SAS Forum, STOCKHOLM (May 22, 2007) – Financial services firms rank performance management and regulatory compliance as equal drivers of enterprise risk management (ERM) systems according to a global survey of 410 financial services executives. Also, most financial institutions anticipate significant business rewards from ERM systems: improved performance management and reduced capital allocation and credit loss.The results of the study conducted by Chartis Research and SAS, the leader in business intelligence, were unveiled today at SAS Forum 2007 in Stockholm.

Although many firms expect ERM to generate significant benefits, only 26 percent of the financial institutions participating in the survey said they had a well-formulated and well-communicated ERM strategy, with a clear timetable for implementation. Even more telling: 25 percent of respondents had no current strategy or plans regarding ERM.

According to the executives surveyed, data quality and data management continue to be the biggest obstacles to successful implementation of an ERM system. Traditional silo-based approaches to managing risks are not providing the value that can be realized with integrated and consolidated risk management systems and processes, which result in reduced costs and improved performance. Survey respondents supported linking different risk systems into a single technology environment, providing an enterprisewide, holistic and integrated view of all risks.

The survey also found that credit risk management is still the top risk management spending priority for most firms, with exposure to credit losses gaining in importance. In addition, 60 percent of respondents said ERM programs would enable them to reduce their economic capital allocation over the next 24 months, with an average estimated reduction of 8 percent. The key contributor to this reduction was improved credit risk management.

Furthermore, market risk and financial crime have emerged as key priorities. The resurrected focus on market risk is driven by a desire to replace legacy systems that lack scalability and speed. In addition, counter-fraud initiatives have seen an increased investment in areas such as lending, credit/debit card, internal, and insurance fraud. Also, the insurance industry has shown a renewed interest in ERMthat is related to the general convergence of insurance and banking sectors and the cross-fertilization of risk management methodologies.

“This survey confirms that financial services companies are aiming to have a more integrated and systematic approach to ERM,” said David Rogers, SAS’ Global Product Marketing Manager for Risk. “Institutions are realizing that a flexible technology architecture based on a single risk intelligence platform with superior data integration techniques is critical for a successful, long-term ERM program.”

For a summary of the survey results, please visit this page. Please visit SAS Risk Intelligence for more information.

Today’s announcement came at SAS Forum 2007 – An Executive Conference that brings together C-level executives and a group of the world’s most respected thought leaders.

About Chartis Research
Chartis Research is the leading provider of research and analysis on the global market for risk technology. Our goal is to support enterprises as they drive business performance through better risk management, corporate governance and compliance. We help clients make informed technology and business decisions by providing in-depth analysis and actionable advice on virtually all aspects of risk technology. www.chartis-research.com.