Enterprise Risk Management in the US Banking Sector Following the Financial Crisis

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the financial crisis on the management of risk in the largest US banks. Design/Methodology/Approach: Levels of risk exposure, risk consequences and risk management were examined using a content analysis of the 10-K annual reports form of a sample of 59 largest U.S. banks. Paired-t-test, along with frequency analysis of the disclosures of 15 banking risks was used to test our research hypotheses. Findings: We found that the subprime financial crisis had significantly affected the levels of risk exposure and its consequences after the crisis (risks more probable and certain with major consequences). We also found minor but significant changes in the ERM strategies after the crisis for the three major categories of risk investigated in this study (financial, business, strategic). We found that the changes in ERM strategies were not significant for risks examined individually with the exception of credit risk. Finally, the number of banks disclosing their levels of ERM increased after the crisis especially for systemic risk. Practical implications: Our study is particularly relevant for standards setters and regulatory bodies for it sheds light on the vulnerability of banks to certain types of risks (such as systemic risk) and helps them orient their analysis and find comprehensive and innovative solutions for future reform. Originality/Value: This research enriches the literature on ERM disclosures and presents the first study examining the effect of the crisis on ERM levels in the US banking sector.