Financial Risk Specialists

Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.

$101,910
Median Annual Pay
Jobs growth:
+6% projected 2024–2034
Bachelor's degree
Typical Entry-Level Education

What They Do

Financial risk specialists spend their days analyzing data and market trends to identify potential threats to their organization's financial health. They examine investment portfolios, loan applications, and market conditions to calculate how much risk the company faces from various sources like credit defaults, currency fluctuations, or economic downturns. Much of their work involves building complex financial models using specialized software, running simulations to test different scenarios, and preparing detailed reports that explain their findings to senior management.

These professionals typically work in office settings at banks, insurance companies, investment firms, or large corporations with significant financial holdings. They collaborate closely with traders, portfolio managers, and executives to develop strategies that protect assets while still allowing the organization to pursue profitable opportunities. The role requires monitoring global financial news constantly and responding quickly when markets shift unexpectedly.

Success in this field demands strong analytical abilities and comfort with advanced mathematics and statistics. Financial risk specialists need sharp attention to detail, as small errors in their calculations can have major consequences. They must also communicate complex technical concepts clearly to decision-makers who may not have the same level of financial expertise. Critical thinking and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential.

Programs That Prepare You

College programs linked to this occupation, ranked by graduate earnings

Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)University of Pennsylvania, PA
$216,287
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Dartmouth College, NH
$207,886
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Massachusetts Institute of Technology, MA
$204,731
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(professional)University of California-Berkeley, CA
$202,958
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Columbia University in the City of New York, NY
$197,821
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)University of Chicago, IL
$190,915
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)New York University, NY
$178,835
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Georgetown University, DC
$173,832
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Carnegie Mellon University, PA
$169,421
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)University of California-Los Angeles, CA
$169,099
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Vanderbilt University, TN
$154,552
Business/Managerial Economics(masters)Suffolk University, MA
$153,437
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(grad-cert)University of Southern California, CA
$147,832
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)University of California-Davis, CA
$144,086
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(professional)University of Notre Dame, IN
$140,570
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Northwestern University, IL
$140,444
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)University of San Francisco, CA
$138,031
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Vanderbilt University, TN
$135,520
Applied Mathematics(masters)Vanderbilt University, TN
$134,475
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Indiana University-Bloomington, IN
$130,003
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)University of Rochester, NY
$127,604
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)Southern Methodist University, TX
$126,888
Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods(masters)Texas A&M University-College Station, TX
$124,605
Finance and Financial Management Services(masters)University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI
$122,802
Finance and Financial Management Services(bachelors)University of Pennsylvania, PA
$122,698

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