Audit, Risk & Governance · Short course
Risk Appetite and Strategy Masterclass
Risk appetite is a pivotal component of every Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework and is integral to King IV and the emerging King V code specifically — Principle 11 places explicit responsibility on the governing body…
The programme
Programme overview
Risk appetite is a pivotal component of every Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) framework and is integral to King IV and the emerging King V code specifically — Principle 11 places explicit responsibility on the governing body to govern risk in a way that supports the organisation in setting and achieving its strategic objectives. While risk appetite can be a complex concept, it must remain measurable, defensible, and genuinely used in decision-making, not just documented and filed.
Recent research into African risk management practice found that the primary challenge for organisations is not identifying risks — it is embedding risk appetite into everyday decision-making. Regulators and auditors are moving quickly toward a clear expectation: passive delegation of risk to specialised functions is no longer acceptable. Boards and senior management are expected to be actively, demonstrably involved in setting and monitoring risk appetite, with evidence to show it. This masterclass gives you the practical tools to identify, validate, develop, and document risk appetite for real strategic, operational, and financial decisions — and to withstand the scrutiny that active board involvement now invites.
Who should attend
Who is this programme for?
- Directors of the Board and Board Committees
- Senior Management
- Risk Managers and Chief Risk Officers
- Internal and External Auditors
- Audit Committee Members
- Compliance Managers and Teams
- COO and Operations Executives
Learning outcomes
What you will learn
- Develop effective, efficient risk appetite frameworks that align with organisational strategy and objectives, and with King IV/V's Principle 11 on board risk governance
- Implement, evaluate, and enhance existing risk appetite and risk management systems, fostering robust governance
- Move your board from passive risk sign-off to the active, evidence-based risk oversight now expected by regulators
- Quantify and document risk appetite, including AI-assisted approaches to risk appetite modelling and monitoring
- Embed ERM and sound governance principles across the organisation
- Understand the cognitive biases and decision-making dynamics that quietly undermine stated risk appetite in practice
Explore the programme
Detailed programme outline
- Understanding consistent risk appetite vocabulary: risk appetite, risk tolerance, and risk limits
- The regulatory framework underpinning risk appetite: ISO 31000, COSO guidance, OCEG, IRM, and King IV/V's Principle 11 on board risk governance
- The relationship between management and shareholders in decision-making
- Decision quality, conflict of interest, fraud, and the cognitive biases that affect choices
- Where AI-assisted decision support can help, and where it introduces new biases of its own
- Viewing risk appetite through different lenses: as a shareholder, management, and regulatory tool
- Reviewing existing policies and procedures to discern how they reflect risk appetite
- Identifying types of business decisions made by management and associated authority levels
- Ensuring existing risk appetites align with regulatory requirements, risk profiles, and stakeholder expectations
- Addressing “zero tolerance” risks
- Establishing qualitative and quantitative risk limits
- Using AI-assisted tools to model and monitor risk appetite against real-time risk data
- Integrating risk appetite into existing policies and procedures
- Auditing risk management effectiveness and building relationships with internal and external auditors and regulators
Learning approach
How you will learn
Our diverse instructional approaches ensure effective learning:
– Lectures & Presentations: Engage with expert-driven, stimulating content.– Course Material: Access well-crafted supporting resources.– Group Work: Collaborate on discussions and case studies for practical insights.– Workshops & Role-Play: Participate in immersive, scenario-based activities.– Practical Application: Focus on applying theoretical knowledge in real situations.– Post-Training Support: Receive extensive support after training for skill implementation.
Discuss your requirements
Dates, duration & arrangements
Contact Ratomac to confirm dates, duration, delivery format, entry requirements and any applicable assessment or certification before booking.
Enquire about this programme