Risk management is a critical part of Bunge's business because it's fundamental to everything we do. We assume risk in buying, pricing, selling, transporting and processing a variety of commodities in different locations around the world – each with its own supply and demand characteristics. Weather, currency and political risks also have a potential impact on our business.
While our global asset network and value chains act as natural risk mitigants by diversifying exposure, global oversight is equally important. As Chief Risk Officer Dessa Glasser notes, “Because we're a risk-taking organization, our mission is not to eliminate risk entirely, but to manage it and maximize returns within an acceptable level of risk.”
We start by considering our aggregate risk profile as a portfolio. Our entity-wide approach is underpinned by an enterprise risk system that produces a “risk map” allowing Bunge to better understand the incremental impact of specific transactions and activities on our financial performance.
We use a team approach, combining the knowledge of our local managers on the ground with a global view of supply and demand. Glasser says, "It's a partnership