The risk function in the financial domain is undergoing rapid evolution. Factors ranging from heightened regulatory scrutiny to emerging technological trends are reshaping its landscape. Here’s a deep dive into the six significant trends that are molding the future of risk management:
1. The Expanding and Intensifying Regulatory Landscape
Regulatory changes are inevitable, albeit varying in speed and depth across countries. With public opinion becoming less tolerant of bank failures and the ensuing use of taxpayers’ money for bailouts, the pressure on banks is intensifying.
For instance, post the 2008 financial crisis, new regulatory frameworks emerged to prevent similar catastrophes. Discussions around the potential use of standardized approaches (Basel IV) as a baseline for regulatory capital calculations are ongoing. Such shifts could impact various sectors, particularly low-risk domains like mortgages.
Moreover, governments are leveraging banks to assist in halting illegal transactions, tax collections, and enforcing regulations on foreign soil. There’s also a renewed focus on customer-centric regulatory facets like contract terms, sales practices, and product transparency.
To adapt, the risk function must emphasize proactive compliance, integrated risk strategies, and deep collaboration with other sectors of the business.
2. Elevating Customer Expectations due to Technological Advancements
With the rise of financial-technology companies (fintechs), the competition is fierce. Fintech firms, like Kabbage, employ innovative strategies to offer seamless user experiences, tapping into profit-rich segments that were traditionally dominated by banks.
To stay relevant, banks must offer instantaneous services, intuitive interfaces, and personalized propositions. This shift requires a comprehensive digital transformation anchored in superior customer experience.
3. The Evolution of Technology and Advanced Analytics
Technologies such as big data and machine learning are revolutionizing risk management. With big data, risk functions can harness vast information streams to make informed decisions, monitor portfolios, and predict potential issues. There are emerging possibilities like drawing insights from social data and online activity.
Machine learning, on the other hand, refines the accuracy of risk models. For instance, some banks have reported improved results using self-learning models, although these models often face regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, crowdsourcing has proven its mettle in areas like model optimization, exemplified by Allstate Insurance Company’s success story.
However, these technological gains come with their own risks, particularly around data privacy and protection.
4. Emergence of New Risks
New challenges like model risk, cybersecurity risk, and contagion risk are cropping up. For instance, inaccurate models can lead to massive losses, as seen in the case of a significant bank in the Asia-Pacific region. Cybersecurity concerns are escalating, given the growing data repositories banks maintain. Moreover, the interconnectedness of today’s financial markets amplifies contagion risks, necessitating robust mitigation strategies.
5. Unmasking and Addressing Biases in Decision-making
Research in behavioral economics highlights biases that influence decision-making, such as overconfidence and anchoring. In the banking world, these biases can skew risk decisions. Advanced analytical tools, structured debate techniques, and organizational measures can help counteract these biases. The risk function can pioneer efforts to de-bias the banking sector, acting as a hub of expertise.
6. Relentless Pressure for Cost Optimization
With dwindling margins across various segments, banks face constant pressure to reduce costs. Digital transformations offer both a cost-saving mechanism and an opportunity to reduce risk. By leveraging digitization and automation, the risk function can play a pivotal role in optimizing costs without compromising on delivery.
In conclusion, as the banking landscape evolves, risk management remains pivotal. By understanding and adapting to these six trends, banks can ensure they remain resilient, competitive, and relevant in the future financial world.
