What We Have In Common

Risk management is a profession that brings together people from different industries, backgrounds, geographies and experiences. We approach challenges from different perspectives and often have very different organizational priorities. However, the RIMS community shares something important: a commitment to understanding risk, supporting informed decision-making, advancing organizational objectives and creating opportunities for others.

The recent RIMS Canada Conference in Québec City was a great example. More than 1,800 risk professionals showed up for this record-breaking event. Four keynote speakers, including a military leader, an astronaut, an AI expert and a celebrity mental health advocate, brought remarkably different perspectives to the stage. Each demonstrated how understanding and managing risk contributed to their respective journeys. It was a fantastic conference, and we look forward to doing it again next year in Winnipeg.

From Québec City, I travelled to Türkiye to lead a RIMS-CRMP Workshop ahead of the Brokerslink conference. Participants from more than 16 countries attended, reinforcing the importance of brokers’ and risk professionals’ alignment around the world. The RIMS-CRMP certification provides that common foundation with globally recognized risk management competencies and a consistent approach to identifying, assessing and managing risk. It is exciting to see its growing recognition and adoption around the world.

Establishing a shared corporate culture that embraces risk management’s potential is critical to ERM success. On November 19 and 20 in Columbus, Ohio, RIMS will bring together ERM practitioners and organizational leaders at the RIMS ERM Conference 2026. Whether you are only just considering ERM or are looking to take your program to the next level, this conference will deliver. At its core, ERM connects risk management with organizational strategy, enabling leaders to better understand uncertainty, evaluate risk and opportunity, and make informed decisions in pursuit of enterprise objectives. Breaking down organizational silos is an important part of that process, strengthening collaboration and creating a more integrated approach to managing risk.

A shared commitment to professional growth is another defining characteristic of the RIMS community. Last year, RIMS introduced the CRO Certificate Program in Advanced ERM led by ERM trailblazer James Lam and it immediately sold out. I am happy to report that RIMS has renewed the program for 2027. Registration is now open for the first cohort that begins January 13. Space is limited. I encourage interested professionals to register now.

There is perhaps no greater demonstration of our community's shared common ground than its investment in professional excellence at RISKWORLD. RIMS will be ready to welcome more than 11,000 risk professionals to New Orleans in April. RISKWORLD is more than an annual conference. It reflects the strength of our profession: a global community committed to sharing knowledge, advancing professional capabilities and strengthening the value risk management delivers to organizations.

RIMS continues to work to ensure risk professionals have a voice in legislative matters. On November 10, RIMS will host a webinar examining the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), providing insight into how the program works and the latest developments affecting its current authorization. Check out this recent podcast about RIMS involvement in establishing TRIA almost 25 years ago. With TRIA scheduled to expire in 2027, RIMS remains committed to advocating for its reauthorization and ensuring that the risk management community's perspective is represented in this important legislative discussion.

A second RIMS Public Policy Committee webinar will focus on third-party litigation funding (TPLF), an issue receiving increased attention across the country. Following North Carolina's decision to ban TPLF, on December 3 RIMS will welcome North Carolina Chamber of Commerce Board Member Chris Smith to discuss the reasoning behind their decision. Both webinars reinforce the importance of understanding the evolving legislative and regulatory environment, anticipating its potential impact on organizations, and ensuring the risk management perspective is represented in public policy discussions.

As I reflect on these experiences and look ahead to the opportunities before us, one thing is clear: our commonalities are not defined by where we work, the industries we represent or how long we have been in the profession. They are defined by our shared commitment to professional excellence, our collaborative spirit and our determination to advance the practice of risk management. Together, we strengthen our profession and the value we deliver to the organizations and communities we serve.

Thank you for supporting RIMS and contributing to the important conversations that move our profession forward.  

Sincerely,

Manny Padilla, RIMS-CRMP
RIMS 2026 President