Risk Specialisation - October 2026

The CA ANZ Risk Specialisation Course, facilitated by AGSM at University of NSW (UNSW) focuses on the responsibilities of board directors and officers in setting strategy, objectives, and risk appetite. It examines how these are communicated through senior management to staff who manage risks daily, and how activities, incidents, and outcomes are escalated back to the board. The course emphasizes managing risks to business objectives, maintaining business resilience, and the roles of the three lines of defense. It covers strategic, financial, and non-financial risks, their dependencies, and how they are analysed, reported, and managed. A key element is the impact on behaviour and decisions, shaping the risk culture.

This course comprises 5 modules:

• Module 1: Effective governance
• Module 2:  Enterprise risk management 
• Module 3:  Strategic risk
• Module 4:  Financial risk
• Module 5: Non-financial risk

For more information, refer to the course framework document within website.

Assumed Knowledge

• The course is pitched at the intermediate/advanced level.
• It is assumed that attendees have considerable experience in the Risk space and therefore a reasonable level of understanding of the principles underpinning the five modules in this course.
• Attendees should ensure that additional revision is undertaken in any areas in which they have a knowledge gap.

Who is the course suitable for?

• CA ANZ members and affiliate members with at least 4 years of practical risk experience within the last 10 years who wish to apply to become a CA Risk Specialist or Risk Specialist of CA ANZ.
• Ideal for professionals with roles in risk, compliance, or assurance, or those working in the risk and compliance sector.
• Highly beneficial for individuals aspiring to join a Board of Directors or become an Executive (serves as an excellent companion to the AICD’s Company Director course).
• Non-members of CA ANZ who wish to undertake the course for CPD purposes only (note that non-members cannot apply to become CA Risk Specialists)

CPD hours

• Attendees will receive 40 CPD hours from this course.
• CA ANZ members will need log into their My CA profile to confirm the CPD hours in their CPD log.
• The course is worth 12 Certificate in Executive Management and Development (CEMD) points with UNSW AGSM.  Upon completion of the course, you will have earned the full CEMD.  The CEMD provides formal recognition of professional development and provides credits for selected AGSM MBA qualifications and Graduate Certificates should you wish to undertake further study.

Mode of delivery

• Live online course delivered weekly over an 8-week period.
• Access to the online course materials will be made available prior to course commencement.

Certification and Recognition

Upon successful completion of the course and meeting the eligibility requirements, full CA ANZ members can apply for formal recognition as a CA Risk Specialist, while Affiliate members can apply to become a Risk Specialist of CA ANZ. This certification enhances your personal brand, credibility, and career prospects.

Benefits of becoming a CA Risk Specialist

By becoming a CA Risk Specialist, you not only enhance your professional reputation but also position yourself as a valuable asset to clients, helping them navigate the complexities of risk management with confidence.

• Enhanced Credibility: A risk specialist is responsible for identifying, analyzing, and mitigating potential risks that could impact an organization's financial stability, reputation, or operations.  This expertise is highly valued across all industries.
• Increased client trust: Clients are more likely to trust and seek out professionals who have specialised knowledge and certifications. Being a CA Risk Specialist signals to clients that you have the capability to anticipate challenges and make informed decisions to protect their assets and interests.
• Competitive edge: In a competitive market, having the CA Risk Specialist certification can give you an edge over others.  It shows that you are dedicated to staying informed about the latest trends and best practices, which is crucial for effectively addressing evolving risks.  As a recognised CA Risk specialist, you can use the 'CA Risk Specialist' descriptor in your emails and marketing collateral.  For Australia and New Zealand only - Promotion on 'Find a CA' service:  You can opt-in on the MyCA portal to have your Specialist status and contact details publicly found on this service.  
• Networking Opportunities: Being part of the CA Risk Specialist community allows you to network with other specialists, share ideas, contacts, and experiences. This can lead to potential referrals from other practitioners, strategic partners, associated professionals, and clients.
• Premium perks: Specialist member gain access to complimentary specialist CPD and roadshow events, discounted CPD, and valuable tools and resources to assist you in meeting your specialist CPD obligations.
  
  

For more information about becoming a Specialist, please visit our website.