A risk assessment for credit institutions is a systematic process for identifying, evaluating and minimising risks that affect business operations, IT infrastructure and the safety of employees as well as customer data. It is a statutory requirement and is supplemented by specific requirements such as MaRisk and BAIT, to guarantee operational resilience and legal compliance.

Independent planning for robust security and legal compliance in the financial sector

A professional risk assessment is decisive for identifying physical, IT and operational risks and establishing legally compliant protective measures. Find out how independent planning strengthens your institution.

Key Takeaways

  • A comprehensive risk assessment is a statutory requirement for credit institutions and is essential for identifying and minimising physical, IT and operational risks.
  • Legal frameworks such as the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG), the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV), MaRisk, BAIT and DORA require specialised expertise, to meet all requirements in legal compliance.
  • Independent planning and consulting by PLANATEL® guarantees manufacturer-neutral, cost-optimised, future-proof security solutions for your credit institution.

Credit institutions operate in a heavily regulated environment shaped by constant technological developments and growing threats. The need for a comprehensive risk assessment goes far beyond classic occupational safety. It covers the analysis of physical security risks, complex IT threats and operational weak points. Such an assessment is not only a statutory duty but a strategic instrument for securing your institution's resilience and future readiness. PLANATEL® supports you as an independent partner in creating a well-founded, forward-looking risk assessment.

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The fundamental importance of a risk assessment for credit institutions

The risk assessment is an indispensable instrument for credit institutions, to systematically capture and evaluate the multi-layered risks in the financial sector. It forms the basis for all preventive measures and is far more than a pure formality. The goal is to identify potential dangers to employees, customers, property and the integrity of business operations early, and to develop adequate protection strategies. This covers physical threats such as raids and break-ins as well as increasingly complex cyber risks and operational failures. In its 2025 risk report, BaFin highlights digitalisation, geopolitical upheaval and cyberattacks as central challenges for the financial sector. An inadequate risk assessment can not only lead to considerable financial losses but can also sustainably damage an institution's reputation and carry serious legal consequences. A proactive, holistic approach is therefore essential, to strengthen operational resilience and guarantee legal compliance. PLANATEL® offers the necessary expertise and a manufacturer-neutral perspective for this, to guarantee an objective, comprehensive analysis.

Creating a risk assessment at credit institutions is governed by a complex web of laws, ordinances and supervisory requirements. The Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) fundamentally obliges employers to carry out a risk assessment (section 5 ArbSchG). In addition, the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) specifies the requirements for the safe provision and use of work equipment and systems requiring monitoring. For credit institutions, specific banking-supervisory requirements are added, going far beyond general occupational safety. These include, in particular, the Minimum Requirements for Risk Management (MaRisk) and the Supervisory Requirements for IT in Financial Institutions (BAIT) issued by BaFin. These regulatory frameworks require comprehensive risk management that explicitly takes account of IT risks, outsourcing and contingency plans too. Since January 2025, the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) has also been binding, harmonising and further tightening the requirements for ICT risk management and the resilience of financial undertakings at EU level. DGUV Regulation 25 "Prevention of Robbery" and DGUV Rule 115-003 "Prevention of Robbery in Credit Institutions" are also relevant requirements addressing specific hazards in the banking environment. Complying with these diverse requirements demands in-depth expertise and a structured approach, which PLANATEL® has successfully implemented for over 34 years.

Methodology for a comprehensive risk assessment: the PLANATEL® approach

Creating a risk assessment at a credit institution requires a systematic, multi-stage methodology. PLANATEL® follows a proven approach here that ensures a holistic view of all relevant areas. First, an as-is survey is carried out, in which existing infrastructures, processes and security systems are analysed in detail. This includes site visits to branches, data centres and administrative areas, review of technical documentation, and interviews with relevant stakeholders from IT, security and facility management. In the next step, a comprehensive needs analysis is carried out, to identify specific hazards and risk potential. This takes into account not only current threats but also future developments and regulatory changes. BaFin, for example, increasingly calls for scenario analyses and stress tests, to identify risks early. Based on these findings, we develop a bespoke target concept that proposes concrete measures for risk minimisation. This can include optimising existing fire alarm systems (BMA), implementing new access control systems, or adjusting contingency and recovery concepts. Our manufacturer-neutral approach always ensures the selection of the optimal solutions, precisely tailored to your institution's individual needs and risk appetite.

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Identifying specific hazards at credit institutions

Credit institutions are exposed to a range of specific hazards that go beyond general workplace risks. PLANATEL® identifies these risks in a detailed analysis that covers the following areas:

  • Physical security: This includes raids on branches and cash transports, break-ins into vault rooms and server areas, and acts of sabotage. DGUV Rule 115-003 provides concrete guidance on preventing robbery at credit institutions.
  • IT security: Cyberattacks represent one of the greatest threats. The BSI report on the state of IT security 2025 finds a continuing tense situation and growing attack surfaces. On average, 119 new vulnerabilities in IT systems become known daily, an increase of around 24 percent over the previous year. Ransomware attacks, data leaks, DDoS attacks and the manipulation of data through new AI technologies are real scenarios. Risks arising from concentration in the outsourcing of IT services are also classified as critical by BaFin.
  • Operational risks: These include system failures, errors in internal processes, human error, but also the failure of critical infrastructure such as the power supply (standby power systems, UPS systems) or telecommunications networks.
  • Fire hazards: Although often regarded as a classic risk, protection against fire at credit institutions, in particular in data centres and archives, requires highly specialised fire alarm systems (BMA) in accordance with DIN 14675 and VdS 2095.

Precisely capturing and evaluating these hazards is the first step towards developing effective protective measures and ensuring operational resilience.

Integrating modern security systems into the risk assessment

The risk assessment is inseparably linked to the planning and optimisation of security systems. When creating the assessment, PLANATEL® takes account of the integration and interplay of various system technologies, to guarantee comprehensive protection. These include:

  • Fire alarm systems (BMA): Planning BMA in accordance with DIN 14675 and VdS 2095 is decisive for detecting fires early and reliably triggering alarms and controls (e.g. of ventilation systems or lifts). This is particularly important in sensitive areas such as server rooms or archives.
  • Intrusion detection systems (EMA) and hold-up alarm systems (ÜMA): These systems are essential for protecting branches and value areas. Planning follows DIN VDE 0833-3, which contains provisions for intrusion and hold-up detection systems.
  • Video surveillance systems: Modern video surveillance systems are indispensable for the prevention, detection and investigation of incidents. Planning here takes account of data-protection aspects and effective integration into an overarching security management system.
  • Access control systems: These regulate access to sensitive areas and contribute significantly to physical security. Intelligent planning enables flexible, at the same time highly secure, control of authorisations.
  • Security management systems (GMS): Central integration and control of all security systems in a GMS is decisive for an efficient response in an emergency. PLANATEL® plans GMS solutions that enable a fast, coordinated response to all types of hazards.

Through manufacturer-neutral planning of these systems, PLANATEL® ensures that the chosen solutions are optimally coordinated with one another and fully meet the requirements of the risk assessment.

The role of independent consulting in creating the risk assessment

The complexity and far-reaching consequences of a risk assessment at credit institutions require independent, highly competent consulting. PLANATEL® has operated since 1992 as a 100% independent planning and consulting company and offers decisive advantages:

  • Manufacturer neutrality and financial independence: We receive no commissions from manufacturers or installers. This guarantees an objective evaluation and the selection of the technically and economically best solutions, free of conflicts of interest.
  • In-depth expertise: With more than 34 years of experience in planning complex infrastructures and security systems, we have the necessary specialist knowledge to understand and implement the specific requirements of the financial sector. Our expertise covers fire alarm systems, intrusion detection systems, video surveillance, access control, security management systems, as well as IT and telecommunications infrastructure.
  • Legally compliant planning: We ensure that every aspect of the risk assessment and the measures derived from it comply with current statutory and supervisory requirements, including ArbSchG, BetrSichV, MaRisk, BAIT and DORA.
  • Cost optimisation and efficiency: Through a precise needs analysis and manufacturer-neutral tender processes, we help you avoid unnecessary investment and reduce operating costs in the long term.
  • Holistic view: We view your institution as a complex system and take account of the interactions between IT, telecommunications, building technology and security systems, to develop a coherent, robust security strategy.

Working with an independent partner such as PLANATEL® minimises risks, creates transparency and secures the future readiness of your credit institution.

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Next step

Contact us for a no-obligation initial conversation.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a general risk assessment and one for credit institutions?

While the general risk assessment under the ArbSchG primarily addresses occupational safety and the safety of work equipment, the focus for credit institutions expands considerably. Here, specific banking-supervisory requirements such as MaRisk, BAIT and DORA must additionally be taken into account, addressing IT security, financial stability, prevention of money laundering and resilience against cyberattacks. The assessment is thus considerably more complex and requires specialised expertise going beyond pure occupational safety.

How often must a risk assessment at a credit institution be updated?

A risk assessment is not a static document but must be reviewed regularly and updated where necessary. This is required in particular in the event of changes to working conditions, the technology used, the organisational structure, or new statutory and supervisory requirements. An update is also mandatory after serious incidents or new findings about hazards. BaFin calls for an adaptive risk management strategy that enables a rapid response to changing circumstances.

What role do fire alarm systems (BMA) play in the risk assessment of a credit institution?

Fire alarm systems (BMA) are a critical component of the risk assessment, in particular in areas with a high concentration of assets such as data centres, archives or vault rooms. Planning BMA must follow strict standards such as DIN 14675 and VdS 2095, to guarantee early fire detection and reliable alarm raising. A professionally planned BMA not only minimises material damage but also protects human life and secures business continuity.

PLANATEL® is a planning and consulting company. We plan maintenance concepts and select certified installers, who carry out the installation and maintenance of the recommended security systems. Our support extends from the as-is survey through the needs analysis and target concept to the tender, award and support of implementation. We ensure that implementation of the measures matches the planned specifications and applicable standards, carry out acceptance procedures, and check the final invoices. We do not ourselves plan, monitor or service any technology on an ongoing basis.

What advantages does working with an independent adviser such as PLANATEL® offer?

Working with PLANATEL® offers credit institutions a range of advantages: absolute manufacturer neutrality and financial independence, in-depth expertise from over 34 years of experience, legally compliant planning to current standards (MaRisk, BAIT, DORA), cost optimisation through efficient planning and tendering, and a holistic view of all relevant security and infrastructure areas. This leads to bespoke, future-proof solutions that minimise risks and strengthen operational resilience.

For credit institutions, the Occupational Safety and Health Act (ArbSchG) and the Ordinance on Industrial Safety and Health (BetrSichV) are primarily decisive. In addition, specific banking-supervisory requirements apply, such as MaRisk and BAIT issued by BaFin, as well as the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) and DGUV rules on preventing robbery.

What role do MaRisk and BAIT play in the risk assessment?

MaRisk (Minimum Requirements for Risk Management) and BAIT (Supervisory Requirements for IT in Financial Institutions) specify the requirements for risk management and IT security at credit institutions. They require systematic identification and evaluation of IT risks, contingency concepts, and the secure design of IT systems, which is an integral part of a comprehensive risk assessment.

Why is manufacturer neutrality important when planning security systems?

Manufacturer neutrality guarantees that the selection and planning of security systems, such as fire alarm systems or access control, take place objectively and solely on the basis of the best technical and economic solution for the credit institution. This avoids dependency on a manufacturer and optimises the costs and functionality of the systems in the long term. PLANATEL® is 100% independent in this respect.

What specific IT risks must be taken into account in a risk assessment for banks?

Specific IT risks include cyberattacks (e.g. ransomware, data leaks), DDoS attacks, manipulation of data, risks from inadequately protected attack surfaces, vulnerabilities in IT systems, and concentration risks in the outsourcing of IT services. The 2025 BSI report highlights the persistently tense IT security situation.

Sources and further information