Risk analysts help banks, insurers, asset managers and corporations identify, measure and manage financial risk, from market and credit risk to operational and regulatory exposure. Demand for risk professionals has grown steadily in the US as regulators require firms to hold more sophisticated risk management functions, making it a stable and analytically demanding career path. Most risk analysts start with a degree in finance, economics, mathematics or statistics, then build credibility through certifications like the FRM or CFA and strong data and modeling skills. Entry points span banking, insurance and asset management. Here's exactly how to build a career as a risk analyst in the US.