Title: Strategic risk prioritisation for financial continuity: applying FMEA to Myanmar's private banking sector

Authors: Tin Htun Aung

Addresses: Lincoln University College, No. 2, Jalan Stadium SS 7/15, Kelana Jaya, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia

Abstract: This study employs failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), a technique traditionally applied in engineering, to identify and prioritise financial risks in Myanmar's banking sector from 2018 to 2023. In an environment marked by political instability and economic volatility, six private banks were evaluated using key financial ratios and assigned risk priority numbers (RPNs). The research identifies and ranks critical failure points in profitability, leverage, and capital adequacy. By adapting FMEA to financial systems, this study offers and applies a structured, proactive approach to business continuity and resilience in emerging market banking. We provide practical guidance for risk mitigation under systemic uncertainty.

Keywords: failure mode and effects analysis; FMEA; risk prioritization; risk priority number; RPN; bank stability; financial resilience; business continuity; emerging markets; financial ratios; operational resilience; Myanmar private banks; Myanmar.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBCRM.2026.152630

International Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management, 2026 Vol.16 No.1, pp.70 - 96

Received: 02 Apr 2025
Accepted: 04 Jun 2025
Published online: 31 Mar 2026 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article