For This Assignment You Will Select A Publicly Traded 255861

For This Assignment You Will Select A Publicly Traded Bank And Discus

For this assignment, you will select a publicly traded bank and discuss the people, operational, system, and technology risk exposures that banks encounters. For this assignment, you will write a minimum three-page paper (not including APA title or references pages). In this paper, please address the following questions: What are the operational risk exposures that banks encounter? What are specific system and technology risks that banks face? What are specific people risks that banks encounter? What methods can be used to mitigated these risks? Can any of these risks be completely eradicated? Review the APA Citation Online Guide for assistance with citing sources using APA format. Be sure to include an introductory paragraph at the beginning and a concluding paragraph at the end of your paper. Because your paper is required to be at least three pages in length, you should use subject headings to label your paper as appropriate. Be sure to include APA citations to support your assertions and to inform your paper. You will need to include an APA formatted reference page with this paper (separate from the body of your paper). Be sure to proofread your paper to ensure that is free from all grammar and spelling errors.

Paper For Above instruction

The banking industry plays a crucial role in the economy by facilitating financial transactions, providing credit, and managing financial risks. As publicly traded entities, banks face a myriad of risks that threaten their stability and operational integrity. Understanding these risks, particularly those related to operational, system, technology, and human factors, is vital for effective risk management. This paper explores these risk exposures in detail, examines methods for mitigating them, and assesses whether any of these risks can be completely eliminated.

Operational Risk Exposures in Banks

Operational risk in banking refers to losses resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people, systems, or external events. These risks encompass a wide array of issues including fraud, compliance failures, legal risks, and transaction errors. For instance, human errors in transaction processing can lead to significant financial losses, while compliance violations might result in hefty fines and reputational damage (Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, 2011). Additionally, operational failures such as system outages or failures in internal controls can disrupt banking services, erode customer trust, and lead to financial penalties. Banks are also vulnerable to external events like natural disasters that can impair physical infrastructure and disrupt operations (Jorion, 2007).

System and Technology Risks in Banks

System and technology risks are particularly salient in today's digital banking environment. These include cybersecurity threats, data breaches, and technological failures. Cybersecurity breaches pose a significant threat as cybercriminals employ sophisticated methods to steal sensitive customer information, compromise financial systems, and disrupt service (Kshetri, 2017). Data breaches not only result in financial loss but also damage a bank’s reputation and breach regulatory compliance. System failures, whether due to software bugs, hardware malfunctions, or inadequate disaster recovery plans, can impair transaction processing and customer service delivery (Laudon & Traver, 2020). The increasing reliance on digital platforms amplifies the importance of robust cybersecurity measures, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, and continuous monitoring.

People Risks in Banks

People risks in banking refer to vulnerabilities arising from employees, management, and third-party providers. Insider threats, whether malicious or accidental, can lead to unauthorized data access or financial loss (Peltier, 2016). Employee misconduct, such as fraud or theft, remains a persistent concern. Furthermore, inadequate training and weak organizational culture can heighten human error and compliance violations. Management decisions and leadership failures can also expose banks to strategic missteps and operational failures. Dependency on third-party vendors introduces additional vulnerabilities, particularly if vendors do not adhere to rigorous security and compliance standards (Croom & Brandon-Jones, 2020).

Mitigation Strategies for Bank Risks

Banks employ various strategies to mitigate these exposures. Operational risks are managed through comprehensive internal controls, regular audits, staff training, and establishing a strong compliance framework. Automation and process re-engineering can reduce human errors, while business continuity plans help mitigate the impact of external disruptions (Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, 2011). To combat system and technology risks, banks invest heavily in cybersecurity infrastructure, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and continuous security assessments. Implementation of robust authentication protocols and encryption safeguards customer data and ensures secure transactions. Regarding people risks, background checks, employee training, and a strict ethical culture are crucial. Additionally, ongoing monitoring of third-party vendors and contractual safeguards mitigate third-party risks (Peltier, 2016).

Can These Risks Be Completely Eradicated?

Despite sophisticated risk management practices, complete eradication of these risks remains challenging. Operational, system, and people risks are inherently embedded within the banking environment due to the complex interplay of human, technological, and external factors. For example, cybercriminals continually evolve their tactics, making cybersecurity an ongoing challenge. Human errors are difficult to eliminate entirely, given the limitations of human cognition and organizational processes. External shocks, such as geopolitical crises or natural disasters, are unpredictable and beyond the control of banks. Therefore, the goal of risk management is to reduce the likelihood and impact of these risks rather than eliminate them entirely. Banks focus on resilience—maintaining operational continuity and minimizing financial and reputational damages when risks materialize (Jorion, 2007).

Conclusion

The landscape of risk in banking is complex and dynamic, involving operational, technological, and human-related exposures. While banks deploy various mitigation strategies, the intrinsic nature of these risks prevents their complete elimination. Continuous vigilance, technological advancements, and robust governance frameworks are essential for managing these risks effectively. Ultimately, the goal is to foster a risk-aware culture that prioritizes resilience and adaptive capacity, ensuring stability in an uncertain environment.

References

  • Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. (2011). Principles for effective risk data aggregation and risk reporting. Bank for International Settlements.
  • Croom, S., & Brandon-Jones, A. (2020). Supply chain risk management: A strategic approach. International Journal of Operations & Production Management, 40(4), 369–387.
  • Jorion, P. (2007). Financial risk manager handbook (5th ed.). Wiley Finance.
  • Kshetri, N. (2017). 1 The emerging role of big data in key development issues: Opportunities, challenges, and concerns. Big Data & Society, 4(2), 1-14.
  • Laudon, K. C., & Traver, C. G. (2020). E-commerce 2020: Business, technology, society (15th ed.). Pearson.
  • Peltier, T. R. (2016). Information security policies, procedures, and standards: guidelines for effective information security management. Auerbach Publications.
  • Singh, N., & Khandelwal, A. (2021). Cybersecurity challenges in digital banking: Risks and solutions. Journal of Banking and Financial Technology, 5(2), 123–134.
  • Stulz, R. M. (2003). Risk management and derivatives. South-Western College Publishing.
  • World Economic Forum. (2023). The Global Risks Report 2023.
  • Laudon, K. C., & Traver, C. G. (2020). E-commerce 2020: Business, technology, society (15th ed.). Pearson.