Operational Risk Management Framework: What Is It and Why Do You Need It?

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    Did you know that over 40% of organizations reported experiencing three or more critical risk events in the last year? This fact shows the importance of a good Operational Risk Management (ORM) Framework, which helps handle risks from inside mistakes, human errors, and outside events.

    With rules from groups like the Basel Committee getting stricter, an ORM framework is essential. It helps spot and check risks and guides you in making strong risk management plans. This framework makes your business run better, helps you make smart choices, and keeps your profits safe.

    What is an Operational Risk Management Framework?

    An Operational Risk Management Framework (ORMF) helps organizations manage risks from inside and outside. It helps reduce losses and contributes to growth and improvement. Knowing what ORM is requires a systematic approach to risk management.

    This framework focuses on risks specific to your company. It's not about big strategic or reputation risks. Being specific helps companies tailor their risk management to their unique challenges. To manage ORM well, you need to carefully check and evaluate risks. This helps you set up the right controls to lessen risks.

    Knowing how an operational risk management framework works helps companies deal with complex issues. With a good ORM, companies can stay strong against disruptions. This helps them reach their goals.

    Components of Operational Risk Management Framework

    Each component of the ORM framework helps create a strong strategy to improve risk awareness and governance. Here’s what they are:

    Components of Operational Risk Management Framework

    Organizational Structure and Resourcing

    A solid organizational structure ensures everyone knows their role and who is in charge, helping your team handle operational risks well.

    Providing enough resources allows people at all levels to actively participate in risk governance, making the whole process more effective.

    Supporting Infrastructure

    Your organization needs the right tools and technology to support risk management. These tools help you monitor risks and act quickly. For example, data analytics software can help spot and prevent threats.

    Risk Management Policies

    Detailed risk management policies set the rules for identifying and reducing risks, guide employees in managing risks well, and help build a culture of carefulness and awareness.

    Authority and Governance

    A strong authority and governance framework ensures that actions match the organization's goals and everyone is accountable. Getting the right people involved in risk governance leads to better decisions.

    Operational Processes

    Operational processes cover the daily activities needed for the ORM framework. They focus on ongoing risk assessment and following rules. This keeps you ahead of potential risks. Regular updates to these processes align your goals with risk management efforts.

    Component Description Benefits
    Organizational Structure A clear hierarchy of responsibilities Better accountability and efficient risk management
    Supporting Infrastructure Technological tools for risk analysis Proactive risk monitoring and response capabilities
    Risk Management Policies Standards for risk identification Fosters a culture of compliance and awareness
    Authority and Governance Framework for oversight and alignment Improved decision-making and accountability
    Operational Processes Day-to-day risk management activities Ongoing assessment and alignment with objectives

     

    Why is an Operational Risk Management Framework Important?

    An ORM framework helps protect your organization from threats. It prevents financial losses, damage to reputation, and disruptions. It also creates a culture of vigilance, making it easier for employees to spot and report risks.

    This awareness helps make smart decisions and plan ahead. A strong ORM framework ensures that your organization stays secure and follows the law. It also lowers the risk of problems that could hurt your operations or profits.

    Knowing about operational risks helps you tackle vulnerabilities early. This makes a safe place for employees and stakeholders.

    Aspect With ORM Framework Without ORM Framework
    Financial Stability Reduced financial losses and improved budget management Increased financial risks leading to erratic budgets
    Reputation Management Proactive reputation safeguarding through risk awareness Reactive measures increase reputational damage
    Compliance Streamlined adherence to regulatory demands Higher risk of audits and penalties
    Strategic Planning Data-driven decision-making aligned with risk intelligence Uninformed decisions potentially leading to business failure
    Cultural Impact Culture of risk awareness and accountability Indifference towards managing risks

    Benefits of an Operational Risk Management Framework

    Using an operational risk management (ORM) framework brings many benefits. It makes your organization work better. It helps you use your risk management plans well, leading to better business performance and less risk.

    Improved Awareness of Operational Risks

    With an ORM framework, you get a better view of the risks in your work. This helps you spot and manage threats early, keeping your organization safe.

    Reduced Organizational Stress

    Clear risk management means less worry for employees. When everyone knows their part, they can do their jobs well. This makes the workplace more productive.

    Improved Decision-Making

    Good risk assessment leads to better decisions. Looking at risks helps you make choices that meet your goals. This makes your business perform better.

    Improved Product Performance and Brand Recognition

    Being efficient means your products work better, making customers happy. A good ORM framework also makes your brand more known. Happy customers tell others about your products.

    Stronger Relationships with Customers and Stakeholders

    Effective risk management fosters trust with customers and stakeholders. Demonstrating a strong commitment to risk management strengthens these relationships and shows that you value their confidence and security.

    Increased Investor Confidence

    Investors like organizations that manage risks well. An ORM framework shows you're serious about safety and good management. This means more investors trust you and might give you money.

    Improved Performance Reporting

    Tracking risks well gives you a clear view of your business's performance. This makes your reports more accurate, and you get the information that needs to be improved.

    More Accurate Financial Forecasting

    With risks under control, you can predict finances more accurately. This helps with budgeting and planning. It keeps your operations in line with your goals.

    Competitive Advantage

    A detailed ORM framework puts you ahead of competitors who don't manage risks well. Using an ORM framework gives you a lasting edge in the market.

    Benefits of an Operational Risk Management Framework

    How Can Organizations Build a Robust ORM Framework?

    A strong Operational Risk Management (ORM) framework needs a step-by-step plan. These steps help in making a detailed ORM structure. This structure helps in reducing risks and improving how things work.

    Risk Identification

    The first step is to do deep checks to determine what risks your organization might face. This will help you detect weak spots and set a foundation for better risk management.

    Define Risk Appetite

    Defining risk appetite helps guide decisions. It also ensures that your operations match your goals, improving your efficiency.

    Risk and Control Self-Assessment and Mitigation

    This part is about checking how well controls work and finding areas that need improvement. Risk and control self-assessments help you learn how well your current plans work. You can then make changes to lower risks.

    Collect and Process Loss Data

    Collecting data on past losses data helps in making better decisions. Looking at this data can help organizations spot trends in operational risks. This helps improve their ORM framework based on real facts, leading to smarter risk management.

    Integrate ORM into Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC)

    Ensure the ORM framework works well with your governance and compliance plans. Integrating ORM into GRC means managing risks in a unified way. This leads to more consistent policies and better risk oversight in the organization.

    How Can Organizations Build a Robust ORM Framework

    Challenges of Operational Risk Management Framework Implementation

    Implementing an ORM framework presents many challenges for companies. People may resist change if they're used to old ways, and adding operational risk management to daily work can be difficult.

    Getting senior management on board is tough. Without their support, ORM might not get the resources it needs. Not having enough money or the right skills makes building a strong framework hard.

    Operational risks keep changing. New tech and rules often change the game, making it hard for companies to keep up with ORM in different areas.

    To beat these implementation hurdles, communicate clearly with everyone. Training helps people deal with these issues better. Also, using technology and resources is vital for ORM success.

    How Kohezion Can Help You Build an Operational Risk Management Framework

    Kohezion ORM solutions provide a full platform for this goal, helping organizations manage operational risk better. Their approach makes risk assessment, tracking, and reporting easier, improving data quality and visibility.

    Kohezion's risk management technology provides easy-to-use interfaces and powerful analytics for better decisions. The platform ensures that your risk management meets regulatory standards and promotes a proactive risk culture in your company. This mix of tools gives you what you need for full operational risk management.

    Using Kohezion ORM solutions helps your business spot and reduce risks, making operations safer. Focusing on practical insights and data-driven solutions creates a culture of ongoing improvement, strengthening your risk management framework.

    Conclusion

    Creating an Operational Risk Management Framework is key for companies wanting to protect their work from many risks every day. It shows how important it is to know the different parts, benefits, and ways to make a strong ORM framework. This knowledge helps you handle risks well, improve performance, and follow the rules.

    As your company deals with a complex business world, having a detailed ORM framework helps you stay strong and ready for the future. ORM practices help make better decisions, build a culture of excellence, and support growth. Using these practices, you protect your work and make your company more respected and trusted by others.

    If you're ready to build a robust Operational Risk Management Framework that will protect your business and improve your company's reputation, contact Kohezion today to learn how our solutions can support your risk management needs.

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    Operational risks are risks that arise from the day-to-day activities of a business. Some common examples include:

    • System Failures: Breakdowns in IT systems or software that disrupt operations.
    • Human Error: Mistakes made by employees, such as data entry errors or miscommunication.
    • Fraud: Internal or external fraudulent activities, such as theft or unauthorized transactions.
    • Supply Chain Disruptions: Interruptions in the supply chain due to supplier issues or transportation delays.
    • Regulatory Changes: New laws or regulations that require the business to change its processes or operations.
    • Natural Disasters: Events like floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes that can damage physical assets and disrupt business operations.

    Operational Risk Management (ORM) focuses on managing risks arising from a business's day-to-day operations. It deals with risks like system failures, human errors, and fraud that can affect operations' efficiency and effectiveness.

    Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), on the other hand, is a broader approach that covers all types of risks a business might face, including strategic, financial, and operational risks. ERM takes a holistic view of the organization's risk landscape and seeks to identify, assess, and manage risks across all business areas to achieve strategic goals.

    In short, while ORM concentrates on operational risks, ERM looks at the bigger picture and addresses risks across the entire organization.

    An Operational Risk Management (ORM) Framework encourages a proactive approach to identifying and handling risks, which contributes to shaping company culture. When risk awareness is part of everyday operations, employees become more alert and responsible, understanding why compliance and safety matter. This increased awareness can lead to better communication, teamwork, and shared responsibility throughout the organization. As a result, the company culture shifts to prioritize risk management, improving performance, and making the company more resilient.

    Yes, small businesses can benefit greatly from an ORM Framework. It helps them identify and reduce risks that might otherwise have a big impact on their limited resources. Carefully assessing risks and implementing controls can help small businesses avoid costly disruptions and work more efficiently. A formal ORM Framework can also increase credibility with clients, partners, and investors, giving the business a competitive advantage and opening up new opportunities.

    Organizations often encounter several challenges when implementing an ORM Framework:

    • Resistance to Change: Employees and managers might resist new processes, especially if they think these changes are difficult or unnecessary.
    • Resource Allocation: Finding enough resources, such as time, staff, and money, to develop and maintain the ORM Framework can be difficult, especially for smaller organizations.
    • Data Collection and Analysis: Collecting accurate and complete data on risks and losses can be challenging, especially if the organization lacks the right tools or expertise.
    • Integration with Existing Systems: Ensuring the ORM Framework works well with existing systems for governance, risk, and compliance can be complex and require careful planning.
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