Inherent risk refers to the level of risk that exists in the absence of any controls or mitigation measures. It represents the natural exposure to risk in operations, transactions, or activities without considering the effectiveness of any risk management practices. In the context of Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM), inherent risk assesses the potential for loss or adverse outcomes associated with a third-party relationship before any controls or risk treatments are applied. Understanding inherent risk is crucial for organizations to identify where controls are necessary and to prioritize risk management efforts based on the potential impact and likelihood of different risks. This concept is foundational in risk management frameworks and is used to guide the development and implementation of controls to reduce risk to an acceptable level, aligned with the organization's risk appetite and tolerance.

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Risk management standards such as ISO 31000 (Risk Management - Guidelines) provide a framework for assessing and managing inherent risks, emphasizing the importance of understanding the baseline level of risk in decision-making processes.

The "Third-Party Risk Management Guide" by ISACA outlines best practices for assessing inherent risks in third-party relationships, highlighting the need to evaluate the nature and scope of third-party engagements to determine the baseline risk exposure.