All About FRM Course [The Only Guide You’ll Need in 2024]

In today’s complex and volatile financial environment, understanding and managing financial risks have become a crucial aspect of business operations. One of the key players in this field is the Financial Risk Manager (FRM).

This blog post is an all-encompassing guide that provides you with all the essential knowledge about Financial Risk Management and the FRM certification. So, if you’re a finance professional looking to level up your career, this guide is for you.

What is Financial Risk Management (FRM)?

Financial Risk Management (FRM) is a strategic discipline that focuses on mitigating the potential adverse effects of financial market volatility on an organization’s profitability and value. It encompasses several areas within a business, such as managing cash flow, investment risk, credit risks, market risks, and operational risks.

FRM has gained significant importance in a world that is becoming more financially interconnected and complex. From large corporations to small businesses, and even individuals, everyone faces various types of financial risks. Managing these risks effectively can be the difference between success and failure.

What does an FRM do?

A Financial Risk Manager (FRM) is a professional who specializes in identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities within a company’s financial structure. Their role involves managing the risk exposure of an organization to minimize potential losses and safeguard the company’s financial standing.

An FRM’s day-to-day responsibilities vary depending on the specific role and industry, but they typically include:

1. Risk Identification and Assessment: FRMs identify potential financial risks that an organization may face. This involves studying market trends, analyzing financial data, and staying updated on regulatory changes.
2. Risk Quantification: Once the risks have been identified, FRMs assess their potential impact on the organization. They use quantitative techniques, such as statistical modeling and scenario analysis, to estimate the financial impact of these risks.
3. Risk Mitigation: FRMs develop strategies to minimize the potential impact of identified risks. These strategies might include diversifying investments, hedging through derivatives, and maintaining a robust liquidity position.
4. Risk Reporting: FRMs regularly report on the organization’s risk exposure to senior management and stakeholders. These reports provide insights into the company’s risk profile and the effectiveness of its risk management strategies.

Who Should Pursue FRM?

The FRM certification is relevant to a wide variety of professionals who are keen on expanding their understanding of risk management or who intend to specialize in this field. Here are some of the backgrounds from which aspiring FRMs commonly originate:

• Banking Sector Employees: Individuals working in banks, especially in roles related to credit analysis, or treasury management can particularly benefit from FRM. It provides them with a deeper understanding of financial risk, helping them make more informed decisions and advance in their current roles.
• Commerce Graduates: Commerce graduates often have a foundational understanding of finance, making the FRM certification a natural next step. The certification can offer them a specialized skill set and improve their employability in competitive finance roles.
• Engineering Graduates: Engineers, especially those proficient in quantitative subjects, may find the FRM certification valuable if they’re looking to transition into finance roles.
• Financial Analysts and Consultants: Financial analysts and consultants often interact with various aspects of financial risk in their roles. The FRM certification can provide them with a comprehensive understanding of risk management, enhancing their analytical skills and improving their advice to clients.
• Accountants and Auditors: Accountants and auditors are already familiar with financial statements and the financial workings of a company. The FRM certification can deepen their understanding of financial risk, aiding them in assessing the risk profile of a company more effectively.
• Portfolio and Asset Managers: Professionals managing assets and portfolios are continuously dealing with market, credit, and liquidity risk. The FRM certification can help them devise better strategies to mitigate these risks and optimize portfolio returns.

Each of these professionals can benefit from the FRM certification as it aligns with their interest in understanding, analyzing, and managing financial risk. The FRM certification can provide them with a competitive edge, enhancing their career prospects in the finance industry.

FRM Exam Eligibility and Registration Process

One of the major attractions of the FRM certification is its relatively open eligibility criteria, making it accessible to a broad range of professionals and students interested in the field of risk management.

Required Qualifications and Experience

To enroll for the FRM exams, GARP does not stipulate any specific educational or professional prerequisites. You can register for the FRM exam regardless of your academic background or work experience.

However, to earn the FRM certification after passing the FRM exams, you’re required to demonstrate two years of professional full-time work experience in the area of financial risk management or another related field. This work experience must be gained within five years of passing the FRM Exam Part II.

This blend of theoretical learning and practical experience ensures that FRM-certified professionals not only have the knowledge to understand financial risk but also the practical skills to apply this knowledge in real-world situations.

How to Apply for the FRM Exam?

The FRM Exam registration process is straightforward and conducted entirely online via the GARP website. Here are the steps:

1. Create an Account: The first step is to create an account on the GARP website. This will become your portal for all interactions with GARP, including exam registration and result checking.
2. Register for the Exam: Once your account is created, you can register for the FRM Exam Part I. If you’ve already passed Part I, you can register for Part II.
3. Pay the Exam Fee: After registering, you’ll need to pay the exam fee. This fee varies depending on when you register – early registrations benefit from a reduced fee.
4. Prepare and Sit for the Exam: Once registered, you’ll need to prepare for and sit for the exam. GARP provides a range of study resources to help you prepare.
5. Check Your Results: After the exam, your results will be released on your GARP account. If you pass, you can then register for the next part of the exam (if applicable).
6. Submit Work Experience: After passing both parts of the exam, you’ll need to submit proof of your professional work experience to earn your FRM certification.

FRM Exam Structure

The FRM exam is divided into two parts, each focusing on different areas of risk management. Both parts of the exam consist of multiple-choice questions that test your understanding and application of risk management concepts.

• FRM Part 1 exam lays the groundwork for becoming a Financial Risk Manager. It focuses on the tools used to assess financial risk, such as quantitative analysis, fundamental risk management concepts, financial markets and products, and valuation and risk models.
• FRM Part 2 exam focuses on the application of the tools acquired in Part I. It delves into market risk management, credit risk management, operational and integrated risk management, risk management and investment management, and current issues in financial markets.

For both parts, candidates are provided with a series of multiple-choice questions and are required to choose the most appropriate answer. Each question has an equal weight in the scoring, and there’s no penalty for guessing, so it’s advisable to attempt every question.

Particulars	FRM Exam Part I	FRM Exam Part II
Number of Questions	100	80
Duration	4 hours	4 hours
Format	Multiple-choice	Multiple-choice

FRM Marking / Scoring Criteria

Before appearing for the exam, it’s important for you to understand the Marking Scheme of the FRM exam so that you can plan your strategy accordingly. Let’s discuss –

Minimum Passing Score

GARP does not disclose the exact passing score for the FRM exam. Instead, the passing scores are determined by the FRM Committee, which considers various factors, including the overall performance of candidates.

Relative Performance System

Candidates’ exam results are reported as quartiles, which represent the candidate’s performance in each section relative to other candidates who gave the exam. A 1st quartile rank indicates that a candidate’s performance in a particular section is among the top performers of those who did not pass the exam.

Also, you must pass Part I of the exam before your Part II exam can be graded. This means if you take both parts on the same day and fail Part I, Part II will not be graded, regardless of your performance.

FRM Exam Syllabus & Weightage

The FRM exam covers a comprehensive range of risk-related topics. Below, we break down the syllabus for each part of the exam, including the weightage of each topic:

FRM Part I Subjects

The first part of the FRM exam focuses on foundational risk management concepts, which are divided into four main topics:

1. Quantitative Analysis: This section focuses on the basic mathematical and statistical concepts used in risk management. It covers topics such as probability distributions and descriptive statistics, regression and correlation, hypothesis testing, and time series analysis.
2. Foundations of Risk Management: This section provides a conceptual foundation of risk management. It covers the role of risk management in corporations, different types of financial risks, risk governance, and ethical concerns in risk management.
3. Financial Markets and Products: This section focuses on different financial products and the markets they are traded in. Topics covered include futures and forwards, options, swaps, and various types of fixed-income securities.
4. Valuation and Risk Models: This section dives into the valuation of securities and the models used to assess the risk of financial instruments. Topics include valuation of futures, forwards, swaps and options, risk models, and volatility estimation.

The weightage of each subject is as below-

Topic	Weight
Quantitative Analysis	20%
Foundations of Risk Management	20%
Financial Markets and Products	30%
Valuation and Risk Models	30%

FRM Part II Subjects

The second part of the FRM exam focuses on the application of the concepts learned in Part I. It is divided into five main topics:

1. Market Risk Measurement and Management: This area tests your knowledge of market risk types and appropriate measures, as well as modeling techniques. The topics covered include volatility, value at risk (VaR), risk-adjusted performance measures, and more.
2. Credit Risk Measurement and Management: Here, the focus is on credit risk in a variety of contexts, including counterparty credit risk, credit exposure, and credit derivatives. You’ll also need to understand the methodologies for evaluating credit risk, like credit scoring and credit VaR.
3. Operational Risk and Resiliency: This section explores the various types of operational risks, their impacts, and strategies for managing these risks. Key topics include the Basel requirements for operational risk, loss distribution approach, scenario analysis, and business continuity planning.
4. Liquidity and Treasury Risk Measurement and Management: In this area, you’ll dive into the complexities of liquidity risk, including its causes, effects, and management techniques. Topics include funding liquidity risk, market liquidity risk, and the liquidity coverage ratio.
5. Risk Management and Investment Management: This section addresses various risk management techniques in the investment management context. Subjects include portfolio construction, risk budgeting, risk monitoring, and risk-adjusted performance measurement.
6. Current Issues in Financial Markets: This topic is unique as it changes annually to reflect current events and emerging trends in financial risk management. It ensures that certified FRMs are up-to-date with the latest issues and practices in the industry.

The weightage of each subject is as below-

Topic	Weight
Market risk measurement and management	20%
Credit Risk Measurement and Management	20%
Operational risk and resiliency	20%
Liquidity and treasury risk measurement and management	15%
Risk management and investment management	15%
Current issues in financial markets	10%

How to Prepare for the FRM Exam?

Given the comprehensive and challenging nature of the FRM exam, thorough preparation is crucial. Here are some strategies and resources that can help you succeed:

Best Practices and Tips for FRM Preparation

• Understand the Exam Format: Before you begin studying, familiarize yourself with the format of the exam. Knowing the structure of the exam, the types of questions asked, and the weightage of different topics will help you create an effective study plan.
• Start Early and Create a Study Plan: The FRM exam covers a wide range of topics, so it’s essential to start your preparation early. Create a study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus and stick to it. Allocate more time to areas you find challenging.
• Practice with Past Exam Papers: Practicing with past exam papers is one of the best ways to prepare. It can help you familiarize yourself with the exam format and improve your time management skills. GARP provides practice exams that can be useful for this.
• Use Multiple Study Resources: Don’t rely solely on one study resource. Using multiple resources can help you gain a more comprehensive understanding of the topics.
• Regularly Review and Revise: Regular revision is key to retaining the information you’ve learned. Include time for revision in your study plan.

You might also want to read: How to Prepare for FRM Part 1 | How to prepare for FRM Part 2 Exam?

FRM Exam Study Material

1. GARP Study Materials: GARP provides a range of study materials, including a Study Guide, Learning Objectives, and Practice Exams. These materials are specifically designed to help candidates understand the FRM exam syllabus and prepare effectively.
2. FRM Handbook: The FRM Handbook, written by Philippe Jorion, provides a detailed overview of the concepts covered in the FRM exam. It’s a great resource for deepening your understanding of the topics.
3. Online Study Resources: There are numerous online resources, such as educational platforms and forums, that provide study materials, practice questions, and advice for FRM candidates. Examples include AnalystPrep, Bionic Turtle, and the FRM section on the AnalystForum website.

Also Read: Best FRM Study Materials in 2024 (Courses, Books & Videos)

FRM Exam Difficulty

The FRM exam is known for its rigour and depth, testing candidates’ knowledge and understanding of a wide array of risk management concepts. Here, we’ll examine the complexity of the FRM exam, along with some performance metrics and tips for navigating its difficulty.

Also Read: Is the FRM exam Difficult? A Student’s Perspective

Level of Complexity and Effort Required

The FRM exam is often considered one of the most challenging certifications in the finance industry. It covers a broad range of risk management concepts, requiring a deep understanding and the ability to apply these concepts to practical scenarios.

Preparation for the FRM exam demands a significant investment of time and effort. GARP recommends a minimum of 200 hours of study for each part of the exam, though the exact time needed will depend on your prior knowledge and experience.

Pass Rates and Performance Metrics

Historically, the pass rates for the FRM exam have hovered around 50%. Below are the pass rates for the most recent FRM exams:

Year	FRM Part I Pass Rate	FRM Part II Pass Rate
2022	46%	58%
2021	45%	56%
2020	42%	57%

These pass rates reflect the challenging nature of the exam. However, don’t be discouraged; with adequate preparation, many candidates successfully navigate the difficulty of the FRM exam.

Tips for Handling the Difficulty of the FRM Exam

• Understand the Conceptual Framework: A deep understanding of the underlying concepts is crucial for the FRM exam. Memorizing formulas or facts won’t be enough; you’ll need to understand how to apply the concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Prepare Thoroughly and Consistently: Given the complexity of the exam, regular and thorough preparation is key. Starting your study early and sticking to a consistent study schedule can help ensure you cover all necessary material.
• Take Advantage of Practice Exams: Practice exams can help you become familiar with the format and difficulty level of the FRM exam. They also provide a good opportunity to work on your time management skills.
• Focus on Weak Areas: Use practice exams and quizzes to identify areas where you’re struggling and focus on improving these areas. This targeted approach can help you increase your overall exam score.

FRM Scholarships

There are numerous third-party organizations and educational institutions that provide financial assistance to students and professionals who wish to further their education in risk management and finance.

Available Scholarships for Pursuing FRM

Here are a types of scholarships that might be applicable to FRM candidates:

• Academic Scholarships: GARP has tied with many universities and colleges , which can nominate 6 candidates to GARP for scholarship purpose. The universities may nominate offer scholarships for students who excel academically and wish to further their studies in risk management.
• Professional Development Scholarships: These scholarships are often offered by employers to help current employees further their education and develop new skills. If you’re currently working in a Finance MNC, it might be worth checking with your employer see if they offer any such scholarships.

Eligibility and Application Process for Scholarships

The eligibility criteria and application process will vary depending on the scholarship. Generally, scholarships might require you to:

1. Demonstrate Financial Need: For need-based scholarships, you may be required to provide documentation demonstrating your financial need.
2. Have a Strong Academic or Professional Record: FRM Scholarships are often awarded to individuals who have shown academic or professional excellence. You may be required to provide academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, or a resume.
3. Submit an Application Essay or Proposal: FRM scholarships require an application essay or proposal where you outline your career goals, how the FRM certification will help you achieve them, and why you should be considered for the scholarship.
4. Complete an Application Form: FRM scholarships will have an application form you’ll need to complete. This form may ask for personal details, academic or professional history, and financial information.

Career Opportunities & Salaries after FRM Certification

Earning an FRM certification opens up numerous career opportunities in various industries. Here, we’ll examine the job roles that often require or prefer FRM certification, the average salary for these roles, and potential employers and industries.

Job Profiles & Average Salary

Financial Risk Managers are valuable assets in any organization that deals with financial risk. Some common roles that often require or prefer FRM certification include:

1. Risk Analyst: Risk Analysts assess the financial risks associated with business decisions and recommend strategies to manage or reduce these risks.
   Average salary: $70,000 per year.
2. Risk Manager: Risk Managers oversee the organization’s risk management operations, including conducting risk assessments and implementing risk management policies and strategies.
   Average salary: $100,000 per year.
3. Credit Risk Manager: Credit Risk Managers specifically manage the risk that a borrower will default on a debt by making payments late or not at all.
   Average salary: $110,000 per year.
4. Operational Risk Analyst: Operational Risk Analysts evaluate the risks associated with an organization’s business operations and implement strategies to manage these risks.
   Average salary: $80,000 per year.
5. Portfolio Risk Manager: Portfolio Risk Managers assess and manage the risk associated with an organization’s investment portfolio.
   Average salary: $100,000 per year, with experienced managers earning significantly more.

Companies that Recruit FRMs

Financial Risk Managers can find opportunities in various industries. Some potential employers and industries include:

1. Banks and Financial Institutions: These are the most common employers of FRMs. They have a significant need to manage financial risk and thus value the expertise of certified FRMs. Major employers: JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, and Citigroup.
2. Consulting Firms: Consulting firms that provide risk management advisory services often employ FRMs.
   Major employers: McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group (BCG), and Bain & Company.
3. Insurance Companies: Insurance companies deal with risk on a daily basis and therefore have a high demand for FRMs.
   Major employers: Allstate, State Farm, LIC, Bajaj and Liberty Mutual.
4. Regulatory Bodies: Regulatory bodies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or the Federal Reserve often employ FRMs to help assess the financial stability of banks and other financial institutions.
5. Corporations: Large corporations in various industries employ FRMs to help manage the financial risks associated with their business operations.
   Major employers: Corporations such as Amazon, Google, and Microsoft have risk management teams that employ FRMs.

Also Read: FRM Jobs in India – Scope, salary and Recruiters

FRM Vs Other Finance Certifications

In the field of finance, numerous certifications can enhance a professional’s career. In this section, we’ll compare the FRM certification with other prominent finance certifications like Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and Professional Risk Manager (PRM).

Brief Comparison with Other Certifications

Here’s a comparison of the FRM certification with the CFA and PRM certifications:

Certification	Focus Area	Exam Structure	Duration	Difficulty	Average Salary (US)
FRM (Financial Risk Manager)	Risk management in finance	Two-part exam	Typically 1-2 years	High	$85,000 – $150,000
CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)	Broad financial analysis and investment management	Three-level exam	Typically 2-4 years	High	$80,000 – $200,000
PRM (Professional Risk Manager)	Risk management with more emphasis on theory	Four-part exam	1-2 years	Medium to High	$70,000 – $130,000

Also Read: CFA Vs FRM: Detailed Comparison on Salary, Difficulty, Syllabus, Fees etc.

How to Choose a specific Finance Certification?

The decision to choose a specific certification depends on your career goals and professional interests–

• FRM is ideal for professionals who want to specialize in risk management, especially within financial institutions. It’s well recognized in the banking and financial services industries and is often preferred for roles related to credit risk, operational risk etc.
• CFA is a broad-based certification that covers a range of topics in finance, including investment management, portfolio management etc.. It’s a good choice for those who aim for roles in investment banking, portfolio management, and financial analysis.
• PRM is another risk management certification, but it places a greater emphasis on the theoretical aspects of risk management. It’s often chosen by those who are interested in risk theory, modeling, and analysis.

Conclusion

Financial Risk Management is an integral part of the finance industry. With the increasing complexity of financial markets and regulatory scrutiny, the demand for skilled financial risk managers is growing. The FRM certification offers a pathway to gain the necessary skills and knowledge, making you stand out in the competitive finance industry.

Whether you are an experienced professional seeking to advance your career or a newcomer aspiring to break into the finance industry, the FRM certification could be the key to unlocking your potential.

Frequently Asked Questions