About us

The International Operational Risk Working Group (IORWG) is an international working group dedicated to advancing the management of operational risk in the central banking industry.
The IORWG was established in October 2005, initiated by a proposal from the Bank of Spain that was agreed to by seventeen Central Banks. Today IORWG is the world‘s leading operational risk association for central banking industry. The IORWG has become an important forum in the global central banking industry for innovation, research, collective learning and exchange for sound & good practices. IORWG is made up of more than a hundred of member institutions.

Leadership

The Federal Reserve of Philadelphia and the Bank of Spain co-chair the IORWG. These institutions coordinate the administration of the working group. During the annual conferences, the IORWG members determine the research activities for the coming year.

Expert Groups

IORWG work program is supported by a small number of expert groups. All expert groups are supported by the Membership.

Conferences

The Group meets on an anual basis. Meetings are hosted by Member countries on a rotational basis. 

  1. 19th United Arab Emirates, 2025
  2. 18th Italy, 2024
  3. 17th Kenya, 2023
  4. 16th México, 2022
  5. 15th Ireland, 2021 - eConference
  6. 14th Chile, 2019
  7. 13th Singapore, 2018
  8. 12th Portugal, 2017
  9. 11th Philippines, 2016
  10. 10th South Africa, 2015
  11. 9th Israel, 2014
  12. 8th Morocco, 2013
  13. 7th Sweden, 2012
  14. 6th Thailand, 2011
  15. 5th Brazil, 2010
  16. 4th Denmark, 2009
  17. 3rd France, 2008
  18. 2nd United States, 2007
  19. 1st Spain, 2006

The 19th annual conference took place in United Arab Emirates, 2025.

Network

The IORWG has a strong and effective network in central banking operational risk management. The network is built through contacts made at Members, Expert Groups and Conferences. The strength of the network is a major asset for the association.

Latest Alerts

05/14/2026

20th IORWG Annual Conference 2026

We are delighted to announce that the 20th Annual International Operational Risk Working Group (IORWG) Conference will be hosted by the Bank Indonesia from September 15th to 18th in Bali

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