Risk Owners have authority and resources to make decisions about their assigned risks, implement controls, and ensure residual risk remains within tolerance. This role differs from risk managers who coordinate the overall framework. Clear ownership prevents risks from being overlooked and establishes accountability for outcomes. Assignment typically follows the principle that those closest to the risk source are best positioned to manage it. A chief information officer might own cybersecurity risks while the chief financial officer owns liquidity and credit risks. Effective risk ownership requires explicit role definitions, adequate resources, regular reporting obligations, and consequences for neglect. Organizations document ownership in risk registers and governance charters.