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.
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.
IORWG work program is supported by a small number of expert groups. All expert groups are supported by the Membership.
The Group meets at least once a year for two days, typically in the first half of May. There may be circumstances where an additional meeting may be required. The meetings are hosted by Member countries on a rotational basis. The group has developed an active program of 16 conferences for its membership and invited guests:
The 16th annual conference took place in Mexico, 2022.
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.