RISK MANAGEMENT AT STRATEGIC LEVEL: THE CASE OF ETHIOPIAN PRIVATE COMMERCIAL BANKS

Abstract

Risk management has become a highly discussed topic in recent years, Regulatory changes have been the main driver and influence on risk management practices. This study reviews theories and models of strategic risk management, as well as the main standards and regulations on risk management through stratified random sampling method. The data were gathered using questionnaire and face-to-face semi structured interview questions. The questionnaires were distributed to selected commercial banks related to Risk Management department managers & staff at the head office and the interview was conducted with the Board of Directors and Corporate Risk Management of the bank. The results from the questionnaire were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the results from the interview were narrated and quantatively analyzed, Descriptive study is chosen as it enabled the researcher to describe the current risk management practice at the strategic level. The study focused on selected private commercial Banks in Ethiopia, namely, NIB International Bank S.C, Abyssinia Bank S.C and United Bank S.C, Enat Bank S.C, Abay Bank S.C, Birhan International Bank S.C by using primary and secondary data and the results were conclusive that risk management in Ethiopian Private Banks are implemented significant structural changes with the responsibility of all department such as managers, department heads and staff within their area if business - which were different based on the size of a bank - while behavioral changes seem to be taking longer. The evidence shows that Corporate Risk Management (CRM) is becoming more holistic, more independent, less dependent on models and more integrated with other operations. The study confirms that there is a clear shift from CRM by numbers to holistic CRM. That is obvious as banks of all sizes are considering all risks (including non-quantifiable risks), and adopting a more systematic and strategic view of risks inherent in the aggregate market that cannot be solved by diversification such as recessions, wars, interest rates and others that cannot be avoided through a diversified portfolio. The findings suggest that, by adopting effective risk management, improving corporate governance practices, and adhering to regulations, Ethiopian private banks can improve their performance. The study concludes that risk management is becoming an integral part of strategy formulation. Finally, how to implement a risk management culture remains to be the most significant issue, but also the most significant improvement opportunity in the field of risk management.