  • Liquidity Risk Committee: Establish a dedicated liquidity risk committee to oversee and manage liquidity risk, providing oversight and guidance during periods of stress.
  • Communication with Regulators: Maintain open and transparent communication with regulatory authorities to seek assistance or access to emergency liquidity facilities if required.
  • Monitoring Market Liquidity: Keep a close watch on market liquidity conditions that may impact the bank's ability to raise funds or sell assets.
  • Cash Flow Projections: Develop and maintain cash flow projections to anticipate liquidity requirements and plan accordingly.
  • Business Continuity Planning: Implement robust business continuity plans to ensure critical operations can continue during disruptions.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with liquidity risk regulations and guidelines set by regulatory authorities.
Intraday Liquidity RiskIntraday liquidity risk relates to the potential for the bank to face short-term funding shortfalls during the course of a trading day. It is essential for banks to manage their intraday liquidity to meet payment obligations and manage settlements efficiently.
  • Intraday Liquidity Monitoring: Implement real-time monitoring of cash flows and liquidity positions throughout the trading day to identify potential liquidity shortfalls early on.
  • Cash Flow Forecasting: Develop accurate and reliable cash flow forecasting models to project intraday liquidity needs and anticipate potential shortfalls.
  • Intraday Funding Arrangements: Establish access to intraday funding sources, such as intraday overdraft facilities from central banks or credit lines from other financial institutions.
  • Liquidity Buffer: Maintain a sufficient intraday liquidity buffer to cover unexpected payment obligations and settle transactions smoothly.
  • Payment Prioritization: Prioritize critical payments and settlements to ensure that essential obligations are met on time during peak liquidity demand periods.
  • Automated Payment Systems: Implement automated payment systems to streamline the processing of payments and minimize settlement delays.
  • Collateral Management: Optimize collateral management to facilitate intraday liquidity and secure necessary funding if required.
  • Stress Testing: Conduct stress testing specifically focused on intraday liquidity risk to assess the bank's resilience under adverse scenarios.
  • Contingency Funding Plan: Develop a comprehensive contingency funding plan that includes specific measures to address intraday liquidity shortfalls and access emergency funding.
  • Limit Management: Set intraday liquidity risk limits and closely monitor compliance with these limits throughout the trading day.
  • Payment Monitoring Tools: Deploy advanced payment monitoring tools and dashboards to track payment flows and liquidity utilization.
  • Communication and Coordination: Foster effective communication and coordination between different units involved in managing intraday liquidity, such as treasury, operations, and risk management.
  • Stress Event Preparedness: Conduct regular drills and simulations to test the bank's readiness to manage intraday liquidity during stress events.
  • Payment Netting and Centralized Clearing: Use payment netting and central clearing arrangements to reduce the number of individual transactions and optimize liquidity utilization.
  • Real-time Cash Position Reporting: Ensure real-time reporting of cash positions and liquidity status to relevant stakeholders.
  • Continuous Process Improvement: Continuously review and improve intraday liquidity management processes based on lessons learned and best practices.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements related to intraday liquidity management, such as reporting obligations and liquidity stress testing.
Market Liquidity RiskMarket liquidity risk refers to the possibility that the bank may not be able to quickly sell or liquidate its assets at reasonable prices in the market. Market illiquidity can occur during periods of market stress or when certain assets become difficult to trade.
  • Diversification of Assets: Maintain a well-diversified portfolio of assets to reduce concentration risk and avoid overreliance on illiquid assets.
  • Liquidity Stress Testing: Conduct regular liquidity stress tests to assess how the bank's assets would perform under different stress scenarios and market conditions.
  • Market Monitoring: Continuously monitor market conditions and liquidity dynamics to identify early signs of potential illiquidity issues.
  • Liquidity Risk Indicators: Establish and track key liquidity risk indicators that can signal deteriorating market liquidity.
  • Asset Selection and Due Diligence: Conduct thorough due diligence when selecting assets for the bank's portfolio, considering their liquidity characteristics and potential market impact.
  • Maturity Profile Management: Match the maturities of assets and liabilities to minimize maturity mismatches, reducing the risk of being forced to sell assets in a distressed market.
  • Funding Diversification: Diversify funding sources to avoid dependence on short-term or volatile funding channels that may be vulnerable during periods of market stress.
  • Contingency Funding Plan: Develop a comprehensive contingency funding plan to address potential liquidity shortfalls and ensure access to emergency funding sources.
  • Asset Liquidity Analysis: Regularly analyze the liquidity of assets held in the portfolio to identify any shifts in their marketability.
  • Collateral Management: Monitor and manage the quality and valuation of collateral held by the bank, ensuring it can be readily converted into cash when needed.
  • Maintaining Adequate Capital: Hold sufficient capital buffers to withstand potential market shocks and maintain market confidence.
  • Engage with Market Makers: Establish relationships with market makers to improve access to liquidity when needed.
  • Scenario Analysis: Conduct scenario analyses to assess the impact of adverse market events on asset liquidity and the bank's overall risk exposure.
  • Early Warning Systems: Implement early warning systems to promptly detect signs of market illiquidity and take timely actions to address emerging risks.
  • Liquidity Risk Governance: Ensure strong governance and oversight of liquidity risk management practices, with clear roles and responsibilities defined.
  • Communication with Regulators: Maintain open and transparent communication with regulatory authorities regarding market liquidity risk management practices.

Market Risk Management: key risks and controls

This function is responsible for managing risks arising from changes in market conditions, such as interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and equity prices.

RiskWhat can go wrongBest-practice controls
Commodity Price RiskCommodity price risk refers to the potential for losses caused by fluctuations in commodity prices. Banks involved in commodity trading or having exposure to commodity-related assets can be impacted by changes in commodity prices.
  • Diversification: Maintain a diversified portfolio of commodity-related assets to spread risk across different commodities and reduce concentration risk.
  • Risk Limits: Set appropriate risk limits for commodity exposures based on the bank's risk appetite and regulatory requirements.
  • Hedging Strategies: Use hedging instruments, such as futures, options, and swaps, to offset potential losses from adverse commodity price movements.
  • Market Research and Analysis: Conduct in-depth market research and analysis to identify trends and factors affecting commodity prices, helping in informed decision-making.
  • Commodity Price Forecasting: Develop and use commodity price forecasting models to anticipate potential price movements and plan risk management strategies accordingly.
  • Stress Testing: Perform stress tests to assess the impact of extreme commodity price movements on the bank's portfolio and overall financial position.
  • Supply Chain Analysis: Analyze the bank's exposure to commodity price risk throughout its supply chain to identify vulnerable areas.
  • Client Exposure Management: Monitor and manage clients' exposure to commodity price risk to ensure they can meet their obligations.
  • Collateral Management: Ensure appropriate collateral is obtained for commodity-related transactions to mitigate counterparty risk.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Stay compliant with regulatory requirements related to commodity trading and risk management.
  • Liquidity Management: Ensure sufficient liquidity is available to cover potential margin calls and funding requirements in case of adverse commodity price movements.
  • Relationship Management: Maintain open communication and strong relationships with clients, counterparties, and market participants to stay informed about market conditions and emerging risks.
  • Training and Expertise: Provide relevant training to staff involved in commodity trading and risk management to enhance their knowledge and skills in managing commodity price risk.
  • Scenario Analysis: Conduct scenario analysis to evaluate the impact of various market conditions on the bank's commodity-related positions and overall risk exposure.
  • Risk-Adjusted Pricing: Use risk-adjusted pricing for commodity-related products and services to account for potential price volatility and risk exposure.
  • Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor commodity markets, economic indicators, and geopolitical events that may influence commodity prices.
Equity Price RiskEquity price risk is the risk of losses due to changes in the value of equity investments held by the bank. Banks with substantial equity holdings or exposure to equity derivatives are exposed to this risk. Declines in equity prices can result in reduced asset values and potential losses.
  • Diversification: Avoid over-concentration in a few individual equity holdings or sectors. Diversify the bank's equity portfolio across various industries and regions to spread risk.
  • Portfolio Analysis: Regularly analyze the bank's equity portfolio to assess its exposure to different sectors, industries, and market segments. Conduct stress tests and scenario analysis to evaluate potential losses under adverse market conditions.
  • Risk Limits: Set risk limits on equity investments to ensure that the exposure to individual equities or equity derivatives remains within acceptable levels.
  • Stop-loss Mechanisms: Implement stop-loss orders or other risk control mechanisms to trigger automatic sales of equity holdings if they reach predetermined price levels.
  • Hedging Strategies: Use derivatives, such as options or futures, to hedge against adverse movements in equity prices. Hedging can help limit potential losses while maintaining exposure to potential upside.
  • Active Portfolio Management: Continuously monitor and manage the equity portfolio to respond to changing market conditions and adjust positions accordingly.
  • Research and Analysis: Conduct thorough research and analysis before making equity investments. Stay informed about the latest market trends, company performance, and macroeconomic factors that may affect equity prices.
  • Asset Allocation: Determine the appropriate asset allocation based on the bank's risk appetite and investment objectives. Allocate resources to equities while considering other asset classes to balance risk and return.
  • Stress Testing and Scenario Analysis: Conduct stress tests and scenario analysis to assess the impact of extreme market conditions on the bank's equity investments and overall portfolio.
  • Long-term Investment Horizon: Consider a long-term investment horizon for equity holdings to ride out short-term market fluctuations and capture potential long-term growth opportunities.
  • Liquidity Management: Ensure sufficient liquidity is available to meet funding needs even during periods of declining equity prices, reducing the risk of forced selling at unfavorable prices.
  • Risk Management Team: Form a dedicated risk management team responsible for overseeing equity investment risks and implementing risk mitigation strategies.
  • Ongoing Monitoring: Regularly monitor equity market trends, news, and macroeconomic indicators that could affect the bank's equity holdings.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Adhere to regulatory guidelines and capital requirements concerning equity investments.
  • Board and Management Oversight: Ensure that the bank's board of directors and senior management are actively involved in the oversight of equity investment strategies and risk management practices.
Foreign Exchange RiskForeign exchange risk arises from fluctuations in exchange rates. Banks with international operations, foreign investments, or significant cross-border transactions are exposed to this risk. Adverse exchange rate movements can lead to losses on foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities.
  • Currency Hedging: Implement currency hedging strategies, such as using forward contracts, options, or currency swaps, to protect against adverse exchange rate movements. Hedging can help lock in favorable exchange rates and reduce the impact of currency fluctuations on foreign currency-denominated assets and liabilities.
  • Netting and Matching: Offset foreign currency inflows and outflows wherever possible to reduce the overall exposure to exchange rate fluctuations. Netting and matching can help minimize the impact of currency risk on the bank's overall financial position.
  • Diversification: Diversify the bank's currency exposures across various currencies to spread the risk and reduce reliance on a single currency.
  • Natural Hedging: Optimize the bank's currency exposures by strategically matching foreign currency-denominated assets with corresponding foreign currency liabilities. This can naturally hedge against exchange rate risk.
  • Centralized Treasury Management: Implement centralized treasury management to consolidate and manage foreign exchange exposure more effectively. This allows the bank to take a holistic view of its currency risks and adopt appropriate risk management strategies.
  • Establishment of Currency Limits: Set limits on the bank's exposure to individual currencies or currency pairs to control the overall foreign exchange risk exposure.
  • Regular Risk Monitoring and Reporting: Monitor foreign exchange risk exposure regularly and report to senior management and the board of directors to ensure timely awareness and action.
  • Use of Currency Derivatives: Employ currency derivatives like options or futures to hedge against exchange rate risk on specific transactions or portfolios.
  • Currency Swaps: Consider using currency swaps to exchange cash flows in one currency for cash flows in another currency, reducing exposure to exchange rate fluctuations.
  • Stress Testing: Conduct stress testing on the bank's foreign exchange positions to assess the potential impact of extreme exchange rate movements on the bank's financials.
  • Market Intelligence: Stay informed about macroeconomic developments and geopolitical events that can influence exchange rates to make informed decisions about currency risk management.
  • Client Hedging Solutions: Offer currency hedging solutions to clients engaged in cross-border transactions to mitigate their exchange rate risks, which indirectly reduces the bank's risk exposure.
Interest Rate RiskInterest rate risk is the risk of losses resulting from changes in interest rates. Banks with large portfolios of fixed-rate assets and variable-rate liabilities can be exposed to interest rate risk. If interest rates rise, the bank may face a decline in the value of fixed-rate assets and an increase in funding costs.
  • Asset-Liability Management (ALM): Implement ALM techniques to align the maturity and cash flow profiles of fixed-rate assets and variable-rate liabilities, reducing the risk of imbalances.
  • Interest Rate Hedging: Use interest rate derivatives, such as interest rate swaps or options, to hedge against adverse interest rate movements and protect the bank's fixed-rate assets and liabilities.
  • Diversification of Asset Portfolio: Maintain a diversified portfolio of assets with varying maturities and interest rate sensitivities to spread the risk.
  • Liquidity Risk Management: Effective liquidity risk management ensures the bank has access to sufficient funds at favorable rates to meet increased funding costs when interest rates rise.
  • Interest Rate Sensitivity Analysis: Conduct regular interest rate sensitivity analysis to understand the bank's exposure to changes in interest rates and identify vulnerable areas.
  • Stress Testing: Perform stress tests to assess the impact of extreme interest rate scenarios on the bank's financial position and capital adequacy.
  • Dynamic Loan Pricing: Consider using dynamic loan pricing, where interest rates on loans are tied to prevailing market rates, allowing the bank to adjust interest income in response to changing rate environments.
  • Deposit Pricing Strategy: Align the bank's deposit pricing strategy to attract more stable funding sources during periods of rising interest rates.
  • Floating-Rate Assets: Increase the proportion of floating-rate assets in the portfolio to mitigate the impact of rising interest rates.
  • Education and Training: Ensure staff members, especially those involved in risk management, understand interest rate risk and its management strategies.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Comply with relevant regulatory guidelines and requirements related to interest rate risk management.
  • Review and Update Risk Policy: Regularly review and update the bank's risk management policies to reflect changing market conditions and risk appetite.
  • Modeling and Scenario Analysis: Use advanced modeling and scenario analysis to assess the impact of different interest rate scenarios on the bank's financial performance.
  • Capital Adequacy: Maintain adequate capital levels to absorb potential losses arising from interest rate fluctuations.
  • Communication and Transparency: Clearly communicate the bank's interest rate risk management strategy to stakeholders, including investors and regulators.
Volatility RiskVolatility risk arises from fluctuations in market volatility. Banks with trading positions or derivatives contracts linked to market volatility are exposed to this risk. Increased volatility can lead to wider bid-ask spreads and valuation losses on derivatives.
  • Diversification of Trading Positions: Maintain a well-diversified portfolio of trading positions to spread the risk across different assets and instruments. Diversification can help reduce the impact of volatility on the overall portfolio.
  • Hedging Strategies: Implement hedging strategies to offset the risks arising from market volatility. Hedging instruments, such as options, futures, and swaps, can help protect against adverse price movements.
  • Risk Limits and Monitoring: Set clear risk limits on trading positions and derivatives exposure linked to market volatility. Regularly monitor these limits and take prompt actions if they are breached.
  • Stress Testing and Scenario Analysis: Conduct stress tests and scenario analyses to assess the potential impact of extreme market volatility on the bank's trading positions and derivatives portfolio.
  • Use of Risk Models: Utilize advanced risk models to quantify the potential losses from increased market volatility. These models can help in making informed risk management decisions.
  • Liquidity Management: Maintain adequate liquidity buffers to handle margin calls and ensure the bank can meet its obligations during periods of high market volatility.
  • Robust Risk Governance: Establish a robust risk governance framework to ensure that risk management practices are well-defined, communicated, and adhered to across the organization.
  • Market Surveillance and Early Warning Systems: Implement market surveillance systems to detect abnormal trading activity and potential signs of increasing market volatility.
  • Continuous Education and Training: Provide regular training to traders and risk management personnel to enhance their understanding of market volatility risks and appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and guidelines related to market volatility risk management.
  • Collaboration with Counterparties: Strengthen communication and collaboration with counterparties to better manage risk exposures and potential margin requirements.
  • Contingency Planning: Develop contingency plans to address severe market volatility scenarios and outline actions to be taken if volatility increases significantly.
  • Review and Adjust Trading Strategies: Regularly review trading strategies and adjust them to adapt to changing market conditions and evolving volatility levels.
  • Effective Communication: Promote effective communication and coordination between front-office trading teams, risk management, and senior management to ensure a comprehensive approach to managing market volatility risk.

This register is a starting point for risk identification and benchmarking against international practice. Adapt the risks and controls to your institution's size, products, jurisdiction and regulatory requirements.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the key risks in Enterprise Risk?

The main risk areas covered are Credit Risk Management, Liquidity Risk Management, Market Risk Management. Each unit lists its key risks with a short explanation and the best-practice controls that mitigate them.

How do I use this register for a risk and control self-assessment?

Select the risks that apply to your units, map the listed controls to the controls you actually operate, rate inherent risk and control effectiveness, then agree actions for gaps. The free RCSA workbook on this page has the columns ready.

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