The cornerstone of Morgan Stanley’s risk management philosophy is the execution of risk-adjusted returns through prudent risk‑taking that protects Morgan Stanley’s capital base and franchise. Risk Management protects the Firm from exposure to losses resulting from defaults by our lending and trading counterparties.

Credit Risk Management (CRM) evaluates credit risk transactions and approves rejects or modifies them considering the availability and appropriateness of arrangements for reducing risk or risk mitigation. The department also assigns Internal Credit Ratings; establishes and manages credit risk limits in accordance with the risk tolerance established by the Board; monitors and reports on credit risk exposures on a regular basis to the Chief Risk Officer and Firm Risk Management. CRM also interacts with business units to ensure that credit risk assessments are factored into business decisions.