The risk that negative publicity regarding an institution's business practices will lead to a loss of revenue or increased litigation. An institution's reputation, particularly the trust placed in the organization by its customers, may be irrevocably blemished due to perceived or actual breaches in its ability to conduct business ethically, securely, and responsibly. For example, companies that are publicly condemned for their poor environmental policies or high greenhouse gas emissions might eventually suffer a blow to their reputation. A tarnished brand can negatively influence voters who sit in judgment in court cases, community decision-makers on corporate expansion and new construction, reporters who cover a corporation's business activities, consumers who are potential customers, environmental activists who may protest a company's operations, and investors.

The risk that a change in laws and regulation will significantly impact an institution. A change in laws or regulations enacted by a governmental or regulatory body can dramatically increase the costs of conducting a business, decrease the attractiveness of an investment, or change the competitive landscape. For example, regulatory risks arising from climate change concerns include (1) more vigorous disclosure requirements regarding a manufacturer's emissions and (2) the emergence of minimum performance standards tied into energy consumption and greenhouse gas emission controls.