2024 Rewind: Your Top Bank Risk Reads of the Year
12/19/2024
As we close out 2024, we’re taking a moment to look back at the articles that captured your attention month by month. From rising insurance costs and regulatory shake-ups to the evolving challenges of AI, climate risk, and geopolitical uncertainty, this list of our most-viewed articles highlights the key risks banks faced—and the strategies they employed to tackle them. It’s been a year of rapid change, tough lessons, and a fair share of surprises, and we’re grateful to you, our loyal readers, for sticking with us through all of 2024’s twists and turns. Here’s to tackling whatever uncertainties 2025 has in store—together.
January
The Workout Window: Stressed Out About Office Space
Veteran workout banker Jason Alpert’s no-nonsense advice on tough loan challenges—stressed office buildings, unresponsive borrowers, and habitually late payers—reminds us that a firm hand and clear strategy can keep even the trickiest credit problems in check.
February
PwC’s Kevin Barry and Alex Pflepsen share what banks get right—and where they struggle—when it comes to building better RCSA programs, with insights from an RMA survey. For highlights from the latest RMA RCSA survey report, which was published earlier this month, see the article below.
March
Andrew Mansholt, risk management analyst at Wintrust Financial, outlines how banks can build a robust issue management framework to address governance breakdowns and strengthen risk culture.
April
Seven Key Themes From the 2024 RMA Community Bank Survey
Interest rate pressures, liquidity challenges, and rising cyber threats topped the list of concerns for community banks in 2024, while talent shortages and office real estate risks added to the post-pandemic pressures revealed in this year’s survey.
May
As Insurance Rates Rise, So Does Bank Risk
As rising insurance costs hit homeowners—particularly in disaster-prone areas—banks could face growing credit risk as squeezed household budgets and potential drops in property values threaten loan performance.
June
Pausing To Assess Risk in the Multifamily Construction Boom
Amy Short, director of research at Vertical IQ, RMA’s eMentor partner, examines how a surge in multifamily construction has led to rising vacancy rates and credit risk concerns, as lenders begin to question whether supply has outpaced demand.
July
The Supreme Court Revisits Chevron: What Does It Mean for Banking Regulation?
In a major shake-up for banking regulation, the Supreme Court overturned Chevron deference. Attorneys from Covington & Burling LLP break down what it means for banks navigating future rules, legal challenges, and shifting agency power.
August
For Banks, Marijuana’s Reclassification Could Clear a Path to Lending
As the DEA considers reclassifying cannabis, RMA Senior Editor Michael Bender explores how the shift could reduce banks’ reputational risk, clear tax hurdles for borrowers, and open the door to lending opportunities.
September
Geopolitical Risks on the Rise: Practical Advice for Banks
As geopolitical risks grow—from cyber disruptions to regional instability—experts from global risk consultancy Control Risks share practical advice for banks on mitigating threats and preparing for an unpredictable world.
October
In RMA’s Model Risk Management Survey, A Picture of Banks’ Diligence and Frustrations
This year’s survey highlights banks’ struggles with understaffing, vendor transparency, and emerging risks like AI and climate, even as they ramp up efforts to validate and refine their models.
November
Rising to the Risks of a Changed Industry: Seven Themes From the 2025 RMA CRO Outlook Survey
Survey results show that banks are navigating a faster-moving risk environment, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and ongoing challenges like cyber threats and fraud, while also preparing for emerging risks tied to AI, climate change, and geopolitical instability.
December
Learnings From Risk Appetite’s Evolution and Ideas for the Path Forward
The release of our updated Risk Appetite Workbook reignited interest in this April article, which explores how banks are refining risk appetite frameworks into dynamic tools that guide strategy and risk-taking, with greater attention to non-financial risks like cyber and a stronger focus on operational resilience, amid growing complexity and supervisory expectations.
