Chief Risk Officer

Chief Risk Officer job description

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief Risk Officer (CRO) is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the organisation’s risk management framework. In the financial services sector, this role plays a critical function in safeguarding the business by identifying, assessing, and mitigating financial, operational, and regulatory risks.

Chief Risk Officer duties and responsibilities of the job

Key responsibilities of a typical Chief Risk Officer in the financial services sector include:

Designing and leading the enterprise risk management strategy to align with regulatory requirements and business objectives

Ensuring compliance with APRA’s CPS 220, CPS 510, and CPS 230 standards for risk management, governance, and operational resilience

Overseeing risk governance structures and ensuring effective risk identification, assessment, mitigation, and reporting processes

Leading the development of risk appetite statements, stress testing scenarios, and key risk indicators (KRIs)

Managing regulatory relationships and ensuring compliance with frameworks including APRA, ASIC, Basel III, AML/CTF, and other applicable standards

Providing strategic risk insights to the Board, CEO, and executive leadership through clear reporting and advisory

Embedding a strong risk culture across the organisation through training, frameworks, and active leadership

Supervising risk teams across operational risk, credit risk, market risk, compliance, and internal audit functions

Overseeing business continuity planning, crisis management, and response to emerging risks

Supporting strategic initiatives and major projects by evaluating associated risk exposure and advising on mitigation strategies

Monitoring third-party and outsourcing risks, particularly under CPS 231 and CPS 234

Leading the organisation’s approach to non-financial risks such as cyber risk, ESG risk, conduct risk, and reputational risk

Ensuring data quality and governance frameworks support risk reporting and decision-making

This role is suited to senior risk executives with deep regulatory knowledge, strong stakeholder management, and a proven ability to lead risk in complex, fast-paced financial environments.

Typical Chief Risk Officer job qualifications and requirements

A degree in finance, economics, law, risk management, or a related field is essential. Postgraduate qualifications (e.g. MBA, CFA) or certifications such as FRM or PRM are highly regarded. Extensive experience in senior risk, compliance, or governance roles within the financial services sector is required.

Key skills and attributes for success in this role include:

Deep understanding of regulatory frameworks (e.g. APRA, ASIC, Basel III, AML/CTF) and enterprise risk management principles

In-depth knowledge of APRA prudential standards (e.g. CPS 220, CPS 510, CPS 230, CPS 234) and their practical application

Proven ability to develop and lead organisation-wide risk strategies and frameworks

Strong leadership and board-level stakeholder engagement experience

Commercial acumen with the ability to balance risk and growth objectives

Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills

High level of integrity and sound judgement under pressure

Clear and persuasive communication skills, both written and verbal

Experience overseeing non-financial risks such as cyber, ESG, conduct, and reputational risk

Familiarity with risk aspects of capital management, ICAAP processes, and stress testing frameworks

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Salary for Chief Risk Officer

242500 - 390000

25th Percentile

242500

The candidate has little or no prior experience in the position and is still developing relevant skills.

50th Percentile

292500

The candidate has an average level of experience and has most of the necessary skills.

75th Percentile

390000

The candidate has above-average experience, has most or all the necessary skills and may have specialised qualifications.

Salary range based on three percentiles The starting salaries represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation.

Projected salaries for related positions

Position title

25th Percentile

50th Percentile

75th Percentile

Operational Risk Analyst

73000

107000

127000

Operational Risk Manager

126500

146500

156500

Senior Operational Risk Manager

155500

171000

195000

Head of Operational Risk

194000

224500

263500

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