REPORTING AND DATA GOVERNANCE

The quality of decisions depends on the quality of information. And the quality of information starts with reliable data, clearly defined responsibilities, and effective reporting processes.

Reporting in the banking sector is much more than a regulatory obligation. It is a key instrument for risk management, business performance monitoring, strategic planning, and oversight of banking operations.

Management boards, supervisory boards and their committees, control functions, and line management rely on timely, accurate, and relevant information to understand risk exposures, assess financial positions, and make informed decisions.

However, the quality of a report does not depend solely on the person preparing it.

Reliable reporting is the outcome of an end-to-end process – from data creation, recording, and processing to controls, analysis, presentation, and the use of information.

This is why Data Governance, clearly defined roles and responsibilities, and effective collaboration between business and control functions are essential foundations of a reliable reporting framework.

RISKA provides specialized advisory and training services to banks seeking to enhance Data Governance, regulatory, internal and external reporting, and accountability throughout the entire reporting process.

HOW CAN WE SUPPORT YOUR BANK?

1. Enhancing Regulatory Reporting

Regulatory reporting requires accuracy, consistency, timeliness, and the ability to verify reported information.

RISKA supports the assessment and enhancement of regulatory reporting processes, including:

• Analysis of existing processes and identification of operational and methodological gaps.

• Assessment of organizational arrangements, responsibilities, and control mechanisms.

• Improvement of data collection, processing, and reconciliation procedures.

• Development of control procedures and documentation of reporting activities.

• Strengthening coordination among functions involved in regulatory reporting.

• Support in establishing more efficient processes for preparing, reviewing, and submitting regulatory reports.

Particular emphasis is placed on understanding data origins, interdependencies, and the ability to explain reported figures.

2. Designing and Enhancing Internal Management Reporting

Internal reports should enable management to understand the bank’s performance, identify emerging risks, and take appropriate decisions in a timely manner.

RISKA supports the design and optimization of reporting for:

• Management boards and supervisory boards.

• Supervisory board committees.

• Internal committees and other governing bodies.

• Risk management and other control functions.

• Line management and business units.

Our approach starts with a fundamental question: Who is making the decision, what information do they need, and how should it be presented to ensure clarity and practical relevance?

Our support covers the definition of reporting structures, content, frequency, and level of detail, aligned with the needs of report users.

3. Enhancing External Reporting

External reporting plays an important role in the transparency of banking operations and communication with investors, business partners, the public, and other stakeholders.

The reliability of externally disclosed information requires consistency with internal and regulatory data, clearly defined responsibilities, and appropriate controls.

RISKA provides support in:

• Reviewing processes for preparing external reports and disclosures.

• Improving consistency across different types of reporting.

• Defining responsibilities for preparing, reviewing, and approving information.

• Structuring content and improving the clarity of presentation.

• Developing control mechanisms and documentation of reporting processes.

4. Dashboards, Key Indicators, and Management Information

Effective reporting requires the selection of appropriate indicators and their clear interpretation.

RISKA supports banks in:

• Defining Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

• Developing Key Risk Indicators (KRIs).

• Establishing thresholds, limits, and early warning indicators.

• Structuring management dashboards.

• Aligning indicators with business objectives and the bank’s risk profile.

• Developing standardized approaches to presenting and interpreting results.

An effective dashboard does more than display indicator values. It enables users to quickly identify deviations, understand their underlying causes, and determine appropriate actions.

DATA GOVERNANCE – THE FOUNDATION OF RELIABLE REPORTING

Reporting Quality Begins Long Before a Report Is Produced

No report can be more reliable than the data on which it is based.

Banks often invest significant resources in reporting automation and visualization, while fundamental challenges remain related to source data quality, consistency, and accountability for data management.

Data Governance is a framework of rules, responsibilities, processes, and controls designed to ensure that data is managed as a valuable business asset.

RISKA supports banks in enhancing Data Governance within the context of regulatory, internal, and external reporting.

Data Quality

High-quality data should be accurate, complete, consistent, timely, and fit for its intended purpose.

Our support includes:

• Identifying critical data used in reporting.

• Defining data quality criteria and indicators.

• Establishing controls over data completeness, accuracy, and consistency.

• Identifying and analyzing the root causes of errors and discrepancies.

• Developing procedures for recording, escalating, and resolving data quality issues.

• Defining responsibilities for monitoring and improving data quality.

The objective is not simply to identify an error in a report, but to understand where it originated, why it occurred, and how to prevent it from recurring.

Data Ownership and Clear Accountability

One of the most important elements of an effective Data Governance framework is clearly defined accountability.

In practice, data may be created by one organizational unit, processed by another, used by a third, and ultimately incorporated into reports prepared by a fourth.

When responsibilities are unclear, data quality issues may remain unresolved or recur across multiple reporting cycles.

RISKA provides support in:

• Defining Data Ownership.

• Establishing Data Stewardship roles.

• Clarifying responsibilities for data entry, processing, control, and use.

• Defining accountability for data quality and issue resolution.

• Establishing escalation and decision-making processes.

• Developing responsibility matrices, including the RACI approach.

Data quality is not the exclusive responsibility of IT, reporting, or risk management. It is a shared responsibility of all functions that create, modify, control, and use data.

Data Lineage – Traceability from Source to Report

For a bank to rely on its reports, it must understand how data flows through its systems and processes.

RISKA supports improvements in Data Lineage, including:

• Identifying source systems and critical data sources.

• Documenting data flows throughout the reporting process.

• Understanding data transformations, aggregations, and calculations.

• Identifying key control points.

• Linking reported figures to underlying source data.

• Improving documentation and auditability.

Data traceability facilitates error identification, more efficient reconciliation, and greater confidence in information provided to management, regulators, and other stakeholders.

Consistent Definitions and Indicator Methodologies

When different functions apply different definitions to the same indicators, a bank may receive conflicting information about its own operations.

RISKA supports the establishment of:

• Consistent definitions of critical data elements and indicators.

• Business rules for calculations and aggregation.

• Documentation of methodologies and data sources.

• Data reconciliation processes across functions.

• Controls over changes to definitions and methodologies.

Every indicator should have a clearly defined meaning, methodology, and ownership – regardless of the report in which it appears.

BCBS 239 – RISK DATA AGGREGATION AND RISK REPORTING

Principles for Reliable Risk Data and Effective Reporting

BCBS 239 – Principles for Effective Risk Data Aggregation and Risk Reporting – provides an important international reference framework for improving risk data aggregation capabilities and reporting quality.

The principles emphasize governance accountability, appropriate data architecture, data quality, reliable aggregation, and timely reporting.

RISKA supports banks in assessing and enhancing reporting processes with reference to relevant BCBS 239 principles, taking into account the applicable regulatory framework and proportionality considerations.

Our support may include:

• Assessing existing Data Governance and reporting frameworks.

• Identifying gaps and improvement priorities.

• Developing accountability structures and control mechanisms.

• Enhancing risk data aggregation and reconciliation.

• Strengthening reporting accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and adaptability.

• Defining practical steps to improve existing processes.

REPORTING IS A PROCESS, NOT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A SINGLE FUNCTION

Clear Roles and Responsibilities Across the Reporting Process

Reliable reporting requires collaboration among business units, finance, risk management, ALM, IT, controlling, compliance, and other relevant functions.

Each function plays a role in the creation, processing, control, interpretation, or use of data.

RISKA therefore places particular emphasis on:

• Clearly defining responsibilities throughout the reporting process.

• Distinguishing accountability for data from accountability for reports.

• Establishing controls and approval procedures.

• Defining deadlines, dependencies, and escalation processes.

• Improving collaboration across organizational units.

• Reducing dependence on individuals and undocumented procedures.

• Strengthening continuity and operational resilience of reporting processes.

A report may be prepared by one function, but its quality depends on everyone involved in the process.

FROM DATA TO DECISIONS – ANALYTICAL AND NARRATIVE REPORTING

Reporting Should Explain Not Only What Happened, but Also Why It Happened and What It Means

An effective management report is more than a collection of tables, charts, and indicators.

It should help users understand developments, identify key risks, and make appropriate decisions.

RISKA supports improvements in analytical and narrative reporting, including:

• Structuring management commentary and explanations of results.

• Analyzing deviations from plans, previous periods, or defined limits.

• Connecting financial indicators with risk indicators.

• Identifying the underlying drivers of change.

• Assessing potential implications and required actions.

• Tailoring reporting narratives to different audiences.

The value of a report does not come from the volume of data it presents, but from its ability to support understanding and informed decision-making.

WHY DOES EFFECTIVE REPORTING MATTER FOR YOUR BANK?

An effective Data Governance and reporting framework enables banks to:

• Make better-informed and more timely management decisions.

• Improve the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of regulatory and external reports.

• Strengthen Data Governance and accountability for data quality.

• Reduce operational risks associated with manual processes and unclear responsibilities.

• Increase transparency and the auditability of information.

• Improve collaboration between business and control functions.

• Strengthen regulatory compliance and preparedness for supervisory reviews.

• Reduce dependence on individuals and improve reporting process continuity.

• Enable more effective monitoring of risks, business performance, and strategic objectives.

High-quality reporting is not the final stage of data processing. It is the outcome of a well-organized framework for managing data, processes, and accountability.

RISKA ONLINE PROGRAM: REPORTING AND DATA GOVERNANCE

From Data Governance and Data Quality to Internal, Regulatory, and External Reporting (available in local language).

Effective reporting does not begin with preparing a report. It begins with understanding data, processes, and the responsibilities of everyone involved.

The RISKA Reporting online training program is available on the RISKA online learning platform, offering a comprehensive perspective on Data Governance and reporting processes in banks.

The program brings together Data Governance, data quality, organizational roles and responsibilities, BCBS 239 principles, and different types of banking reporting – internal, regulatory, and external.

It is based on the understanding that reliable reporting is not the outcome of a single department’s work, but of coordinated efforts across all functions involved in creating, processing, controlling, analyzing, and using data.

What Does the Program Cover?

Data Governance – Managing Data as the Foundation of Reporting

Understanding Data Governance principles, their importance for banks, and their relationship with reporting quality and decision-making.

Data Quality and Control Mechanisms

Data accuracy, completeness, consistency, and timeliness; identifying sources of errors; and understanding the importance of controls throughout the reporting process.

Roles and Responsibilities in Data Governance and Reporting

Responsibilities of data owners, business functions, IT, finance, risk management, and other participants, with emphasis on coordination and clear allocation of duties.

BCBS 239 – Principles for Risk Data Aggregation and Risk Reporting

Understanding international principles for effective risk data aggregation and reporting, including governance accountability, data quality, and information reliability.

Internal Management Reporting

The purpose and structure of reports prepared for management boards, supervisory boards and their committees, control functions, and other internal users.

Regulatory Reporting

Understanding regulatory requirements, responsibilities, deadlines, controls, and the importance of accurate, consistent, and timely information submitted to supervisory authorities.

External Reporting

The role of external reporting in banking transparency, the importance of consistency in publicly disclosed information, and its relationship with internal and regulatory data.

Analysis, Interpretation, and Presentation of Information

Understanding indicators, explaining changes and deviations, and preparing reports that go beyond presenting data to support better decision-making.

What Will You Learn?

The program helps participants:

• Understand the end-to-end reporting process, from data sources to final users.

• Recognize the importance of Data Governance principles and data quality.

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of all functions involved in reporting.

• Become familiar with BCBS 239 principles and their relevance to risk data management.

• Distinguish between the purposes, requirements, and users of internal, regulatory, and external reporting.

• Better understand the relationships between data, controls, indicators, and reporting outcomes.

• Strengthen their ability to analyze, interpret, and present information.

Who Is the Program Designed For?

The program is intended for everyone involved in Data Governance and reporting processes, not only employees who directly prepare reports.

It is particularly relevant for professionals working in:

• Regulatory, internal, and external reporting.

• Risk management.

• Finance, accounting, and controlling.

• ALM and treasury.

• IT and data management.

• Business units responsible for creating and providing data.

• Internal audit and other control functions.

The program is also relevant for managers who rely on reports for oversight and decision-making.

Value for Your Bank

By investing in employee development, banks strengthen a shared understanding of reporting processes and accountability.

This contributes to improved Data Governance, more effective cross-functional collaboration, reduced operational errors, and more reliable information used in management decision-making and regulatory communication.

Reporting quality is not solely the responsibility of the function preparing the report. It is the responsibility of everyone involved in the process.

Start Learning Online

The RISKA online learning format offers flexible access to professional training, allowing participants to develop their competencies at their own pace.

Understand the entire process – from data quality and clear accountability to reports that support better decisions.

EXPLORE THE ONLINE PROGRAM AND ENROLL →

RISKA Online Programs

RISKA PROFESSIONAL TRAINING AND IN-HOUSE PROGRAMS

Strengthening Competencies Across Data Governance and Reporting Functions

In addition to the online program, RISKA offers professional training and practical workshops tailored to the specific needs of individual institutions.

Training may cover:

• Regulatory, internal, and external reporting.

• Data Governance and data quality.

• Roles and responsibilities throughout the reporting process.

• BCBS 239 and risk data aggregation.

• KPIs, KRIs, and management dashboards.

• Analytical and narrative reporting.

• Controls, documentation, and reporting process improvement.

WHO ARE OUR ADVISORY AND TRAINING SERVICES DESIGNED FOR?

RISKA advisory and training services are designed for banks and other financial institutions, particularly:

• Regulatory, internal, and external reporting professionals.

• Risk management specialists and managers.

• Finance, accounting, and controlling teams.

• ALM and treasury functions.

• Data owners and employees responsible for data quality.

• IT and data management teams.

• Internal audit and other control functions.

• Line management and business units.

• Senior managers responsible for management reporting and decision-making.

ADVISORY SUPPORT TAILORED TO YOUR BANK

Every bank has its own organizational structure, information systems, reporting requirements, and Data Governance challenges.

RISKA therefore provides customized advisory and training services, tailored to each institution’s business model, regulatory environment, and existing capabilities.

Our support may include:

• Assessment of existing regulatory, internal, and external reporting frameworks.

• Analysis of data quality and reporting controls.

• Enhancement of Data Governance frameworks.

• Definition of roles and responsibilities.

• Development and optimization of management reports.

• Improvement of KPI and KRI frameworks.

• Development of narrative reporting methodologies.

• Professional training and practical workshops.

RELIABLE DATA. CLEAR ACCOUNTABILITY. BETTER DECISIONS.

Reporting creates value when it connects high-quality data, accountable stakeholders, and information that enables timely action.

RISKA helps banks enhance reporting processes, strengthen Data Governance, and develop a culture of accountability for information quality.

Contact us to discuss advisory support, an assessment of your existing reporting framework, or professional training tailored to your institution.

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