Operational risk and financial risk are two distinct types of risks that organizations face, each with its own characteristics and implications. Here are the key differences between operational risk and financial risk:

Nature of Risk:

Operational Risk: This type of risk is associated with the potential for loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, systems, people, or external events. Operational risk covers a wide range of non-financial factors, such as human error, technology failures, fraud, legal issues, and external events like natural disasters.

Financial Risk: Financial risk relates specifically to the potential for loss arising from changes in market conditions, such as interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices, and equity prices. It is often associated with the impact on financial performance and the ability to meet financial obligations.

Causes:

Operational Risk: Arises from the day-to-day operations of an organization. It can be caused by internal factors, external factors, or a combination of both.

Financial Risk: Arises from the exposure to financial market fluctuations and uncertainties. It is driven by factors such as market volatility, interest rate changes, and currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Measurement and Quantification:

Operational Risk: It can be challenging to quantify operational risk accurately due to the diverse and sometimes unpredictable nature of operational events. Measurement often involves using models and scenarios.

Financial Risk: Financial risks are often quantified using mathematical models and financial metrics. For example, Value at Risk (VaR) is a common measure for assessing potential losses associated with financial risk.

Mitigation Strategies:

Operational Risk: Mitigation strategies for operational risk often involve improving internal processes, implementing risk management systems, training employees, and having contingency plans in place.

Financial Risk: Strategies to mitigate financial risk may include diversification of investments, using financial derivatives (such as futures and options), hedging, and actively managing exposure to various financial markets.

Focus Area:

Operational Risk: Primarily concerned with the effectiveness and efficiency of internal processes, systems, and human resources within an organization.

Financial Risk: Primarily focused on managing the impact of market fluctuations and uncertainties on the financial position of the organization.

Examples:

Operational Risk: IT system failures, employee errors, fraud, supply chain disruptions, legal and regulatory compliance issues.

Financial Risk: Market risk, interest rate risk, currency risk, credit risk.

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