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COS: COSO Enterprise Risk Management ​

Document Type

Code: COS
Name: COSO Enterprise Risk Management
Domain: Risk & Governance

Abstract ​

This specification defines a COSO-based risk governance document within the BSpec 1.0 Universal Business Specification Standard. It aligns enterprise risk management around governance, strategy, performance, review, and information systems.

Framework and Attribution ​

This template references COSO ERM terminology and structure for enterprise-wide risk governance alignment.

Purpose and Scope ​

Use this document when an organization needs a structured ERM framing across governance bodies, risk appetite, and control assurance.

Document Metadata Schema ​

yaml
---
id: COS-{erm-scope}
title: "COSO ERM Framework — {Organization or Business Unit}"
type: COS
status: Draft|Review|Accepted|Deprecated
attribution_required: true
source_frameworks:
  - "COSO - Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)"
version: 1.0.0
owner: Chief-Risk-Officer|Internal-Audit
stakeholders: [board, executives, risk-team, business-unit-leads]
domain: risk-governance
priority: Critical|High|Medium|Low
scope: erm-framework
horizon: strategic
visibility: internal

depends_on: [RSK-*,GOV-*,COM-*]
enables: [CTL-*,AUD-*,LEG-*]

erm_components: Governance|Strategy|Risk_Profile|Performance|Review|Information_Communication
risk_appetite_owner: Board|Risk-Committee|Executive-Committee

success_criteria:
  - "ERM structure is traceable from board intent to operational controls"
  - "Risk appetite and tolerance are consistently applied"
  - "Risk events and actions are monitored through a shared language"

assumptions:
  - "Risk governance has board and executive sponsorship"
  - "ERM metrics are measured consistently"
  - "Control owners are accountable for outcomes"

constraints: [Maturity limits, data integration, accountability gaps]
standards: [COSO ERM and internal governance requirements]
review_cycle: quarterly
---

Content Structure Template ​

COSO ERM Framework — {Organization or Unit} ​

Executive Summary ​

Scope: {Business unit or enterprise scope}
Governance Owner: {Board / Risk Committee / CEO}
Risk Appetite Status: {Defined / Draft / Needs Review}

ERM Governance ​

Governance & Oversight ​

  • Board role
  • Management role
  • Committee cadence
  • Escalation paths

Strategic Alignment ​

  • Strategy risks
  • Risk appetite and tolerance statements
  • Objective linkage

Core ERM Components ​

For each component, document:

  • Component: {Governance, Strategy, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information & Communication, Monitoring}
  • Current State: {Current baseline}
  • Gaps: {Known gaps and controls}
  • Actions: {Mitigation or improvement steps}

Risk Profile Map ​

  • Top Enterprise Risks
  • Root Causes
  • Control Coverage
  • Residual Exposure
  • RSK impact: source risk identification and prioritization.
  • COM impact: compliance obligations and legal requirements.
  • AUD impact: assurance and testing scope.
  • CTL impact: control design and operating effectiveness.

Quality Standard ​

  • ERM outputs are reviewed at governance cadence.
  • Risks and responses are connected to owners and evidence.
  • Framework language is consistent across units.

Released under the MIT License.