Risk Analyst

A financial risk analyst's role is to formalise the process of risk management within an organisation. This involves business decision-making and enabling the process of risk taking.

• Credit risk specialists analyse the risk to the company of its customers not paying for goods or services or defaulting on loans.
• Market risk specialists analyse the risk that outside factors may affect the share price or the market. They typically work closely with traders to calculate the risk associated with specific trading transactions.
• Operational risk analysts look at the likelihood of risky events, such as system breakdowns and employee fraud.
• Regulatory risk analysts look at the impact on the company of new legislation.
• forecasting and monitoring market trends;
• protecting the organisation's assets and public image;
• conducting research to assess the severity of risk;
• presenting ideas via reports and presentations, outlining findings and making recommendations for improvements;
• managing resources wisely;
• considering proposed business decisions;
• working with traders to calculate the risk associated with specific transactions;
• liaising with underwriters and insurers;
• purchasing insurance;
• analysing a bank's market position and running figures through complex modelling techniques to find value at risk (VAR) measurements;
• carrying out quantitative analysis;
• conducting statistical analysis to evaluate risk and using statistical software such as SPSS and SAS;
• making recommendations to reduce/control risk, which may involve an insurance strategy;
• reviewing legal documents;
• using financial packages and software, including portfolio management software;
• studying government legislation, which may affect a company, and advising on compliance;
• developing contingency plans to deal with emergencies.