As geopolitical tensions, digital transformation and regulatory expectations continue to reshape the banking sector, resilience has become a key strategic priority for banks. At BIL, Risk Management teams promote a forward-looking approach that supports the Bank’s transformation while safeguarding long-term stability and sustainable growth.
In their 2026-2028 regulatory agenda, that includes the continued implementation of CRR III and CRD VI, the supervisory authorities maintain strong expectations regarding capital adequacy, governance and risk management. These developments are transforming the way risk-weighted assets are calculated, prompting banks to optimise capital allocation across their business lines. While traditional prudential risks remain at the core of regulatory expectations, the scope of Risk Management continues to expand.
Adapting to a new generation of risks
Cyber threats, geopolitical tensions and sustainability challenges are elevating the importance of non-financial risks and requiring new capabilities and greater organisational agility. Regulatory frameworks such as DORA further reinforce expectations around operational resilience, particularly in relation to IT systems, cyber security and third-party providers. As non-financial risks continue to grow in complexity and significance, understanding their potential impact on the Bank’s operations, reputation and long-term sustainability has become a strategic imperative.
For BIL, these changes represent an opportunity not only to reinforce its foundations, but also to strengthen its ability to support clients, allocate capital efficiently, and pursue sustainable growth.
Risk is evolving rapidly in today’s environment. Ten years ago, risk discussions focused primarily on credit and market risk. Today, we must also anticipate cyber threats, operational disruptions, ESG factors and other emerging risks that could affect our clients, our business and the wider financial system.
Jérôme Nèble, Chief Risk Officer, BIL
This broader, more interconnected view of risk calls for a forward-looking approach and close collaboration across all departments of the Bank.
Today’s challenge is not only to understand individual risks. It is to understand how they interact with one another and ensure the Bank is prepared across all dimensions.
From regulatory compliance to strategic advantage
Risk Management is no longer simply about compliance, it is a strategic enabler that supports BIL’s long-term ambitions. By embedding risk awareness into everyday decision-making, the Bank ensures that risk considerations are fully integrated into how it manages its business, serves clients and delivers its strategy.
This commitment is reflected in several strategic initiatives. BIL is strengthening its governance framework and risk culture, reinforcing accountability and transparency across the organisation. At the same time, the Bank is enhancing its data, modelling and risk measurement capabilities through stronger data governance and an updated model strategy.
Capital discipline remains central to BIL’s strategy. The Bank is enhancing the accuracy of its capital and risk calculations while actively managing its non-performing loan portfolio, supporting the continued strength of its balance sheet. In parallel, BIL is refining the way it assesses profitability by incorporating the level of risk associated with activities, products and client relationships. This enables more effective capital allocation, directing resources towards activities that generate sustainable returns while maintaining a prudent risk profile. The approach is supported by a more granular view of client profitability and the active development of synergies across business lines
Effective risk management is not about limiting ambitions. It is about creating the confidence to make the right decisions, seize opportunities, support clients and generate long-term value.
Looking ahead, Jérôme Nèble expects the banking sector to face increasing complexity, requiring institutions to remain agile and forward-looking. A strong risk framework will remain essential to helping BIL navigate change and reinforce its position as a trusted partner for clients, employees and stakeholders.
