Risk assessment and risk identification in banks

March 2, 2023

Risk assessment and risk identification are key components of risk management in banks. They are used to identify and assess the risks that a bank is exposed to and to develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies. In this chapter, we will discuss risk assessment and risk identification in more detail, including the definition of each concept, the differences between them, and how they are used in risk management.


Definition of Risk Assessment


Risk assessment is the process of identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks to determine the likelihood and potential impact of those risks. The risk assessment process involves identifying the risks that a bank is exposed to, assessing the likelihood of those risks occurring, and evaluating the potential impact of those risks on the bank's operations, financial position, and reputation. The risk assessment process also involves identifying risk mitigation strategies that can be implemented to manage or reduce the impact of those risks.


Definition of Risk Identification


Risk identification is the process of identifying and documenting the risks that a bank is exposed to. The risk identification process involves identifying the events or circumstances that could cause harm or loss to the bank, as well as the potential consequences of those events or circumstances. Risk identification is typically the first step in the risk management process and is used to inform risk assessment and risk mitigation strategies.

Differences Between Risk Assessment and Risk Identification


The main differences between risk assessment and risk identification are:


  1. Scope: Risk identification focuses on identifying the risks that a bank is exposed to, while risk assessment involves analyzing and evaluating the likelihood and potential impact of those risks.
  2. Detail: Risk identification is typically more detailed and specific than risk assessment, as it involves identifying specific events or circumstances that could cause harm or loss to the bank.
  3. Timing: Risk identification typically occurs before risk assessment, as it is the first step in the risk management process.

How Risk Assessment and Risk Identification are Used in Risk Management


Risk assessment and risk identification are used in risk management to identify and assess the risks that a bank is exposed to and to develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Banks use risk assessment and risk identification to:


  1. Identify risks: Risk identification is used to identify the risks that a bank is exposed to, including credit risk, market risk, liquidity risk, operational risk, and reputational risk.
  2. Assess risks: Risk assessment is used to assess the likelihood and potential impact of those risks on the bank's operations, financial position, and reputation. This helps banks to prioritize risks and develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies.
  3. Develop risk mitigation strategies: Risk assessment and risk identification are used to develop risk mitigation strategies that are appropriate for the bank's risk profile, regulatory requirements, and business strategy. These strategies may include risk transfer, risk avoidance, risk reduction, or risk acceptance.


Risk assessment and risk identification are key components of risk management in banks. They are used to identify and assess the risks that a bank is exposed to and to develop appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Risk assessment involves analyzing and evaluating the likelihood and potential impact of risks, while risk identification focuses on identifying the risks that a bank is exposed to. Effective use of risk assessment and risk identification is essential to ensuring that banks operate in a safe and sound manner and that they are able to meet the needs of their stakeholders.


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