A risk analysis for banks is a systematic process for identifying, evaluating and managing potential dangers that could impair business objectives and operational stability. It covers operational, IT, security and regulatory risks. Independent consulting supports financial institutions in objectively analysing these risks, developing legally compliant measures, and sustainably strengthening the resilience of their infrastructures, based on standards such as MaRisk and BAIT.

Independent expertise for financial institutions in a complex risk landscape

Banks face a constantly growing and evolving risk landscape. A sound risk analysis is therefore essential to ensure operational stability and to meet strict regulatory requirements. Independent consulting offers the decisive advantage of an objective perspective here.

Key Takeaways

  • A comprehensive risk analysis for banks must take a holistic view of operational, IT, telecommunications and physical security risks in order to ensure resilience.
  • Legally compliant implementation of MaRisk, BAIT, KRITIS and DORA requires specialised knowledge and continuous adaptation of risk management strategies.
  • Independent consulting is essential for obtaining objective risk assessments, avoiding manufacturer dependencies, and developing tailored, future-proof solutions.

The financial sector operates in an environment characterised by high dynamism and diverse uncertainties. From global geopolitical shifts and technological innovations to constantly evolving cyber threats, the potential risks for banks are complex and far-reaching. A proactive and thorough risk analysis is therefore not only a regulatory necessity but a fundamental pillar for the long-term stability and competitiveness of every financial institution. The challenge lies not only in recognising these risks but also in developing effective strategies that strengthen operational resilience while ensuring compliance with strict statutory requirements. This is where independent consulting comes in, to guarantee an objective and holistic perspective.

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The multi-layered risk landscape in the banking sector

Banks are systemically important and are therefore subject to particularly intensive scrutiny by supervisory authorities and the public. The risk landscape in which they operate is multi-layered and requires a comprehensive understanding of various risk categories. Traditional risks such as credit and market risks are being supplemented by a growing number of operational, IT-related and physical security risks that can influence and reinforce one another. Operational risks, defined as the risk of losses caused by the failure of people, internal processes, systems, or external events, have grown considerably in importance in recent years. Examples range from staff errors and internal fraud to system failures and service interruptions. A 2018 study by Bain & Company put the worldwide damage from operational risks at 96 internationally active banks between 2011 and 2017 at almost 220 billion US dollars. These figures highlight the need not only to identify operational risks but also to implement preventive measures and increase resilience to disruptions. In addition, there are reputational risks arising from misconduct or security incidents that can permanently damage the trust of customers and investors. The complexity of these risk interdependencies requires a holistic view that goes beyond isolated individual analyses and takes account of the interdependencies between the various risk areas.

Regulatory framework: MaRisk, BAIT and KRITIS as the foundation

Regulation of the banking sector in Germany, Austria and Switzerland is strict and detailed, in order to ensure the stability of the financial system. In Germany, the central pillars are the Minimum Requirements for Risk Management (MaRisk) of the Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (BaFin), which are based on § 25a of the Kreditwesengesetz (KWG). MaRisk sets out a principles-based framework for managing all material risks and was most recently updated in circular 06/2024 (BA). In addition, the Banking Supervisory Requirements for IT (BAIT) specify the requirements for the technical and organisational equipment of financial institutions' IT systems and were most recently revised in circular 10/2017 (BA), version of 16 December 2024. These regulations require banks to have robust information risk management and information security management. Furthermore, financial institutions fall under the Act on the Regulation of Critical Infrastructures (KRITIS), as they are of decisive importance for maintaining economic and social security. The EU's NIS2 Directive and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) will further tighten the requirements for digital operational resilience and bring additional obligations for ICT risk management, the reporting of ICT incidents, and the management of risks from ICT third-party providers. For institutions in Austria, the Resilience Act (RKEG) comes into force, which also places increased demands on security organisation and risk management. Legally compliant implementation of these complex requirements is a permanent challenge that requires continuous adaptation and optimisation of internal processes and systems.

Cyber and IT risks: the biggest challenge for financial institutions

Cyber and IT risks represent the greatest threat to financial institutions. Dependence on complex IT systems and networked infrastructures makes banks attractive targets for cybercriminals. A recent study by the industry association Bitkom puts the damage caused by cybercrime in Germany for 2025 at 202.4 billion euros, an increase of around 20 percent compared with the previous year. A 2025 TÜV cybersecurity study also shows that 15 percent of companies were victims of a successful cyberattack in the past year, with phishing accounting for 84 percent of incidents as the most common method. These figures underline the urgency of implementing robust defence mechanisms and preventive strategies. The risks include not only direct financial losses from fraud or data leaks but also reputational damage, business interruption and the loss of customer trust. An example of the far-reaching effects of IT disruptions was the worldwide outage caused by a software update in July 2024, which also affected banks in Germany and led to problems with online banking and at ATMs. Banking supervision, in particular BaFin, sets explicit requirements for information risk management and information security through BAIT, which go beyond pure technical security and also cover organisational aspects such as IT strategy, IT governance and IT contingency management. Continuous monitoring and adjustment of IT security measures is therefore crucial for being able to respond to constantly evolving threat scenarios.

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Physical and technical infrastructure: fundamental security aspects

Alongside cyber and IT risks, physical and technical security risks also play a decisive role in the resilience of banks. A financial institution's physical infrastructure, from data centres to branches, must be comprehensively protected against a wide range of threats. This includes not only intrusion detection systems (EMA) and video surveillance systems but also fire alarm systems (BMA) and access control systems. The planning and implementation of these systems must meet the highest standards, such as those set out in the DIN VDE 0833 series of standards for hazard alarm systems. For fire alarm systems, DIN 14675 and VdS 2095 are additionally relevant, with the latter often required by property insurers and going beyond the statutory minimum requirements to ensure a high level of functional reliability. A failure of critical infrastructure components (whether due to fire, sabotage or natural disasters) can have far-reaching consequences, up to and including a blackout scenario that massively impairs operations. Integrating these individual security systems into a superordinate security management system and building management technology (GLT) is crucial for enabling central monitoring, control and rapid response to incidents. Modern GLT also contributes to energy efficiency and helps banks achieve their sustainability goals, which is becoming increasingly important given the growing significance of ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, Governance) for the risk assessment of properties and loan portfolios. Planning these complex and interconnected systems requires specialised expertise and a manufacturer-independent perspective.

The need for independent risk analysis and consulting

Given the complexity and dynamic nature of the risk landscape in the banking sector, the role of independent risk analysis and consulting is invaluable. Internal resources are often tied up with day-to-day business and may not be able to provide the necessary objective distance or specialised expertise for a comprehensive assessment of all risk areas. An independent consultant is free of financial interests in promoting particular products or solutions and can therefore offer a genuinely objective analysis of existing risks and the effectiveness of current security measures. This is particularly critical when evaluating IT and telecommunications infrastructures as well as complex security systems, where manufacturer dependencies can lead to suboptimal or overpriced solutions. Independence makes it possible to identify weaknesses and optimisation potential that may be overlooked internally. An external perspective also brings in best practices from various projects and industries, leading to innovative and efficient solution approaches. The executive management and board of financial institutions need reliable, unbiased information in order to make sound strategic decisions and fulfil their duty of care. Independent consulting provides exactly this basis by enabling a transparent assessment of the risk position and providing concrete recommendations for action to strengthen resilience and ensure legal compliance. This creates not only security but also trust among supervisory authorities and stakeholders.

The PLANATEL® approach: systematic risk analysis and solution development

PLANATEL® follows a systematic and proven approach to risk analysis and consulting for banks, based on more than 34 years of experience in independent planning and consulting services. Our process always begins with a detailed as-is survey of the existing infrastructures and processes, in order to obtain a precise picture of the current situation. This includes analysing IT and telecommunications systems, fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance systems, access control, security management systems and building management technology. Building on this, a comprehensive needs analysis is carried out, in which we work together with decision-makers to define specific requirements and protection objectives. This takes account not only of technical aspects but also of regulatory requirements such as MaRisk, BAIT and KRITIS, as well as individual business risks. The results feed into a tailored target concept that proposes optimal solutions and strategies for the identified risks. These concepts are always developed on a manufacturer-independent and financially independent basis, in order to guarantee the best possible solution for the institution in question. In the detailed planning phase, the concepts are worked out to tender readiness, including specifications of services and technical specifications. We also support banks with tendering and award, selecting qualified installers and accompanying the entire procurement process. During the implementation phase, we provide comprehensive project management to ensure implementation on time and within budget. Finally, the acceptance of the systems and a detailed invoice verification are carried out, to verify the quality and cost-effectiveness of the implemented solutions. This holistic approach ensures that all relevant risk areas are covered and sustainable, legally compliant solutions are implemented.

Long-term value creation through proactive risk management

Proactive risk management, supported by independent risk analysis bank consulting, generates significant long-term value creation for financial institutions. It goes far beyond mere compliance with regulatory requirements and creates a basis for sustainable corporate success. Early identification and mitigation of risks not only avoids potential financial losses and reputational damage but also significantly improves operational efficiency and stability. An optimised IT and telecommunications infrastructure and integrated security systems reduce downtime, minimise operating costs, and increase productivity. Implementing legally compliant processes and systems protects against regulatory sanctions and strengthens the trust of BaFin and other supervisory authorities. In addition, strategic risk management enables new technologies and business models to be adopted more safely, thereby achieving competitive advantages. For example, analysing ESG building data and optimising the energy efficiency of properties can not only reduce costs but also increase the attractiveness of loan portfolios and meet regulatory requirements. PLANATEL® supports banks not only in responding to current threats but also in developing a future-oriented risk strategy that makes the institution resilient to future challenges. Investing in a comprehensive and independent risk analysis is thus an investment in the long-term security, efficiency and success of the financial institution.

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Next Step

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PLANATEL®: Independent planning and consulting since 1992
Tel: 040 / 23 73 02-30
E-Mail: info@planatel.de

Frequently Asked Questions

What role do fire alarm systems (BMA) play in a bank's risk management?

They protect people, assets and critical data from the consequences of a fire. Compliant planning and installation in accordance with DIN 14675, DIN VDE 0833 and VdS 2095 are crucial for ensuring functional reliability and minimising business interruption. PLANATEL® plans BMA concepts that are optimally tailored to the specific risks and requirements of bank buildings and that take account of connection to superordinate security management systems.

How does PLANATEL® support banks in meeting BAIT requirements?

PLANATEL® supports banks in meeting BAIT requirements through a comprehensive analysis of IT infrastructure and information risk management. We evaluate existing IT strategies, IT governance structures and information security measures. Based on this analysis, we develop concepts for optimising IT systems, identity and access management, and IT contingency management, to ensure legally compliant implementation of BAIT and strengthen digital resilience.

What does "manufacturer independence" mean in risk analysis bank consulting?

Manufacturer independence means that PLANATEL® has no financial or contractual ties to particular manufacturers of IT, telecommunications or security systems when providing consulting and planning solutions. This ensures an objective evaluation of the technologies available on the market and the recommendation of the optimal solution that precisely matches the bank's needs and budget, without the risk of manufacturer dependency. Our recommendations are based exclusively on technical suitability and cost-effectiveness.

What role does telecommunications infrastructure play in banks' risk management?

Telecommunications infrastructure is of critical importance for banks, as it forms the basis for payment transactions, online banking, internal communication and external connectivity. Failures or security gaps in this area can lead to significant business interruption, financial losses and reputational damage. PLANATEL® analyses the resilience of telecommunications networks, plans redundant systems, and optimises carrier management strategies, to maximise the availability and security of communication channels and thereby minimise operational risks.

How can banks integrate their building management technology (GLT) into comprehensive risk management?

Building management technology (GLT) can be integrated into risk management as a central control and monitoring platform for technical building systems (heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting) and security systems (fire alarm systems, access control). PLANATEL® plans GLT concepts that enable efficient monitoring of critical parameters, early detection of faults, and automation of contingency processes. This improves operational security and energy efficiency and contributes to the legally compliant consideration of ESG aspects.

What types of risk are particularly relevant for banks?

For banks, operational risks (e.g. from system failures, human error), IT and cyber risks (e.g. data leaks, ransomware), credit risks, market risks, liquidity risks, and legal compliance and reputational risks are of particularly high relevance.

What are MaRisk and BAIT, and why are they important for banks?

MaRisk (Minimum Requirements for Risk Management) and BAIT (Banking Supervisory Requirements for IT) are BaFin circulars that give concrete form to the Kreditwesengesetz. They are important because they set out a binding framework for the risk management and IT security of financial institutions and ensure its legally compliant implementation.

How much damage does cybercrime cause banks in Germany?

The damage caused by cybercrime in Germany is put at 202.4 billion euros for 2025, an increase of around 20 percent compared with the previous year. These figures illustrate the immense threat also facing the banking sector.

Why is independent consulting advantageous for risk analysis at banks?

Independent consulting offers an objective perspective, free of conflicts of interest or manufacturer dependencies. It enables an unbiased identification of weaknesses, the development of tailored solutions, and the assurance of the best possible, most economical and legally compliant implementation of risk management strategies.

Sources and further information

  • Risikoanalysen, BaFin
  • Risikomanagement, BaFin
  • Nationale Risikoanalyse 2025, Das Bundesministerium für Finanzen
  • FMA-RUNDSCHREIBEN Risikoanalyse
  • Geldwäscherei-Risikoanalyse 2.0, Grant Thornton Schweiz/Liechtenstein