CROs Report Faster-Moving Risks, Tougher Oversight 

As the banking industry emerges from the shadow of the 2023 regional banking crisis, financial institutions are facing a new reality: with risks evolving faster than ever, many risk teams are taking on a greater role in setting their institutions’ strategies. RMA’s just-released 2025 CRO Outlook Survey reveals that 93% of chief risk officers see addressing the speed of risk as imperative. 

The survey also highlights mounting regulatory scrutiny, with 84% of CROs reporting heightened expectations from supervisors since the crisis. Areas such as liquidity, credit risk, and governance have been under sharper focus. However, regulatory relief seems to be on the way, with President-Elect Trump stressing his desire to ease rules governing the financial industry. 

Here’s more on the survey’s key takeaways: 

• Social media monitoring becomes essential. In response to the 2023 crisis, 40% of CROs have implemented early warning indicator programs, including monitoring social media to detect and mitigate emerging reputational risks in real time. 

• Non-financial risks dominate the agenda. Cybersecurity, fraud, and technology risk rank among the top five concerns for CROs. Sixty-three percent of respondents name cybersecurity as one of their top five risks. Third-party risks are also high on the agenda, reflecting the growing complexity of interconnected systems. 

• The role of CROs in strategy is expanding. Following the crisis, 84% of CROs report being actively involved in shaping organizational strategies, reflecting a heightened focus on integrating risk management into decision-making at all levels. 

The findings of RMA’s 2025 CRO Outlook Survey are based on responses from 177 chief risk officers and senior risk leaders, primarily from North American financial institutions. Conducted in collaboration with Oliver Wyman, the survey captures perspectives from banks navigating post-crisis challenges while balancing perennial risks and emerging disruptions. Respondents represent institutions ranging from under $25 billion in assets to over $1 trillion, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the industry’s risk landscape. 

The full report, available on our website, delves into other top themes, including the rising influence of generative AI on risk management, the complexities of industry consolidation amid regulatory scrutiny, and innovative approaches to managing deposit concentration risks.