Episode 335 Deep Dive: Anne-Marie Paterson | The Changing Face of Risk

In this episode, we sit down with Anne-Marie Paterson, a profound risk executive, to explore the evolving role of the Chief Risk Officer and the changing face of risk management. Anne-Marie shares her perspective on how risk now has a real seat at the C-suite table, emphasising the shift from being a business roadblock to serving as an enabler of strategy. She addresses the traditional stereotypes of risk professionals, contrasts conservative legacy approaches with the need for creativity and relevance, and highlights the increasing focus on non-financial risks such as conduct, reputation, and operational challenges—especially in light of rapidly advancing technologies like AI. Anne-Marie also provides insights into Australia’s regulatory landscape, discusses the balance between regulation and innovation, and underscores the importance of fostering a proactive risk culture throughout organisations.

Blending legal expertise with executive leadership to deliver risk transformation and regulatory uplift at scale.

Anne-Marie Paterson is a risk executive and former legal partner with more than two decades of experience spanning risk management, governance, and legal services. Beginning her career in top-tier law firms before founding and leading her own practice, Anne-Marie has gone on to hold senior executive roles across ASX-listed companies and the financial services sector. Recognised as both a strategist and a problem-solver, she has built and led teams that deliver lasting impact in risk management, compliance, legal services, and organisational integrity.

Anne-Marie has shaped enterprise-wide risk culture strategies recognised by APRA, designed whistleblowing and investigation frameworks for ASX-listed companies, and steered some of the largest regulatory uplift programs in the financial services sector. Her career highlights include establishing AMP’s inaugural Group Integrity Office, uplifting governance for Colonial First State post-demerger, and most recently leading Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s largest multi-stream risk transformation program.

Equally comfortable in the boardroom and at the front line of crisis management, Anne-Marie is known for her values-based leadership, her ability to influence stakeholders from directors to regulators, and her focus on embedding sustainable change. A qualified lawyer, and graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, she is also a regular keynote speaker on risk, governance, and whistleblowing.