The risk management function has changed in both expected and surprising ways over the past five years. Accenture’s 2015 Global Risk Management Study has explored the trends and underlying market and business conditions. See our timeline infographic for a look at how the function has changed.

1. 20152005 VS
Looking forward, with
“next day” thinking
Recognizing risk AND inherent opportunity
Aware of a growing range
of emerging risks
More comprehensive definition
of operational risk
Three lines of defense, with fluid
interaction embedded in the business
“Left AND right brain” – creative,
innovative understanding
A balance of control, prevention,
and enablement
Strategic awareness: focused on
long-term business challenges
Increasingly integrated
data sources
Emphasis on digital risks
and opportunities
Decisions informed
by past events
Risk only outlook
Focused on credit, market
and operational risk
Narrow definition
of operational risk
Clear demarcation between
three lines of defense
“Left brain” – quantitative;
analytical approach
Prioritized control
and prevention
Tactical attitude: centered
on day-to-day risks
Spreadsheet-based
management
Digital? What’s digital?
Risk management in 2025
Analytics now permeates
decision making
Rise of the Chief Risk
and Return Officer
Companies are exploring robotics
and artificial intelligence to manage
transactional risks
Risk management is the career
path to the C-suite
Behavior prediction helps to
effectively inform risk management
Single data source drives
reporting and analytics activities
© 2015 Accenture. All rights reserved.
For more information, please visit: www.accenture.com/riskstudy2015
The Risk Landscape