Governance

Risk & opportunity oversight

At Mercuria, we understand that navigating risk and seizing opportunity are not just exercises in caution or optimism, but essential pillars of achieving our sustainability goals and fostering long-term value for our stakeholders.

This section delves into our comprehensive approach to risk and opportunity management, outlining our definitions, frameworks, and the dedicated teams driving this crucial endeavour. 

We define risk as the potential for adverse effects on our business, encompassing financial, reputational, and operational concerns.

Conversely, opportunity signifies the potential for positive impacts, including financial gains, increased efficiency, and innovation. We recognize that these forces are interrelated, demanding a holistic approach to their identification and management. We discuss more about Mercuria’s risks and opportunities in the TCFD Reporting section. 

This matters because effective risk and opportunity management are fundamental to our business’s success and sustainability. Unmanaged risks can lead to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal repercussions, while missed opportunities can translate to lost revenue and a weakened competitive edge. By actively mitigating potential losses and capitalizing on opportunities, we aim to generate long-term value for our stakeholders. 

At Mercuria, we navigate a diverse landscape of risks and opportunities, including: 

  • Climate Change Risk: We address both physical risks – like changes in weather patterns or sea levels – and transitional risks associated with the energy transition, such as evolving regulations or consumer preferences. 
  • Compliance Risk: Failing to comply with industry laws, internal policies, or best practices poses “integrity risk” that necessitates meticulous governance. 
  • Credit Risk: The potential for borrowers or counterparties to default demands careful assessment and mitigation strategies. 
  • Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Risk: We take ownership of the impact our business practices have on the environment, society, and our own governance structures. 
  • Market Risk: Fluctuations in interest rates, exchange rates, and asset prices require constant vigilance and proactive management. 
  • Operational Risk: The effectiveness and efficiency of our internal processes, systems, and controls are constantly evaluated and optimized. 
  • Reputational Risk: We safeguard our public image by adhering to ethical practices and transparent communication. 

Mercuria’s risk management function operates with independent oversight, collaborating closely with the management team, trading desks, investment teams, and technology departments across all locations. Embedding risk management within each business unit reinforces processes and ensures seamless collaboration. 

Our specialized risk management teams work together with business units to identify, assess, and manage risks and opportunities. These teams are responsible for developing and implementing risk management strategies, policies, and procedures, as well as monitoring and reporting on risk exposures. 

Mercuria’s approach to risk and opportunity management is both proactive and integrated. It sits at the heart of our sustainability strategy and drives our commitment to responsible business practices. We firmly believe that by effectively navigating this dynamic landscape, we can create lasting value for our stakeholders and contribute to a more sustainable future for all. 

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