Financial Risk Specialists
Financial Risk Specialists analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk that could threaten an organization's assets, earnings, or financial stability. They work in banks, investment firms, insurance companies, and corporations, identifying potential threats and recommending strategies to limit exposure.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against financial risk specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing financial data, building risk models, and monitoring market conditions. Specialists might assess credit exposure from new loans, calculate potential losses under different scenarios, or track changes in interest rates and asset values. They prepare reports for management, investigate unusual activity, and collaborate with traders and loan officers to implement risk controls.
Who this work suits
Holland code CIE. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You work well in this role if you like solving structured problems and digging into data to uncover patterns. You're drawn to systematic analysis and finding practical ways to prevent problems—the conventional and investigative interests that drive people to understand rules and identify risks.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Who is hiring
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $111,310 | $158,320 | $158,320 | 300 |
| Maine | $94,020 | $141,020 | $141,020 | — |
| Delaware | $110,110 | $139,440 | $168,720 | 1,160 |
| New York | $105,140 | $136,830 | $179,630 | 12,060 |
| North Carolina | $99,010 | $132,040 | $167,830 | 3,200 |
| Massachusetts | $90,070 | $130,400 | $169,610 | 1,440 |
| New Jersey | $101,390 | $129,220 | $165,760 | 2,760 |
| California | $100,160 | $129,110 | $168,980 | 5,740 |
| Virginia | $98,430 | $126,510 | $162,270 | 1,770 |
| Washington | $95,000 | $123,150 | $165,520 | 900 |
| Colorado | $90,520 | $120,300 | $157,420 | 1,050 |
| Wyoming | $106,100 | $119,550 | $119,550 | 170 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Associate in Risk Management - Enterprise Wide Risk Management (ARM-E) — The Institutes
- Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) — Global Association of Risk Professionals
- Certified Community Bank Risk Specialist (CCBRS) — Independent Community Bankers of America
- Associate in Risk Management for Public Entities (ARM-P) — The Institutes
- Associate in Risk Management (ARM) — The Institutes
- Professional Risk Manager — Professional Risk Managers International Association
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against financial risk specialists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2054.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.