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RISK MANAGEMENT

Most significant risks

KONE is exposed to risks that may arise from its operations or changes in the operating environment. The most significant risk factors described below can potentially have an adverse effect on KONE’s business operations and financial position and, as a result, on the value of the company. Other risks, which are currently either unknown or considered immaterial to KONE may, however, become material in the future.

KONE classifies its most significant risks under four categories: strategic risks, operational risks, hazard, security and incidental risks and financial risks. The assessment and analysis of KONE’s most significant risks also covers material non-financial risks. In line with the requirements of the Finnish Accounting Act, KONE has identified the most significant non-financial risks regardless of their materiality for KONE as a whole.

Read about KONE's most significant risks

Risk management

RiskMitigation actions
Weakening of the economic environment, particularly in ChinaKONE strives to continuously develop its competitiveness in all regions and businesses. KONE has a wide geographic presence and a balanced business portfolio with a high share of maintenance business.
Geopolitical tensions impacting the competitiveness of KONE’s supply chain, leading to increased costs or causing potential disruptionsKONE actively monitors the development of the applicable and relevant regulations, policies and trade rules, and evaluates the competitiveness and viability of KONE’s supply chain and sourcing channels. KONE is taking actions to mitigate the impact of tariffs, for example by applying for tariff exemptions when applicable. KONE also applies increased scrutiny over business operations that may be affected by international trade restrictions.
Changes in the competitive or customer landscape, customer requirements or competitors’ offerings impacting KONE’s competitivenessKONE aims to be the industry leader by investing in research and development and by taking an open innovation approach. KONE also closely follows emerging industry and market trends and actively monitors opportunities for industry consolidation.
A failure to secure and develop the needed organizational capabilities and competenciesKONE continuously evaluates the skills and competences required for the execution of the selected strategy and develops and/or acquires these from internal talent pools or externally. KONE also has extensive training programs in place to develop and retain critical talents.
Risks related to component and subcontracted labor availabilityKONE’s sourcing processes aim to identify critical suppliers and supply categories and implement dual sourcing, multi-year agreements, last-buy options and other measures to ensure the availability of the supply. KONE has also developed multinational subcontractor pools to ensure subcontractor capacity on a regional level. Subcontractors competences and capabilities are monitored and developed continuously, similarly as with own employees.
Product integrity, safety or quality issues as well as issues with reputationTo mitigate product risks, KONE has processes in place for product design, supply, manufacturing, installation and maintenance, involving strict quality control. In addition, KONE aims for transparent and reliable communication, to prevent reputational risks and to manage potential incidents. KONE also has stringent corporate governance principles in place.
Interruptions to KONE’s or its suppliers’ operationsKONE actively develops business continuity management capabilities to reduce the impact and likelihood of disruptions within its supply chain. Furthermore, KONE monitors the operations, business continuity management capabilities, financial strength and cybersecurity of its key suppliers. In addition, KONE aims to secure the availability of alternative sourcing channels for critical components and services. KONE also has a global property damage and business interruption insurance program in place.
Quality and reliability of IT systems and cybersecurity risksKONE’s security policies define controls to safeguard information and information systems which are both in development and in operation, in order to detect cybersecurity incidents and to respond and recover in a timely manner. KONE works with third-party security service providers and trusted, well-known technology partners to manage the risks through the control framework. KONE conducts tests, reviews and exercises to identify areas of risk and to ensure the appropriate preparedness. The company continues to invest in its cybersecurity capabilities based on these findings. KONE also has a global cyber insurance program in place.
Financial risksCentralized risk management in accordance with the KONE Treasury Policy. More information in notes 2.4 and 5.3 of KONE’s Financial Statements 2019.

Risk management responsibilities

KONE’s Risk Management function coordinates and develops a systematic assessment of risks and opportunities within core business planning and decision-making processes together with the Strategy Development function.

KONE Risk Management function oversees and facilitates the assessment of risks and opportunities related to KONE’s business environment, operations, assets and financial performance in order to limit unnecessary or excessive risks. KONE’s business units are responsible for identifying, assessing and managing risks that can threaten the achievement of their business objectives as part of the strategic planning and budgeting processes. Key risks are reported to the Risk Management function, which consolidates the risk information to the Executive Board. The Board of Directors reviews the KONE risk portfolio regularly based on the Executive Board’s assessment. The ownership of identified risk exposures is assigned to specific business units, and the Risk Management function facilitates and follows-up the execution of the identified actions.

Internal control procedures over financial reporting

KONE’s internal control and risk management related to financial reporting is described in the Corporate Governance Statement.

Read more in the Corporate Governance Statement 2019

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