What Is the Risk Committee?

The risk committee is an independent body created by the board of directors. Its role is to assist the board in formulating the company’s risk strategy and management framework, ensuring protection against major losses.

Purpose of the risk committee

Each new company offering or initiative has inherent risks. The risk committee’s primary purpose is to assess and monitor all potential threats and devise strategies to mitigate them. This proactive approach ensures that the company’s mission and operations remain uninterrupted and safeguarded from adverse impacts.

The committee’s insights offer guidance and support to the board in making informed decisions to protect the company’s assets and reputation.

Roles and responsibilities

The risk committee’s role is pivotal for ensuring the organisation’s long-term stability. Here is a brief overview of its responsibilities:

• Risk identification: Recognising potential risks that could affect the company’s financial health or strategic goals.
• Risk assessment: Evaluating the likelihood and potential impact of identified risks to prioritise and address them.
• Risk mitigation: Developing and implementing a risk management framework and strategies to minimise identified risks, ensuring a proactive approach.
• Risk monitoring and reporting: Assessing the effectiveness of risk mitigation strategies and reporting on risk exposure to the board and relevant stakeholders.
• Compliance and regulatory requirements: Ensuring that all risk management practices align with applicable legal and regulatory standards.

Composition

• Members: There is no fixed number for how many members should sit on the risk committee. Each member must possess relevant experience in the company’s risk management objectives. This includes senior executives, independent directors and experts in risk management, finance, legal and industry-specific knowledge.
• Chair: The committee chair is often an independent director with risk management and finance expertise. They oversee the committee’s operations, lead meetings and serve as a liaison between the committee and the board.
• External advisors: The committee may engage external advisors, such as legal counsel or risk consultants, to provide unique expertise and outside perspectives.

Meeting structure and frequency

The meeting frequency varies depending on the nature, size and risk management needs of the company. Generally, the risk committee members convene quarterly to update threat management activities and address potential risks.

Specific meeting structures, such as agenda-setting, attendance and decision-making are outlined in the committee charter.  

Interaction with other committees

The risk committee works closely with the governance and audit committees to recognise and evaluate operational and reputational risks. It also collaborates with the compliance, safety and finance committees to update compliance practices and ensure their operations align with risk management practices.

Reporting and communication

Internal

The risk committee should review internal reporting practices to understand how effectively risks are conveyed throughout the company. The committee reports on its risk assessment and progress to the board and executive management.

External

The committee also communicates risk-related matters to regulators, investors and external stakeholders, ensuring transparency and accountability.