Background of the Study
Effective risk management is essential for maintaining the stability and profitability of banks, particularly in the realm of credit portfolio management. First City Monument Bank (FCMB) has adopted an integrated risk management framework designed to improve credit portfolio performance by proactively identifying and mitigating credit risks. This approach involves the convergence of advanced analytics, real-time monitoring systems, and comprehensive risk assessment models to provide a holistic view of credit risk exposures (Uche, 2023).
Integrated risk management enables FCMB to align its credit assessment processes with market dynamics and regulatory requirements. By consolidating data from various sources and employing predictive analytics, the bank can identify early warning signs of potential defaults and adjust its lending strategies accordingly. This integration not only improves the quality of the credit portfolio but also enhances profitability by reducing non-performing loans and optimizing risk-adjusted returns (Ayo, 2024). Additionally, the holistic approach facilitates better strategic decision-making and supports continuous improvements in credit underwriting processes.
The evolving regulatory landscape further underscores the need for integrated risk management practices. With regulators demanding greater transparency and accountability, banks must adopt robust risk management frameworks that can adapt to changing market conditions. FCMB’s strategy reflects a proactive effort to meet these regulatory challenges while also harnessing the benefits of technology to drive operational efficiency. Recent literature suggests that banks with integrated risk management systems are better positioned to achieve sustainable credit portfolio performance and maintain a competitive edge (Chidera, 2025).
However, despite these advantages, significant challenges remain. The complexity of integrating diverse risk management tools and aligning them with legacy systems can hinder the full realization of performance improvements. This study seeks to investigate the extent to which risk management integration contributes to enhanced credit portfolio performance at FCMB and to identify the key success factors and obstacles involved in this process.
Statement of the Problem
First City Monument Bank’s integrated risk management framework, while promising in theory, faces several practical challenges that may limit its effectiveness in improving credit portfolio performance. One primary issue is the difficulty in achieving seamless integration between new risk management tools and existing legacy systems. This integration gap can result in data inconsistencies and delays in risk detection, ultimately affecting the bank’s ability to manage credit risk in real time (Uche, 2023). Moreover, the complexity of the integrated system may overwhelm traditional credit analysts, leading to potential misinterpretations of risk data.
Another critical problem is the challenge of aligning the integrated risk management system with evolving market conditions and regulatory requirements. Although FCMB has invested heavily in advanced analytics and real-time monitoring, the dynamic nature of credit markets means that the risk assessment models may quickly become outdated, necessitating continuous recalibration. This ongoing need for system updates can strain resources and impede the efficiency of the risk management process (Ayo, 2024).
Furthermore, there is a lack of standardized metrics for evaluating the performance of integrated risk management systems. Without clear benchmarks, it becomes challenging for FCMB to quantify the direct impact of integration on credit portfolio performance. The uncertainty surrounding the measurable benefits of risk management integration not only complicates internal evaluations but also affects investor confidence (Chidera, 2025). This study, therefore, aims to critically assess the effectiveness of FCMB’s integrated risk management framework and identify strategies to overcome these challenges, ensuring that the benefits of integration are fully realized.
Objectives of the Study
Research Questions
Research Hypotheses
Scope and Limitations of the Study
The study focuses on FCMB’s integrated risk management practices and their impact on credit portfolio performance. Limitations include potential biases in internal data, challenges in isolating the effects of integration from external market factors, and the evolving nature of regulatory requirements.
Definitions of Terms
Background of the Study:
Youth participation in electoral processes has become a vital element for vibrant democracy, espec...
ABSTRACT
The subject of this research investigation is “The Role of Internal Auditor and the method of Internal Co...
Background of the study:
Infrastructural decay has emerged as a critical factor influencing urban crime dynamics in many Ni...
Background of the Study
Tourism is a significant contributor to economic development, fostering cultural exchange, job c...
Immunization remains one of the most cost-effective public health interventio...
Background of the Study
Land disputes in Asaba, Oshimili South Local Government Area, have increasingly become a flashpoin...
BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
The historical background of conflict in organization can be seen as far back a...
AN ASSESSMENT OF PROTEST MESSAGES ON BILLBOARDS IN INFLUENCING PUBLIC OPINION AND POLITICAL DISCOURSE&nbs...
Background of the Study
Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are vital to the economic development of many nations, including Nigeri...
Background of the Study
School gardens have increasingly become innovative platforms for experiential learning, particularl...