Background of the Study:
Risk management is a fundamental aspect of retail banking, essential for ensuring financial stability and safeguarding customer assets. In the dynamic and often volatile Nigerian financial environment, First Bank in Ogun State has implemented comprehensive risk management strategies to mitigate potential threats, including credit risk, market risk, and operational risk. These strategies involve a combination of advanced analytics, robust internal controls, and continuous monitoring systems designed to identify and address risk exposures in real time (Ibrahim, 2024). By proactively managing risks, First Bank aims to minimize non-performing loans, maintain investor confidence, and ensure regulatory compliance. Effective risk management also contributes to customer trust by ensuring that the bank can withstand economic shocks and operational disruptions. Despite these measures, the ever-evolving nature of financial risks, coupled with external economic pressures, presents ongoing challenges. This study examines the risk management strategies employed by First Bank, evaluating their effectiveness in preventing financial losses and enhancing operational resilience. It also explores the integration of risk management practices into the bank’s overall strategic framework, and how these practices influence customer satisfaction and long-term financial performance (Okafor, 2023).
Statement of the Problem:
Although First Bank has developed a multifaceted risk management framework, several challenges continue to impede its effectiveness. Inconsistent risk assessment models, delays in detecting emerging threats, and inadequate integration of risk management into everyday decision-making can lead to financial vulnerabilities. Furthermore, external factors such as economic downturns and regulatory changes exacerbate these risks, potentially leading to increased non-performing assets and operational inefficiencies. The complexity of the risk environment in Nigeria, with its unique socio-economic challenges, means that traditional risk management approaches may not always be sufficient. Additionally, insufficient communication of risk-related policies to both employees and customers can undermine the overall effectiveness of these strategies. This study aims to identify the shortcomings in current risk management practices at First Bank and to assess how these gaps affect the bank’s financial performance and customer confidence. By addressing these issues, the research seeks to propose enhancements that can improve risk mitigation, reduce losses, and ultimately strengthen the bank’s stability (Chinwe, 2023).
Objectives of the Study:
• To evaluate the effectiveness of risk management strategies at First Bank in mitigating financial risks.
• To identify operational and systemic gaps in current risk management practices.
• To recommend improvements for integrating risk management more effectively into bank operations.
Research Questions:
• How effective are the current risk management strategies at First Bank?
• What operational gaps hinder effective risk mitigation?
• What measures can enhance the integration of risk management into day-to-day operations?
Research Hypotheses:
• H₁: Effective risk management strategies significantly reduce financial losses.
• H₂: Operational gaps in risk assessment negatively impact overall risk mitigation.
• H₃: Enhanced integration of risk management practices improves bank stability and customer trust.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study focuses on risk management practices at First Bank in Ogun State, using internal risk reports and performance data. Limitations include the evolving nature of risk factors and potential data limitations in capturing all dimensions of risk.
Definitions of Terms:
• Risk Management: The process of identifying, assessing, and mitigating potential financial threats.
• Non-Performing Loans: Loans that are in default or close to being in default.
• Operational Resilience: The ability of a bank to withstand and recover from disruptions.
Chapter One: Introduction
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