The financial crisis had a devastating effect on the financial sector and, in turn, the global economy. After the dust settled, it became clear that many firms had failed to invest enough resources to formulate effective early warning systems, which are critical in detecting the initial signs of credit deterioration and default. Although capital markets are returning to conditions suggesting that the crisis is finally subsiding, the best institutions should remain cautious. All banks should continue to strengthen these early warning indicators, which necessitates proactive and dynamic systems and metrics that are regularly updated.

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Since the financial crisis, several banks have reorganised the Risk Management department so that it can effectively serve as a second line of defence against the excesses of business lines. Part of this goal is to ensure that information on key risk metrics is available to all stakeholders at all times so that damage from a potential tail event can be punctually forestalled.

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Much has been said about risk divisions, particularly in the wake of the brutal financial meltdown last year. However, risk divisions are upping their game in changing the methods of how they do business. Though banks may not agree on which areas of market and credit risk should overlap at present, the move to integrate the two is definitely on the cards for the future.

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