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What does a Risk Analyst do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A risk analyst is a professional who uses data and analytics to assess and manage risk. Risk analysts typically work in the financial, insurance, and healthcare industries. They use their skills to identify potential risks, quantify them, and develop strategies to mitigate or avoid them.

Risk Analyst job duties include:

  • Conducting research and analysis on current and prospective investments
  • Identifying and quantifying investment risks
  • Creating models to evaluate the risk and return of investments
  • Monitoring economic, political, and market trends that could affect investments
  • Analyzing financial statements to identify companies with high default risk
  • Researching the impact of new laws and regulations on investments
  • Collaborating with other analysts to develop investment recommendations
  • Presenting findings to clients or senior management
  • Maintaining updated knowledge of industry trends

Risk Analyst Job Requirements

Risk analysts typically have a bachelor's degree in a quantitative field such as mathematics, finance, or economics. Some employers may require certification in risk management from a professional organization such as the Global Association of Risk Professionals. Risk analysts typically have 2-5 years of experience working with data and financial models.

Risk Analyst Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Probability and statistics
  • Finance
  • Decision analysis
  • Economics
  • Mathematics
  • Computer science
  • Operations research
  • Actuarial science
  • Business administration
  • Risk management

Related: Top Risk Analyst Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Risk Analyst

A risk analyst is a professional who helps organizations identify, assess and manage risks. Risks can come from a variety of sources, including financial, operational, legal, reputational and political. A risk analyst must have strong analytical and problem-solving skills to identify risks and develop strategies to mitigate them.

There is no one specific path to becoming a risk analyst. Many professionals in this field have degrees in business, finance or economics. Others may have backgrounds in accounting, insurance or risk management. Some risk analysts may even have degrees in mathematics or computer science.

The most important skill for a risk analyst is the ability to think creatively and analytically about problems. A successful risk analyst must be able to identify potential risks before they materialize and develop plans to mitigate them.

If you are interested in becoming a risk analyst, there are a few things you can do to improve your chances of success. First, try to get as much experience as possible working with data and analytics. This will help you develop the skills you need to identify risks. Second, take courses in finance and economics to learn more about how businesses operate and make decisions. Finally, try to network with professionals in the field to get insights into the day-to-day work of a risk analyst.

Related: Risk Analyst Resume Example

Related: Risk Analyst Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

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Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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