Advancing Enterprise Risk Management brochure (PDF)
Learn more about RMA, its products and services, and
its growing global network of chapters.
Founded in 1914, The Risk Management Association (RMA), is a not-for-profit, member-driven professional association, whose sole purpose is to advance the use of sound risk principles in the financial services industry. RMA promotes an enterprise approach to risk management that focuses on credit risk, market risk, and operational risk.
Headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, RMA has 3,000 institutional members that include banks of all sizes as well as nonbank financial institutions. They are represented in the association by over 20,000 risk management professionals who are chapter members in financial centers throughout North America, Europe, and Asia/Pacific.
RMA's strong relationship with members and regulators helps us develop new risk management techniques and innovative products. Our education and training programs are geared to risk management professionals at every stage of their careers. Over 70% of RMA's revenue is derived from providing products and services to members.
Because RMA does not lobby, it has been able to take a leadership role in providing industry input to regulators as they reform the Basel Capital Accord, first instituted in 1988. In so doing, RMA has provided the Basel Committee with a significant body of research outlining the process for estimating economic capital.
With the support of our members, RMA develops leading-edge risk management products, services, and studies, some of which are listed below.
RMA/Wharton Advanced Risk Management Program
The Risk Management Association (RMA), Wharton Executive Education, and The Wharton Financial Institutions Center have partnered to create the first advanced program on risk management for executives. The program meets a critical need in the industry to integrate risk management with financial management and strategy. Institutions will nominate those executives on track to lead or oversee divisional or enterprise-wide risk management functions.
eMentor®
eMentor is RMA's Web-based, comprehensive knowledge management tool for the financial services industry. Continually updated with new information, eMentor is the first integrated source of information on credit and lending processes, concepts, and practices. eMentor also provides information about specific industries.
Annual Statement Studies ®
This consistently reliable source of financial statement benchmarks on private businesses for more than 85 years includes two publications: Financial Ratio Benchmarks and Industry Default Probabilities and Cash Flow Measures.
RMA-Credit Risk Certification
The Risk Management Association is proud to introduce our new Credit Risk Certification Exam. Successful candidates will receive the RMA-Credit Risk Certified (RMA-CRC) designation and be recognized as the "Best in Class" for their exemplary commitment to the field and achievement in passing this challenging examination. To take the RMA-CRC examination, you must have at least three years' experience as a credit professional.
Mentor® Training Curriculum
This trademark program is available online as well as in CD-ROM, as open enrollment courses or on-site courses, and as self-study courses. These include one-day specialized lending workshops (covering specific industries/customers) in the area of credit risk, specific courses like understanding and preventing fraud in operational risk and the fundamentals of asset/liability management in the area of market risk.
Diagnostic Assessment of Credit & Lending Skills
Offered online with immediate scoring results, this test helps financial services professionals identify areas where they need more training.
The RMA Journal ®
The official magazine of RMA – we’ve expanded both format and content to address an array of risk management issues while respecting and preserving the essentials of commercial lending. And ten times a year, our members and subscribers count on the Journal for practical ideas that can help them improve their bottom line.
RMA Conferences and Forums
RMA organizes at least seven issue-specific conferences each year in addition to our Risk Management Conference (each autumn) and the Chapter Leaders Conference (each June). Recognized industry leaders and commentators address the conferences, offering insights into current trends and best practices. Many conferences, such as the Risk Management Conference, also offer programs in specialized tracks geared to specific interests. Click here to see a complete schedule of RMA's conferences and forums.
RMA Round Tables
Each year, RMA holds more than 50 round tables in North America, Europe, and Asia, allowing senior executives to discuss a wide range of industry issues. These events bring together small groups of senior bankers who have common interests in a particular issue.
Benchmarking Studies
With the participation of members, RMA performs studies that help institutions better identify, assess, and manage risks. We then develop commercial and consumer risk data for information and decision products that are available only to study participants.
RMA Leadership
To stay at the forefront of thought leadership in the financial services industry, RMA has assembled a prestigious group of volunteer directors from throughout the industry. The 2007-08 chair is Gerald J. Dent, Executive Vice President & CCO, Zions Bancorporation, and vice chair is Sonny B. Lyles, Executive Vice President & CCO, Sterling Bank.
Join RMA Today
On a local, national, and international level, RMA members get an edge on their competition by networking with their peers at courses, events, and chapter meetings. They also stay informed about the industry through The RMA Journal and the RMA Web site, www.rmahq.org.