In the face of many levels of uncertainty such as credit growth, the financial markets, the banking environment, and the continuation (and eventual reversal) of unorthodox monetary policies, interest rate risk (IRR) management presents challenges for financial institutions of all sizes. In particular, institutions face the challenge of generating higher net interest income (NII) while maintaining IRR levels within acceptable limits.
Oliver Wyman recently performed an industry survey on interest rate risk management across a group of eighteen North American banks. The survey set out to examine how banks are responding to uncertainty through their IRR management and measurement practices. In this report, The State of Interest Rate Risk Management, we present salient conclusions from our observations and experiences, point out avenues that will shape the evolution of industry practices, and provide a summary checklist for financial institutions. We also discuss implications for balance sheet management in an era characterized by a myriad of market and regulatory constraints pressuring banks.
