About the DCRO Institute

The DCRO Institute offers world-class credentialing programs, networking, learning, and development opportunities that focus on the positive governance of risk-taking and the practical aspects of risk governance needed to pursue corporate goals and fulfill the purpose of our organizations.

Our board risk governance courses are taught by peer board members and C-suite executives from around the world with experience in a highly diverse set of industries. They are designed for current and aspiring board members as well as those senior executives who work directly with boards and board members.

We emphasize the positive use of risk and risk knowledge in the strategic planning and execution of plans at organizations of all sizes worldwide. We develop the people to do that work as Qualified Risk  Directors® and offer advanced credentials like the Certificate in Risk Governance® and the Certificate in Cyber Risk Governance® that communicate the necessary seriousness about risk governance by individual credential holders and the companies that engage them.

As part of our nonprofit mission, we actively work to advance underrepresented groups on boards and provide content to those in developing markets with substantial scholarship discounts. 

Our credential holders are leaders in boardrooms and C-suites on six continents and in dozens of countries. Our faculty members are among the world’s best C-level executives, board members, and authors who focus on risk-taking and risk governance.

Our goal, which is emblazoned on our logo, is to help you and your organization to Innovate, Sustain, and Create Value. 

The DCRO Institute utilizes a Networked and Distributive Governance model, which includes a dual board structure - Management and Stakeholder Supervisory Boards. In this model, the Management Board establishes strategy and conducts regular business operations with transparency to the Stakeholder Supervisory Board. The Stakeholder Supervisory Board is empowered with veto authority over any Management Board decisions on changes in strategy, disposition of assets, and compensation of executives. As its name suggests, this body is to represent the interests of various stakeholders in the organization, including Qualified Risk Directors® and other credential holders.

The DCRO Institute is dedicated to advancing the practice and recognition of risk governance globally. To support this mission, the Board of Directors of the DCRO Institute has established the Qualified Risk Director® Governance Council. The Council is tasked with overseeing the standards, marketing, and placement of individuals who have been approved to use the Qualified Risk Director® (QRD®) designation. By maintaining rigorous standards and promoting the value of the QRD® designation, the Council ensures the integrity and credibility of QRD® holders, thereby enhancing their contributions to effective risk governance. The Council operates as an independent body ensuring the integrity and credibility of the QRD® designation.

The DCRO Institute utilizes regional leadership circles to bring together board members in various geographic regions to discuss current issues of importance, share best practices, and provide positive case studies to board members globally. These leadership circles are active in North America, the Asia/Pacific region, Europe, Latin America, the MENA region, and Africa.

As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in the United States, we are required to file annual reports with the Internal Revenue Service. These Form 990 reports are available to the public. ProPublica provides a convenient summary of those filings here.