Enterprise risk & controls · Core
Risk appetite
Also called: appetite for risk
ELI5
The amount and type of risk an organisation is willing to pursue or retain.
Used in conversation
“Add risk appetite to the risk register with an owner and mitigation.”
Pitch context
You will see “Risk appetite” in board papers, contracts, policies, risk registers and compliance reports when the discussion reaches enterprise risk & controls.
Why it matters: In enterprise risk & controls, a loose definition can change rights, obligations, approval, disclosure or enforceability.
Caution
Meaning, enforceability and required process vary by jurisdiction and agreement; this definition is not legal advice.
Connected terms
- Risk toleranceRisk appetite states the amount and type of risk an organisation is willing to pursue or retain; tolerance sets acceptable variation or limits.
Sources & evidence · 3
Direct term-level sources and supporting source families.
- OECD — G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance 2023Direct source · institutional · checked 2026-08-16
- National Institute of Standards and Technology — Computer Security Resource Center GlossaryDirect source · primary · checked 2026-08-16
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission — EDGAR and filing resourcesSupporting source family · primary · checked 2026-08-16