Understanding Political and Country Risk
Understanding Political and Country Risk
Part 4 Trends in International Risk Management and Implications for Transfer Risk 12
Reported by Taladro, Moschino
Key Takeaways 27
References 29
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PART 1: INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL, COUNTRY,
AND ORGANIZATIONAL RISK
This discussion will focus thoroughly on political risk, country risk, and
organizational risk. Thus, by knowing these risks, we'll be able to understand how they
affect the decisions of every investor, how different firms adapt to them, and how the
market can emerge with the presence of these risks. These risks are all significant as they
can influence a firm's operation, financial stability, and long-term sustainability.
PART 1.1. DEFINITION AND SCOPES OF POLITICAL RISK, COUNTRY RISK, AND
ORGANIZATIONAL RISK
A. POLITICAL RISK
Imagine a foreign company investing in a country with a stable economy and
favorable business policies. However, a sudden change in government (an election
happened) led to new regulations that imposed higher taxes on foreign businesses and
stricter trade restrictions (higher tariffs and quotas). As a result, that specific foreign
company faces increased costs, reduced profits, and uncertainty about their future
operations or investments.
Political risk refers to the possible negative impact on investment returns due to
political instability or changes within a country. This fluctuation may arise from shifts in
government, legislative bodies, foreign policies, military control, conflicts, regime
changes, or alterations in international relations, business laws, and investment
regulations. Moreover, it is also known as geopolitical risk and is considered a type of
jurisdiction risk. Its significance increases over more extended investment periods.
Example:
Boracay Closure in 2018. Under the governance of former President Rodrigo Duterte, led
by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu,
together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the
Department of Tourism (DOT). The closure of Boracay which is one of the well-known
tourist spots in the Philippines significantly affected the businesses, investors, and
workers.
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TYPES OF POLITICAL RISK:
1. War, terrorism, and civil unrest
- A kind of political risk map. It refers to violent conflicts that disrupt societal
stability, government functions, and economic activities. These events can
lead to widespread destruction, loss of lives, and significant political and
financial uncertainty.
- Examples:
a. Marawi Siege
b. Russia and Ukraine War
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● Expropriation and nationalization
● Geopolitical tensions and conflicts
● Corruption and bureaucracy
● Legislation and Regulations
B. COUNTRY RISK
Country risk is the uncertainty associated with investing in a particular country,
and more specifically the degree to which that uncertainty could lead to losses for
investors. Country risk can come from any number of factors including political,
economic, exchange-rate, or technological influences. In a broader sense, country risk is
the degree to which political and economic unrest affect the securities of issuers doing
business in a particular country.
Examples:
B. ORGANIZATIONAL RISK
Business owners strive to identify and understand the risks involved with their
business and industry, both internal and external, so that they can better plan how to
handle them if they arise. Organizational risk is a broad concept that encompasses many
different types of risks. These risks can fall into three main areas: strategic, operational,
and financial.
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impact on the financial stability of their business. Moreover, organizational risk includes
financial losses, compliance issues, operational disruptions, and reputational damage.
Examples:
a. Financial Mismanagement (PhilHealth Issue)
b. Data Breach (Comelec Data Leaked - 50 million voters information)
Organizational, country, and political risks are interrelated and affect the stability
and success of organizations and businesses. Government policies and political
instability can result in country risk that impact regulatory frameworks, investment
conditions, and economic situations. Organizations are therefore impacted by these
wider uncertainties, which put them at risk of financial losses, business interruptions, and
harm to their reputation. Developing effective solutions to reduce the impact of these
risks, maintaining adaptability, and promoting long-term growth in an unpredictable
environment all depend on an understanding of how these risks intersect.
Emerging markets, which represent 85% of the world’s population but only about
13% of the global equity market cap, are economies often growing at a faster rate than
more developed countries such as the U.S., England and Canada.
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● Anticipate policy shifts that could impact operations and profitability.
● Avoid investment losses due to government intervention or nationalization.
● Develop plans for civil unrest, protests, or geopolitical tensions.
PART 1.3. KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN POLITICAL RISK, COUNTRY RISK, AND
ORGANIZATIONAL RISK
DEFINITION Risk arising from government Risk related to a country’s Risk arising from internal or
actions, political instability, or economic, social, and legal external factors that affect an
policy changes affecting environment that impacts organization’s ability to operate
businesses. businesses and investments. efficiently.
CAUSES Government instability, policy Economic crises, inflation and Poor corporate governance,
changes, civil unrest, trade currency fluctuations, legal compliance failures, supply
restrictions, expropriation. uncertainties, corruption, chain disruptions, cybersecurity
infrastructure issues. threats, reputation damage.
IMPACT ON Loss of investments due to Profits are difficult to return, Operational inefficiencies
BUSINESSES nationalization or expropriation, market fluctuations impact leading to revenue loss,
increased operational costs due financial stability, and non-compliance with
inadequate regulation causes
to regulatory shifts, business regulations resulting in fines,
disagreements between
disruptions from political unrest. businesses. reputational damage reducing
customer trust.
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PART 2: UNDERSTANDING POLITICAL AND
SOVEREIGN RISK IN EMERGING MARKETS
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PART 2.2. SOVEREIGN RISK AND ITS IMPACT ON FOREIGN INVESTMENTS
PART 2.3. REAL LIFE EXAMPLES OF POLITICAL RISK FROM EMERGING MARKETS
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PART 3: THE ROLE OF CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS AS A
MEASURE OF COUNTRY RISK
CDSs are commonly used in bond markets and corporate debt protection. They can help
hedge against credit risk, provide liquidity in the credit market, and diversify risk
exposure. However, they also carry risks, such as market volatility and the possibility of
the seller defaulting on their obligations.
PART 3.2. USES OF CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS
1. Hedging Credit Risk: Investors use CDSs to protect themselves against the risk of
a borrower defaulting on a loan or bond. For instance, a bondholder might
purchase a CDS to ensure compensation if the bond issuer fails to meet their
obligations.
2. Speculation: Traders may use CDSs to bet on the creditworthiness of a company
or country. If they believe a borrower is likely to default, they might buy a CDS to
profit from the increased risk.
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3. Arbitrage: CDSs can be used to exploit price differences between related financial
instruments, such as bonds and their associated CDS contracts.
4. Portfolio Diversification: Financial institutions may use CDSs to spread out their
credit exposure and reduce the risk of concentrated losses.
PART 3.4. HOW DOES CREDIT DEFAULT SWAPS (CDSS) REFLECT A COUNTRY'S
CREDITWORTHINESS AND RISK?
1. Sovereign CDS Spreads: The cost of a CDS on government debt indicates the
perceived risk of default or restructuring. Higher spreads suggest greater risk and
lower creditworthiness, while lower spreads imply stability and reliability.
2. Investor Sentiment: CDS prices are influenced by market confidence in a
country's economic and political stability. Rising CDS costs may signal concerns
about fiscal policies, debt levels, or geopolitical issues.
3. Comparative Analysis: CDS spreads allow investors to compare the credit risk of
different countries, aiding in resource allocation decisions.
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significantly, Investor A may decide to hedge their investment by purchasing a
CDS contract, ensuring protection in case of default.
● Investor C is considering funding Company D, a renewable energy startups in an
emerging market. Since startups often lack a long financial track record, Investor
C wants a way to assess risk before making an investment. Investor C examines
who is willing to provide CDS protection on Company D. If major financial
institutions are offering CDS contracts for Company D, it may indicate confidence
in the company’s ability to succeed. If only smaller or specialized firms are
providing CDS protection, it could suggest higher perceived risk and uncertainty
in the company’s financial future. If CDS contracts are scarce or unavailable, it
may mean investors view Company Das too risky to insure at all.
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PART 4: TRENDS IN INTERNATIONAL RISK
MANAGEMENT AND IMPLICATIONS FOR TRANSFER
RISK
As businesses and governments grow, they face more risks. Many leaders don’t see these
risks early, and they can turn into big problems. To stay safe, they need to spot and
manage these risks before they cause harm.
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3. Supply Chain Resilience: Recent global events have shown weak spots in supply
chains. To fix this, businesses are using more suppliers, adding digital tools like
blockchain for better tracking, and creating backup plans to stay prepared.
TRANSFER RISK
- Transfer risk refers to where a company or investors are unable to convert their
local currency into foreign currency in which they are trying to make transactions
or payment internationally.
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STRATEGIES OF FIRMS USE TO MITIGATE TRANSFER RISK
These are the strategies of the firms to mitigate the transfer risk:
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PART 5: REGULATORY RISK AND ITS IMPACT ON
INVESTMENT DECISIONS
Regulatory risk refers to the potential for financial or operational challenges that
arise due to changes in laws, regulations, or policies imposed by government or
regulatory bodies. These changes can impact businesses, industries, or markets by
increasing operational costs, reducing profitability, or altering competitive dynamics. For
instance, new regulations might require firms to adopt costly compliance measures or
adjust their operations significantly.
Effectively managing regulatory risk involves staying informed about regulatory changes,
assessing their potential impact, and implementing strategies to ensure compliance
while minimizing disruptions. This is particularly crucial for businesses in highly regulated
industries, as non-compliance can lead to penalties, fines, or reputational damage.
● Government Policies:
○ Changes in government policies, such as new regulations or amendments
to existing laws, can create regulatory risks. These changes can affect how
businesses operate and their compliance requirements.
○ Example: A new data privacy law that requires companies to implement
stricter data protection measures.
● Industry-Specific Regulations:
○ Different industries face unique regulatory risks based on the specific
regulations governing them. For example, healthcare, finance, and energy
sectors are heavily regulated and subject to frequent changes.
○ Example: The finance sector often faces changes in regulations related to
banking practices and financial reporting.
● International Trade Policies:
○ Changes in international trade policies, such as tariffs and trade
agreements, can impact businesses involved in exporting and importing
goods. These changes can affect the cost and feasibility of international
operations.
○ Example: The imposition of tariffs on imported goods can increase costs
for businesses that rely on foreign products.
● Tax Policy Reforms:
○ Reforms in tax policies can directly impact the financial performance of
businesses. Changes in income tax laws, corporate tax rates, and other
tax-related regulations can create regulatory risks.
○ Example: An increase in corporate tax rates can reduce the profitability of
companies.
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● Labor Laws:
○ Changes in labor laws, such as minimum wage increases, mandated
vacation, and sick days, can affect the cost structure and operational
efficiency of businesses.
○ Example: New regulations requiring employers to provide paid sick leave
to employees.
● Environmental Regulations:
○ New environmental regulations or changes to existing ones can impose
additional compliance costs on businesses, particularly those in industries
with significant environmental impacts.
○ Example: Regulations limiting carbon emissions can require companies to
invest in cleaner technologies
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● Establish a Cross-Functional Regulatory Team:
- Firms create a team from various departments to monitor and manage
regulatory changes effectively. This team ensures that all aspects of the
business are considered when responding to new regulations.
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Companies in the retail, manufacturing, and service industries need to
adjust their payroll budgets to comply with the new minimum wage
regulations.
○ Example: Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the retail and service
industries, like local restaurants and shops, need to adjust their payroll
budgets to comply with the new minimum wage regulations. This may lead
to increased labor costs and could impact their pricing strategies to
maintain profitability.
International Examples
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PART 6: OPERATIONAL RISK AND ITS CHALLENGES
FOR FIRMS
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● PESTLE analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal,
Environmental)
● Scenario planning
● Market and competitive landscape analysis
c. Mitigation Strategies:
● Business diversification
● Strategic partnerships
● Investment in innovation and R&D
● Risk transfer mechanisms (e.g., insurance)
● Building a strong risk-aware culture
3. External Events Risk
a. Risks from external, uncontrollable events, such as:
● Natural disasters
● Political instability
● Financial system failures
● Regulatory changes
● Pandemics
b. Identification Methods:
● Environmental scanning
● PESTLE analysis
● Monitoring economic and political trends
● Scenario planning
c. Mitigation Strategies:
● Development of contingency and crisis management plans
● Business continuity planning
● Diversification of operations and supply chains
● Strong stakeholder relationships
● Use of insurance and other risk transfer mechanisms
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● Stakeholder Involvement: Engage employees, management, and partners to gain
diverse perspectives on potential risks.
4. Cybersecurity Risk
● Includes data breaches, ransomware attacks, and system outages.
● Threatens business continuity and customer trust.
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● Requires robust cybersecurity systems to protect sensitive data and
operations.
International Examples:
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PART 7: ORGANIZATIONAL IMPLICATIONS OF
OPERATIONAL RISK MANAGEMENT
- Operational risks like system failures, fraud or human errors can disrupt a
company’s operations. This forces businesses to adjust their strategies to prevent
further issues and maintain smooth operations.
- After facing operational risks, companies often upgrade their systems, processes
and employee training to prevent similar issues from arising again. This focus on
improving internal controls helps the organization stay resilient.
A company that makes bottled water had frequent machine breakdowns, causing delays
in production. Because of this the company decided to buy new machines and schedule
regular maintenance.
They also reviewed their operations to avoid similar risks in the future. This shows how
operational risks changed their business plans and helped them make better decisions.
- Strong leaders set an example and make sure everyone in the company
understands the importance of managing risks. They help employees follow the
right steps to avoid or reduce risks.
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Corporate governance makes sure risks are handled properly.
- Good governance means having clear rules and systems for managing risks. It
helps ensure that the company follows the law and acts ethically when dealing
with risks.
- Leaders ensure that risk management is part of the company’s main plans and
decisions. They make sure that risks are considered when making important
business choices.
A bank had a data breach where customer info was exposed. The leaders acted fast,
informed the public and fixed the issue with help from IT experts. This showed strong
leadership in managing risk.
After that, the governance team updated their security policies, added regular system
checks and made stricter rules to prevent it from happening again. This showed how
good governance supports better risk control.
Businesses follow different frameworks to manage operational risks. One of the most
commonly used frameworks is the Risk Management Framework (RMF), which involves
identifying, assessing, mitigating, and monitoring risks. Some best practices for
managing operational risk include:
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PART 8: RISK-REWARD ANALYSIS
The balance between risk and reward in emerging markets is a key consideration
for investors and businesses looking to expand globally. Emerging markets often offer
high growth potential and attractive investment opportunities, but they also come with
significant risks. Finding the right balance means weighing potential returns against the
uncertainties involved.
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● Local Partnerships – Collaborating with local firms or stakeholders provides better
market insights and regulatory navigation.
● Agile Business Strategies – Firms must remain adaptable, continuously
monitoring risks and adjusting strategies accordingly. They can do this by having
a:
● Regular Review Process. Quarterly assessments like trigger-based
reviews, performance benchmarking, and stress testing scenarios
● Documentation Requirements. Clear decision criteria like risk tolerance
statements, return expectations, and monitoring protocols
● Communication Framework. Stakeholder updates like progress reporting,
deviation explanations, and adjustment rationale
30% and above High – Strong return, but may also involve high risk
For instance, a company may consider investing P1 million in an emerging market project
expected to return P1.3 million in profit. The ROI would be:
1,300,000 − 1,000,000
𝑅𝑅𝑂𝑂𝐼𝐼 = 1,000,000
× 100 = 30%
A 30% ROI means that for every ₱1 invested, the company expects to earn ₱0.30
in net profit on top of getting their original investment back. A 30% ROI indicates a high
potential return, suggesting that the investment could be highly profitable. However, in
emerging markets, this figure must be interpreted with caution. High ROI often comes
with greater exposure to political, regulatory, or organizational risks, which could reduce
actual gains. Therefore, firms must balance this return with the realistic risk of disruption
or financial loss.
This illustrates how political and country risk can directly influence the
attractiveness of an investment, and why risk-adjusted ROI becomes a vital part of
decision-making. ROI allows firms to quantify the potential gain from a risky market.
Even a high ROI may not be attractive if political or operational risks threaten the actual
realization of returns. Firms may compare ROI across different countries or projects to
decide where the risk-return trade-off is most favorable.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS
The report highlights the critical importance of understanding and proactively managing
political, country, and organisational risks, particularly in the dynamic context of
emerging markets. A comprehensive approach involving thorough risk assessment, the
implementation of mitigation strategies, and a continuous balancing of potential rewards
against inherent uncertainties is essential for sustainable growth and success in the
global business environment. The use of tools like Credit Default Swaps for assessing
country risk and the adoption of robust operational risk management frameworks are
highlighted as key components of effective risk management.
MAJOR POINTS:
● Political risk refers to the potential negative impact on investment returns due to
political instability or changes within a country, stemming from shifts in
government, policies, conflicts, or regulations. Examples include changes in
government policy, political instability, expropriation, geopolitical tensions,
corruption, and legislation.
● Credit Default Swaps (CDSs) are financial derivatives that allow investors to
offset credit risk and can be used to hedge risk, speculate, arbitrage, and diversify
portfolios. The cost of a CDS on government debt (sovereign CDS spread)
reflects the perceived risk of default, with higher spreads indicating greater risk
and lower creditworthiness.
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● Emerging markets are transitioning from developing to developed status,
characterized by rapid economic growth and industrialization, offering high return
potential but also higher risks.
● Global risk management strategies are evolving, with trends including the
integration of advanced technologies (AI, ML), emphasis on cybersecurity, supply
chain resilience, focus on ESG factors, adoption of GRC platforms, and enhanced
board involvement.
● Transfer risk occurs when a company or investor cannot convert local currency
into foreign currency for international transactions due to government restrictions
aimed at controlling trade deficits. Strategies to mitigate this include political risk
insurance, using hard currency, contractual safeguards, government guarantees,
and reinvesting earnings locally.
● Regulatory risk arises from changes in laws, regulations, or policies that can
increase operational costs, reduce profitability, or alter competition. Firms assess
and adapt to these changes by analyzing updates with legal experts, conducting
SWOT analysis, aligning regulations with business goals, analyzing historical data,
and identifying compliance costs.
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[Link]#Real-Life-Examples-of-Political-Risk-Management
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