Systems for developing, validating, and monitoring risk models used throughout the bank.
We ask vendors to mark their product against our feature list. It is not available for all products and in some cases we have derived data from publicly available sources. The list of features follows. Vendors can add a further 10 key features of their own.
Analytics and Reporting
Advanced analytics and flexible reporting tools for insights into model risk across the organization.
- Ad-hoc Query Speed
- Time to run an ad-hoc analytic query on the entire dataset.
- Anomaly Detection Analytics
- Automatically detects unusual or outlier model behavior or risk drivers.
- Automated Dashboard Generation
- Pre-built and customizable dashboards visualize key metrics and trends.
- Automated KPI Notifications
- Sends alerts if key performance indicators deviate from set thresholds.
- Custom Report Builder
- Users can design and schedule custom reports on models, risk, validation, etc.
- Data Visualization Library
- Wide range of chart, graph, map, and interactive visualization tools.
- Drill-down Analytics
- Interactive reports allow users to drill into detailed data.
- Export to Standard Formats
- Exports reports and analytics to PDF, Excel, CSV, etc.
- Natural Language Query Support
- Allows users to ask questions and generate reports using natural language.
- Predictive Analytics Tools
- Supports building and evaluating predictive models (e.g., model obsolescence risk).
- Scheduled Report Distribution
- Automates email or portal report delivery on a fixed schedule.
- Self-service Data Exploration
- Business users can explore data and generate insights without IT support.
- Usage Metrics Monitoring
- Tracks user access, utilization, and most viewed reports.
Audit & Compliance
Features supporting regulatory, internal audit, and external audit requirements in model risk management.
- Audit Log Export
- Enables exporting detailed logs for external review.
- Change Approval Workflows
- Mandates approval before modifications or deployments.
- Data Retention Schedules
- Enforces data retention and deletion policies to comply with legal obligations.
- External Auditor Access
- Provides secure temporary access for external auditors.
- Full Audit Trails
- End-to-end tracking of user actions, approvals, and model changes.
- Model Risk Committee Integration
- Records and supports committee decisions, minutes, and reporting.
- Regulatory Alert Management
- Alerts users of regulatory deadlines or new requirements.
- Regulatory Policy Mapping
- Maps system features and controls to external standards/regulations (e.g. ECB, Basel).
- Reporting Templates
- Pre-defined reports for internal/external audits and regulatory submissions.
- Role-based Access Management
- Configurable access restrictions to ensure only authorized personnel can perform sensitive actions.
Audit and Traceability
Support for internal and external audits, providing robust traceability of all model-related actions and decisions.
- Audit Issue Lifecycle Management
- Tracks open audit items, remediations, and closure status.
- Auditor Access Portal
- Dedicated portal for auditor review of model documents and logs.
- Automated Audit Report Generation
- Irregular and periodic audit-ready reports generated automatically.
- Automated Audit Trails for Model Lifecycle
- Automated capture of model lifecycle events for audit trail.
- Automated Evidence Pack Assembly
- Assembles a package of relevant evidence for each model at the click of a button.
- Change Approval Tracking
- Documentation of who approved/reviewed each model change.
- Comprehensive Activity Logging
- Records every user action, change, and event in the system.
- Configurable Audit Data Retention
- Customizable retention periods for audit logs.
- Exception Logging
- Explicit logging of all deviation/exceptions from policy or workflow.
- Forensic Data Export
- Enables export of logs in standard forensic formats.
- Historical Model State Reconstruction
- Ability to reconstruct the state of any model at any point in time.
- Time to Prepare Audit Report
- Average time required to produce a full audit report.
- User Action Attribution
- All activity traceable to individual users.
Configurability and Usability
Features providing flexibility, customization, and ease of use for various user groups.
- Accessibility Compliance
- UI is compliant with accessibility standards (e.g., WCAG 2.1).
- Branded User Interface Support
- Supports custom branding, color schemes, and logos.
- Custom Field Configuration
- Admins can add custom fields/attributes to models, workflows, or records.
- Custom Notification Settings
- Users can tailor notification triggers and formats.
- Custom Workflow Designer
- Users can create/edit workflows to match unique internal processes.
- Help and Guided Tours
- Includes built-in help, walkthroughs, and onboarding tours.
- Mobile Device Compatibility
- Optimized for tablet and mobile use, or via native app.
- Multi-language Support
- System is available in multiple languages for global teams.
- Number of Supported Languages
- Quantifies how many languages are included out of the box.
- Role-based UI Customization
- UI dynamically adapts to user's role and typical activities.
- Self-service Dashboard Customization
- Users can modify their dashboard layout and displayed metrics.
- User Feedback and Feature Request Portal
- Tool for users to submit feedback or feature requests.
- User Preference Profiles
- Users can set display, notification, and workflow preferences.
Data Management & Integration
Capabilities to connect with sources of data, maintain data quality, and support extensive data-driven model management.
- Anonymization/Pseudonymization
- Tools for protecting sensitive information in data feeds.
- Automated Data Quality Reporting
- Produces regular reports on data accuracy and completeness.
- Batch and Real-Time Processing
- Supports both scheduled batch and instant real-time data processing.
- Data Access Logs
- Maintains an audit log of every dataset access or change.
- Data Lineage Tracking
- Tracks the origin and transformation of all data used in models.
- Data Schema Versioning
- Manages changes to data structures and fields over time.
- Data Source Integration
- Connects with internal and external data sources/databases for model inputs.
- Data Update Frequency
- The frequency with which internal databases are updated with new data for modeling.
- ETL Pipeline Tools
- Extract, transform, and load (ETL) processes for ingesting and cleaning modeling data.
- Secure Data Storage
- Ensures compliance-aligned, encrypted data storage.
Deployment & Scalability
Ensures the solution can be efficiently deployed, scaled, and maintained across the bank’s infrastructure.
- API Integration Support
- Robust REST/SOAP APIs for integrating with other enterprise systems.
- Automated Backups
- Scheduled, automated backups for disaster recovery options.
- Cloud Deployment Support
- Ability to run natively on major public/private cloud infrastructures.
- Containerization Support
- Supports Docker/Kubernetes for flexible deployment and scaling.
- Deployment Time
- Time required to deploy and configure the solution for production use.
- Disaster Recovery Tools
- Built-in support for rapid data restoration in case of outage.
- Horizontal Scalability
- System can scale to manage growing model inventories and data volumes.
- Hybrid Deployment Flexibility
- Mix of on-premises and cloud deployments for disaster recovery/business continuity.
- Multi-tenant Capabilities
- Supports separation of data and workflows across different organizational units.
- On-premises Deployment Option
- Ability to deploy on the bank's internal servers and data centers.
Governance and Workflow Management
Enabling policies, process controls, and workflow automation for model management lifecycle events.
- Audit Trails
- Comprehensive audit logs for all user and system actions affecting models.
- Change Management Workflows
- Automates workflows for proposed model modifications or redevelopments.
- Conflict of Interest Checks
- Ensures independence in reviews and approvals to prevent conflicts of interest.
- Delegated Authority Workflows
- Allows for workflow steps to be delegated to appropriate roles/groups.
- Document Approval Routing
- Routes new/updated model documentation for sign-off by required approvers.
- Exception Management
- Tracks and manages exception requests and approvals related to model risk rules.
- Integration with HR Systems
- Links user permissions with HR records for role verification.
- Policy Enforcement Engine
- Automated enforcement of institution’s model risk management policies.
- Pre-built and Customizable Workflow Templates
- Includes standard workflow templates, e.g., for new model onboarding, validation, etc.
- Process Compliance Score
- Percent of governance tasks completed on time and in full.
- Role-Based Permissions
- User roles and permissions govern access to model features and data.
- SLA Monitoring for Model Reviews
- Monitors and reports on service-level performance for key model management processes.
- Workflow Automation for Approvals
- Enforces approval steps for model creation, changes, validation, and decommissioning.
Integration and Interoperability
Features supporting connectivity with internal and external platforms, systems, and data.
- API Call Capacity
- Maximum number of API calls supported per minute.
- Audit Logging of API Interactions
- Tracks all external API/API connector accesses for audit purposes.
- Automated Data Mapping
- Automates mapping of internal data fields to external/regulatory schema.
- Batch Data Import/Export
- Supports mass data transfer for models, metadata, performance data, etc.
- Bulk Data Synchronization
- Supports scheduled bulk synchronization of data across platforms.
- Integration Setup Time
- Average time required to set up a new integration.
- Integration with Model Libraries
- Easy import/export of models from standard libraries or development environments.
- Open API Access
- RESTful APIs for integration with internal risk, data, and reporting platforms.
- Plug-in Connector Framework
- Allows integration with third-party data, analytics, or regulatory tools.
- Real-time Data Feeds Support
- Can consume and process real-time market, risk, or operational data feeds.
- Regulatory Submission Gateways
- Direct submission to regulatory systems via secure channels.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration
- Enables secure SSO via enterprise identity providers (LDAP, SAML, OAuth).
- Third-Party Validation Plug-ins
- Connects with external validation vendors or consultants.
Model Inventory & Lifecycle Management
Features that organize, track, and facilitate the life cycle of models in a bank’s risk management framework, from development to retirement.
- Automated Model Registration
- Allows fast and standardized addition of new models to the system.
- Bulk Model Import/Export
- Ability to upload or download multiple models and related data in standard formats.
- Centralized Model Inventory
- A comprehensive, searchable repository of all models with classification and metadata.
- Expiry and Decommissioning Alerts
- Automated notifications for end-of-life, renewal, or mandatory review.
- Model Dependency Mapping
- Visual or tabular mapping of interdependencies among models.
- Model Documentation Repository
- Centralized documentation storage, including methodology, usage guides, and policies.
- Model Lineage Tracking
- Tracks model evolution, ownership, and historical changes.
- Real-time Model Status Dashboard
- Visualization of model states (e.g., development, production, retired) in real-time.
- User Access Control
- Configurable permissions to manage and restrict model editing and viewing.
- Version Control
- Ability to track and manage different versions of a model through its lifecycle.
Model Inventory and Documentation
Features focused on the identification, cataloging, and documentation of all models used within the institution.
- Automated Model Onboarding Workflow
- Streamlines onboarding with automated forms and steps.
- Automated Model Registration
- New models are automatically registered in the inventory upon deployment.
- Centralized Model Inventory
- Maintains a complete, up-to-date list of all models in use across the institution.
- Change Logging
- Logs every change made to models or documentation for audit purposes.
- Documentation Accessibility
- Documentation is easily accessible to relevant staff and auditors.
- Documentation Completeness Score
- Measures the percentage of required documentation fields completed for each model.
- Model Categorization
- Categorizes models by risk tier, business function, and regulatory impact.
- Model Decommission Tracking
- Tracks retired/decommissioned models alongside active ones.
- Model Documentation Repository
- Centralized location for storing model documentation, including development notes, validation reports, and audit trails.
- Model Metadata Management
- Stores and manages extensive metadata for each model (purpose, owner, inputs, outputs, etc.).
- Model Ownership Assignment
- Each model has designated owners and stakeholders clearly identified.
- Role-based Access for Documentation
- Access to model documentation is controlled by user role and permission settings.
- Version Control
- Tracks different versions of each model and maintains a full version history.
Model Performance Monitoring
Capabilities that measure, monitor, and report on the ongoing performance and health of risk models in use.
- Customizable Monitoring Frequency
- Ability to set different monitoring intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly) for each model.
- Data Quality Checks
- Automated validation of input data quality and suitability for each model.
- Drift Detection
- Automated identification of data or concept drift impacting model performance.
- Historical Performance Archive
- Secure storage and access to historical performance data for trend analysis.
- Monitoring Dashboard
- Central dashboard visualizing ongoing performance indicators for all models.
- Outlier Detection
- Automatic identification and reporting of abnormal scoring behaviour.
- Performance Heatmaps
- Visual heatmaps of performance by product, segment, or other key attributes.
- Performance Metric Calculation
- Automated calculation of accuracy, bias, stability, and other model KPIs.
- Threshold Alerts
- Real-time alerts when performance metrics cross predefined thresholds.
- Usage Logging
- Detailed logging of each time a model is used for decision-making.
Model Risk Quantification
Tools and features to quantify and prioritize model risk, supporting capital allocation and risk appetite frameworks.
- Aggregated Risk Reporting
- Provides a top-down view on aggregate model risk across the enterprise.
- Capital Impact Estimation
- Estimates impact of model error on regulatory and economic capital requirements.
- Customizable Risk Assessment Frameworks
- Enables design and application of risk assessment methodologies specific to institution needs.
- Exposure Calculation Engine
- Automates calculation of exposures across portfolios using each model.
- Loss Event Tracking
- Logs realized losses attributable to model errors/failures.
- Materiality Thresholds
- Configurable criteria for the definition of high-, medium-, and low-risk models.
- Model Risk Appetite Integration
- Allows mapping of model risk exposure to board-approved risk appetite statements.
- Model Risk Scoring
- Assigns quantitative risk scores based on model complexity, impact, and criticality.
- Risk Ranking Dashboard
- Visualizes and ranks model risk across the inventory.
- Scenario Analysis Tools
- Allows analysis of model risk under various scenarios and assumptions.
Model Validation & Governance
Functions and controls that ensure independent validation, model risk governance, and adherence to regulatory frameworks.
- Approval Workflow Customization
- Configurable workflows for model sign-off at multiple stages or committees.
- Audit Trail
- Immutable records of all actions, decisions, and reviews performed on each model.
- Automated Model Validation Workflow
- Pre-defined workflows for validation processes including independent reviews and sign-offs.
- Exception Reporting
- Automatic reporting of validation findings, exceptions, and breaches.
- Policy Repository and Enforcement
- Central store for governance policies and enforcement of policy adherence.
- Regulatory Compliance Checks
- Automated checks for alignment with relevant financial regulations (e.g., SR 11-7, TRIM).
- Segregation of Duties
- Ensures different users/teams manage model ownership, development, and validation.
- Validation Scheduling and Calendars
- Tools for setting up periodic reviews and validation events.
- Validation Testing Suite Integration
- In-built or integrable tools for running backtesting, benchmarking, and stress testing.
- Validator Independence Checks
- Controls to ensure validators do not have conflicts of interest with development teams.
Model Validation and Performance Monitoring
Features supporting initial and ongoing validation of model performance, stability, and compliance.
- Automated Model Validation Scheduling
- Schedules regular model validation exercises and tracks completion.
- Automated Reporting of Validation Issues
- Validation findings automatically trigger notifications and escalation.
- Backtesting Capability
- Automated tools for backtesting model predictions using historical data.
- Data Quality Monitoring
- Evaluates input data quality for model reliability.
- Independent Model Review Support
- Allows for auditor or independent reviewer access and review workflows.
- Model Drift Detection
- Detects if a model's performance has materially changed over time.
- Model Performance Metrics
- Tracks KPIs such as accuracy, stability, bias, and drift.
- Model Performance Visualization
- Provides dashboards and charts for visualizing validation and performance data.
- Outcome Analysis Frequency
- Frequency with which model outcomes are reviewed.
- Peer Review Process
- Includes mandatory peer review of validation results.
- Threshold Monitoring for Metrics
- Alerts when monitored performance metrics breach predefined thresholds.
- Validation Findings Repository
- Stores validation reports and findings with resolution tracking.
- Validation Workflow Management
- Manages steps and approvals for validation activities, with status tracking.
Regulatory Compliance and Reporting
Features for meeting regulatory requirements and automating compliance reporting.
- Audit Readiness Reports
- Quick generation of compliance evidence packs for audits.
- Automated Control Testing
- Periodically tests regulatory controls for effectiveness.
- Automated Regulatory Reporting
- Auto-generates regulatory reports tailored to applicable frameworks (e.g., SR11-7, ECB, PRA).
- Compliance Attestation Workflows
- Facilitates gathering sign-offs and attestations on compliance status.
- Custom Regulatory Fields
- Configuration of custom fields to meet unique regulatory needs.
- Multi-jurisdictional Compliance Support
- Handles regulatory requirements for multiple regions/jurisdictions.
- Pre-built Regulatory Templates
- Provides templates aligned to major global and regional MRM regulatory standards.
- Regulatory Change Tracking
- Tracks and alerts users to new or updated regulatory requirements.
- Regulatory Gap Analysis Tools
- Assesses model risk management processes against current regulation.
- Regulatory Impact Flagging
- Flags models with increased scrutiny or regulatory attention.
- Regulatory Reference Library
- Central repository for latest applicable regulations and guidance.
- Regulatory Reporting Frequency
- Frequency at which formal regulatory reports are generated/submitted.
- Regulatory Submission History
- Archive of previous regulatory filings and correspondences.
Reporting & Analytics
Advanced reporting, analytics, and visualization tools specific to model risk in the banking sector.
- APIs for Data Access
- Programmatic access for integration with other analytics environments.
- Ad Hoc Query Tools
- Allows on-demand, user-defined queries against model and risk data.
- Custom Report Builder
- Drag-and-drop or code-based tools for custom analytics/report creation.
- Drill-down Analytics
- Allows users to explore underlying data for key metrics and charts.
- Export Formats
- Supports exporting reports in multiple formats (PDF, CSV, XLSX, etc).
- Historical Trend Analysis
- Visualization and analysis of metric trends over selected periods.
- Interactive Data Visualization
- Interactive charts, tables, and graphics for deeper insights.
- KPI Dashboards
- Visual dashboards summarizing key model risk and validation metrics.
- Scheduled Report Delivery
- Automated scheduling and distribution of reports to stakeholders.
- User-specific Dashboards
- Personalized dashboards based on user roles and interests.
Risk Assessment and Aggregation
Capabilities related to assessing, measuring, and aggregating model risks institution-wide.
- Aggregate Model Risk Dashboard
- Displays aggregate model risk exposure at the enterprise and business unit levels.
- Automated Risk Trend Analysis
- Tracks changes in model risk scores or classifications over time.
- Concentration Risk Identification
- Identifies areas of undue model risk concentration (e.g., by vendor or business line).
- Model Dependencies Mapping
- Maps dependencies between models to surface systemic risk.
- Model Risk Scoring
- Assigns risk tiers or quantitative risk scores to each model based on impact, complexity, and use.
- Portfolio-level Risk Summaries
- Compiles model risks for groups or portfolios of models.
- Regulatory Capital Impact Calculator
- Estimates regulatory capital requirement impact of models.
- Risk Aggregation Automation
- Automatically compiles model risks into enterprise-wide reports.
- Risk Appetite Alignment Check
- Compares model risks to stated institution risk appetite/tolerance.
- Risk Assessment Frequency
- The regularity with which formal risk assessments are performed.
- Risk Heatmap Generation
- Produces visual heatmaps of model risk across organization.
- Scenario Analysis Support
- Facilitates scenario testing of model failures/weaknesses.
- Stress Testing Integration
- Enables integration with broader stress testing systems.
Scalability and Reliability
Ensures the platform’s ability to handle complex, growing model portfolios and maintain consistent uptime.
- Automatic Scaling
- Automatically allocates resources for increased usage.
- Batch Processing Speed
- Average time to process a batch operation (e.g., model import, validation run).
- Continuous Backup Frequency
- Interval at which platform data is automatically backed up.
- Disaster Recovery Protocols
- Comprehensive, tested disaster recovery and business continuity processes.
- Failover Infrastructure
- Redundant hardware/cloud resources ensure service continuity.
- High Uptime Guarantee
- SLA-backed platform uptime percentage.
- Horizontal Scalability
- Can handle increases in users, models, and transactions with minimal delay.
- Load Balancing Support
- System automatically balances load across infrastructure to maintain performance.
- Monitoring and Alerting for Downtime
- Proactive monitoring and alerting in the event of system outages.
- Peak Model Portfolio Size
- Maximum recommended number of models under management.
- Platform Update Transparency
- Users are notified of system updates, maintenance, and feature rollouts.
- Support for Multi-tenancy
- Can securely host multiple independent client environments.
- Usage Capacity
- Maximum recommended number of concurrent users.
Security & Privacy
Mechanisms to ensure protection of models, data, and system access in compliance with relevant legal and regulatory standards.
- Anomaly Detection in System Access
- Automatic detection of unusual or suspicious user activity.
- Automated Permission Reviews
- Scheduled reminders and tools for regular privilege reviews.
- Compliance with Data Privacy Laws
- Assurance of adherence to GDPR, CCPA, and other applicable data privacy standards.
- Comprehensive Logging
- Persistent, tamper-proof logs of all access and activity.
- End-to-End Encryption
- Encryption of data at rest and in transit.
- Granular Access Permissions
- Detailed layer-based access configuration for all features/data.
- Multi-factor Authentication
- Enhanced login security via additional authentication factors.
- Security Patch Management
- Regular and prompt updates/patching for all components.
- Segregation of Sensitive Data
- Strict isolation and access limits for sensitive or confidential data.
- Single Sign-On (SSO) Integration
- Integration with enterprise identity providers for unified access control.
Security and Data Protection
Controls and technical measures ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data in model risk management.
- Access Review Frequency
- Frequency of mandatory access control reviews.
- Configurable Data Retention Policies
- Customizable policies for retention and deletion of all records.
- Data Masking
- Masks or redacts sensitive fields for non-privileged users.
- Encryption at Rest and in Transit
- Sensitive data is encrypted in all states.
- Full Audit Logging
- Captures every access, change, and export of sensitive data.
- GDPR/CCPA Compliance Tools
- Built-in tools to facilitate compliance with privacy regulations.
- Granular Access Controls
- Restricts data and function access to only authorized users/groups.
- Incident Response Automation
- Automates aspects of incident investigation and remediation.
- Intrusion Detection and Alerting
- Monitors for security incidents and notifies administrators.
- Multi-factor Authentication (MFA)
- Supports strong user authentication with multiple factors.
- Penetration Testing Support
- Platform regularly tested for vulnerabilities.
- Role-based Encryption Keys
- Encryption keys segregated by user or function role.
- Secure File Transfer Protocols
- Supports SFTP, FTPS, HTTPS, and other secure protocols for file transfers.
User Experience & Accessibility
Ensures that the solution is user-friendly, accessible, and facilitates user adoption throughout the organization.
- Accessibility Compliance
- Adherence to standards like WCAG for users with disabilities.
- Bulk Actions Support
- Ability to carry out bulk updates or actions for efficiency.
- In-app Help and Tooltips
- Embedded help features and contextual tips throughout the system.
- Intuitive User Interface
- Easy-to-navigate interface for both technical and non-technical users.
- Mobile Access
- Model management and monitoring available on mobile devices.
- Multi-language Support
- System available in multiple languages to support global teams.
- Onboarding Tutorials
- Guided steps or training modules for new users.
- Role-based Dashboard Customization
- Personalized dashboard views based on user roles and preferences.
- Usage Analytics
- Collects and visualizes platform usage metrics for optimization.
- User Feedback Capture
- Interfaces for users to submit feedback or improvement suggestions.