In today’s environment of regulatory complexity, market volatility, and rapidly evolving risks, KeyBank Chief Risk Officer (CRO) Mo Ramani argues that emotional intelligence (EQ) is now just as essential as traditional analytical strength (IQ) for individuals leading a risk management function.

This article summarizes insights from an interview of Ramani conducted by Tim Walsh, Deloitte Consulting, reported in an article published in “The Wall Street Journal’s Risk and Compliance Edition “C-Suite Insights.”

EQ Matters as Much as Technical Skill

Ramani emphasizes that risk roles have traditionally been grounded in strong technical and analytical capabilities—the “price of admission.” Clearly those skills are important. But Ramani emphasizes that emotional intelligence is critical for risk leaders as they work with leaders who are trying to grow the business in an extremely competitive, intense environments while also helping oversee risks being taken to achieve performance goals.

Ramani notes that EQ leads to better relationships, improved communication, and team-oriented solutions to complex challenges in a highly competitive environment.   A balanced approach that considers both growth and risk can lead to stronger collaboration and more effective decision-making across the enterprise.

EQ Enables:

• transparent conversations
• better understanding of the business context
• clearer explanations of “the why” behind risk decisions
• constructive challenge when needed

Risk Leadership Is Both Defensive and Offensive

While traditional risk leader responsibilities include managing financial and non‑financial risk types (credit, market, compliance, operational, technology), Ramani stresses that risk leaders should also enable growth. They help business units assess and pilot new products by identifying risks early so that those risks can be considered in the design phase of a project.

Mix of Experiences Strengthens Risk Judgment

Ramani’s frontline business experience shapes his philosophy. He advocates for movement between lines of defense—business-to-risk and risk-to-business rotations. This cross‑training improves:

• product and client understanding
• clarity in risk trade-offs
• credibility in advising business leaders

Having spent time in front-line business units also builds creditability when working in a risk management role with other business unit leaders.  It helps provide perspectives on how business unit leaders might think and view an opportunity or a risk.

Steady Voice During Crises

Ramani notes that during crises or volatile markets, risk leaders must be a calm, trusted advisor, grounding decisions with clarity and transparency. In a crisis, stakeholders want information that will help provide clarity about a situation and that builds confidence that management is capable of navigating the situation.

Skills for the Future Risk Organization

Given expanding complexities, future risk leaders will need to be skilled at navigating events in settings loaded with uncertainties that may be fast-changing. Decision making will need to be done quickly and with confidence.  Future risk leaders will need to be engaged, open, trusted and able to manage many different constituencies.  And, the future risk leader will need to embrace the rapidly changing digital landscape.  

Why This Matters for ERM Leaders

This interview underscores a broader shift in enterprise risk leadership:

• Human-centered skills are emerging as core risk controls.
• Risk functions must partner with strategy—not stand apart from it.
• Cross-functional experience enhances risk insight and credibility.
• In a digital and AI-driven environment, ERM leaders must be both a strategist and a steadying force.

For ERM leaders, Ramani’s philosophy highlights that the leaders who excel will be those who combine technical expertise, emotional intelligence, digital fluency, and an enterprise-wide mindset.

Original Article Source

Isobell Markham, “KeyBank:  Effective Risk Management Needs More than IQ,” The Wall Street Journal, Risk and Compliance Edition, January 16, 2026.