In public finance, what does financial risk entail?

In public finance, financial risk is primarily understood as the risk of loss due to changes in financial markets. This encompasses a variety of factors, including interest rate fluctuations, changes in currency exchange rates, and variations in credit risk, all of which can significantly affect the financial health of public entities.

When financial markets experience volatility, public finance operations—such as borrowing, investing, and managing cash flows—can be adversely impacted, leading to potential losses or increased costs for government entities. For example, if interest rates rise unexpectedly, the cost of servicing debt may increase, thereby straining budgets and financial planning.

Understanding financial risk is crucial for effective risk management in public finance, as it helps practitioners develop strategies to mitigate the potential negative impacts of market changes and maintain fiscal stability.