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What Is a Risk Analyst and How to Become One

Risk Analyst

What Is a Risk Analyst?

Risk analysts evaluate an organization’s investment portfolio and other business ventures to identify potential losses and find ways to reduce or eliminate those issues. They predict which investments may be a financial risk to the company and suggest alternative funds to purchase instead. Strategies for limiting risk include diversification, currency exchange, and other consistent growth stocks. This career is a high-pressure job since it often involves the handling of large amounts of money and investments, and analysts need to have a strong understanding of the financial market and what risk factors may affect clients.

How to Become a Risk Analyst

To become a risk analyst, you need a bachelor’s degree in finance or a related field. Master’s degree programs are also available to further develop your investment planning, probability, and credit risk management skills. Learn how to research and analyze financial data for potential risk factors. Acquire an entry-level position in the finance industry to gain hands-on experience in stocks and trading. Once you have worked for several years and have proven successful strategies for managing portfolios, seek risk analyst positions. Earning Professional Risk Manager (PRM) certification may open up more job opportunities.

Risk Analyst Job Description Sample

With this Risk Analyst job description sample, you can get a good idea of what employers are looking for when hiring for this position. Remember, every employer is different and each will have unique qualifications when they hire for a Risk Analyst role.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Risk Analyst to help us reduce the potential losses of our company's investments. In this position, you will closely analyze our portfolio and identify assets that have an unfavorable risk-to-gain ratio and offer your insight on how to improve it. You will also help us ensure we are in compliance with any relevant regulations to avoid costly fines. Our ideal applicant has a bachelor's degree in finance and experience in a risk management or mitigation position.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Analyze our investment portfolio to identify high risks
  • Perform due diligence to ensure we are in compliance with any regulations
  • Make recommendations for a better investment strategy
  • Research the market to find safer investments
  • Produce reports on the progress of our portfolio

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in finance
  • Risk analysis experience
  • Strong analytical problem-solving skills
  • Communication and research skills