Enterprise Risk Register Template
A structured template for an enterprise risk register aligned with the COSO ERM framework.
How to use this template
Maintain a single register of key enterprise risks. Each risk should be owned, rated, and linked to objectives.
Register fields
For each risk record:
- Risk ID — unique identifier
- Risk description — what could happen and why
- Linked objective — which objective is threatened
- Category — strategic, operational, financial, compliance, reputational, ESG
- Inherent rating — impact times likelihood before controls
- Key controls — existing mitigations and their ownership
- Residual rating — impact times likelihood after controls
- Risk appetite — tolerance threshold for this risk
- Owner — named accountable owner with authority to act
- Treatment actions — planned mitigation, target date and status
- Escalation threshold — the point at which the board is informed
- Last review date — to ensure currency
Reporting cadence
- Owners update quarterly
- Risk function consolidates monthly
- Board reviews top risks monthly or per its calendar
Ownership and escalation are what make a register useful.