IBRC annual report for 2011 - Irish Bank Resolution Corporation ...

Irish Bank Resolution Corporation LimitedAnnual Report & Accounts 2011The CRO reports directly to the Group Chief Executive, and also has independent access to the Risk and ComplianceCommittee.GBSM is responsible for the management of balance sheet risks, with particular emphasis on the Bank's current and projectedliquidity, interest rate and foreign exchange risks. Balance sheet risk exposures and related issues, together with mitigationstrategies, are reported to the ALCO and the Risk and Compliance Committees. GBSM is also responsible for ensuring theexecution of approved strategies through the Financial Markets team.Audit CommitteeThe Audit Committee’s role in the Risk Management Framework includes ensuring Group compliance with regulatory,prudential and financial reporting responsibilities. It also reports to the Board on the effectiveness of both financial and nonfinancialcontrol processes operating throughout the Group. The Committee is supported by Group Finance and Group InternalAudit, which are central control functions independent of the business units. Group Internal Audit provides independent,objective assurance as to whether the Group’s Risk Management and Control Framework is appropriate and functioningeffectively.Group RiskGroup Risk is responsible for developing and embedding risk policy, measurement and frameworks to ensure that risk isidentified, managed and controlled across the Bank. The management of risk is a fundamental activity performed throughoutthe Bank, and the adequacy and effectiveness of risk management processes are important elements in achieving a successfulwork-out of the Bank’s business activities. These processes remain subject to continuous review and enhancement.Management of risk is the responsibility of staff at all levels. However, primary responsibility for managing risk and for ensuringadequate controls are in place lies with the Group Risk function. The Group Risk function is responsible for:▪ Supporting senior management and the Board in setting the Group’s risk appetite and policies;▪ Supporting management in business decision making through independent and objective challenge to business unitmanagement of risk and exposures in line with agreed risk appetites;▪ Developing and communicating risk management policies, procedures, appetites and accountabilities; and▪ Analysing, monitoring and reporting risk management information across all risk types and geographies topresent an aggregated view of the Group’s risk appetite to the senior management team and the Risk and ComplianceCommittee.During the year the Group Risk function initiated general improvements as part of an ongoing process review. Teams werereorganised, resulting in a more robust control environment. Some examples include:▪ Formation of a Credit Underwriting Group through the merger of credit risk teams;▪ Formation of a Risk Operating Group through centralisation of a number of teams in order to support management withthe policies and processes required to execute the strategy of the Bank;▪ Centralisation of model development into a single area of expertise; and▪ Formation of a Quality Assurance function (initiated in 2010) which provides an objective and independent assessment ofthe quality of loan portfolios and the effectiveness of the credit risk management processes.Risk appetite and strategyRisk appetite can be defined as the total exposure to risk the Bank is willing to accept in pursuit of its strategic objectives. Thisis outlined in detail in the Bank's Risk Appetite Statement. The Bank has adopted a highly risk-averse attitude to new risktaking, consistent with its obligations to the authorities to discharge the Restructuring Plan approved on 29 June 2011 in amanner that minimises the cost to the Irish State arising from the Bank’s activities. The overall current risk exposure is in linewith the Bank’s risk bearing appetite, as measured by its capacity to absorb further loss, and assuming that there is nosignificant deterioration in core UK and Ireland markets. Nonetheless, reduction in risk exposure will remain a prioritythroughout the resolution process of the Bank.Scenarios and stress testingThe Group uses stress testing as an important instrument in the measurement, monitoring, management and mitigation of itsindividual risks as these arise.However, arising from the ongoing financial crisis and in light of significant new guidance from regulatory bodies, the Bankrevised its Group-wide Stress Testing Framework in 2010. This revised framework addresses all regulatory requirements andtakes cognisance of regulatory guidance and best practice where identified.The Group-wide Stress Testing Framework addresses the risks to which the Bank is exposed arising from its day-to-dayoperations and general business activities across the Group. Therefore, it applies to all of the Bank's business operations acrossall geographies and captures both on-balance sheet and off-balance sheet exposures and trading and hedging positions of theBank.105