Compliance Risk Register with Heat Mapping
See every compliance risk at a glance. Auto-scoring, colour-coded heat mapping, and board-ready reporting in one Excel workbook.
Excel format (.xlsx) • No macros required • Compatible with Microsoft 365, Excel 2016+, Google Sheets
Risk Heat Map
The Problem Every Compliance Team Knows
You know you need a risk register. Building one that actually works — with consistent scoring, meaningful heat mapping, and a format the Board can act on — is the task that never quite makes it to the top of the list.
No Consistent Scoring
Without calibrated criteria, every assessor has a different idea of what “Likely” or “Major” means. The result? Every risk scored as “Medium” and a heat map that tells the Board nothing.
Stale and Incomplete
A risk register last updated six months ago with gaps in coverage tells the FCA that risk management is not embedded. Under SYSC 7.1, firms are expected to maintain effective, ongoing risk management processes.
Not Board-Ready
If presenting your risk register to the Board requires hours of reformatting, it is not a management tool — it is a compliance exercise. Senior management need visual summaries they can act on immediately.
6 Worksheets. One Complete Risk Framework.
Executive Dashboard
Auto-populating risk summary with colour-coded heat map, risk counts by rating (Critical, High, Medium, Low), and at-a-glance metrics. Board-ready from the first risk entry.
Risk Register
50 pre-formatted rows with dropdown menus for all scoring fields. Auto-calculating inherent risk scores (Likelihood × Impact) and residual ratings. 5 fully worked examples included.
Action Tracker
Linked mitigation actions with priority ratings, assigned owners, target dates, and status tracking. Every risk gets a clear path to treatment.
Scoring Methodology
Customisable 5×5 matrix with clearly calibrated likelihood and impact scales. Defines what each level means in practice for your firm.
Risk Categories
11 compliance risk categories mapped to FCA regulatory requirements, each with descriptions and example risks. Ensures comprehensive, consistent coverage.
Risk Identification Prompts
Structured question prompts for each of the 11 categories. Use for workshops or desk-based assessments. Nothing gets overlooked.
Built to Work From Day One
Auto-Calculating Scores
Likelihood × Impact = Inherent Score. Factor in control effectiveness for Residual Score. No manual formulas, no inconsistency.
Colour-Coded Heat Map
5×5 visual matrix that updates automatically as you populate risks. Critical, High, Medium, and Low ratings are immediately visible.
Dropdown Consistency
Pre-built dropdown menus for all scoring fields enforce consistent data entry across all users and assessments.
Mitigation Tracking
Action tracker with owner assignment, priority ratings, due dates, and status monitoring. Nothing falls through the gaps.
5 Worked Examples
See exactly how to describe risks, score them consistently, and link them to controls. Modify or replace as needed.
Risk Appetite Guidance
Threshold guidance for each risk rating level. Defines escalation requirements, response timeframes, and management expectations.
Aligned with FCA Requirements
Built for Compliance Professionals
Whether you are building a risk register from scratch or replacing one that no longer serves its purpose.
Compliance Officers
Building or rebuilding your firm’s risk register with a structured, proven framework.
Risk Managers
Implementing a consistent compliance risk scoring methodology across the business.
MLROs
Incorporating financial crime risks into a wider compliance risk register with proper scoring.
Senior Managers (SMFs)
Gaining visibility of compliance risks within your area of responsibility under SMCR.
Compliance Consultants
Deploying consistent risk frameworks across your client base efficiently.
Firms Facing FCA Engagement
Ensuring your risk management evidence meets supervisory expectations before the FCA asks.
Questions
What format is the template?
Microsoft Excel (.xlsx). Fully editable with no macros required. Compatible with Microsoft 365, Excel 2016 and later, and Google Sheets.
Can I customise the scoring methodology?
Absolutely. The Scoring Methodology tab is designed to be calibrated for your firm. Adjust the likelihood and impact descriptions to reflect your specific risk appetite and business context.
How long does it take to implement?
Most compliance teams can calibrate the methodology and begin populating risks in a single afternoon. The 5 worked examples show you exactly how the template should be completed.
Is this suitable for all FCA-regulated firms?
Yes. The 11 risk categories cover the full range of FCA regulatory expectations. The template is designed to be adaptable for any firm type, size, or regulatory permission set.
Can multiple people use it simultaneously?
If hosted on a shared drive or SharePoint, multiple users can access it. For best results with concurrent editing, use Microsoft 365 or Google Sheets.
Do you offer a version for Payment Services Firms?
Yes. Our PSF Foundation Kit includes a risk register specifically tailored for Payment Institutions, E-Money Institutions, and RAISPs with additional PSF-specific risk categories and regulatory references.
Populate It in an Afternoon.
Present It to the Board by Friday.
Auto-scoring. Heat mapping. Board-ready dashboard. Everything your compliance risk register should be.
Buy Now — £149Instant download • Fully editable • Lifetime access
