The correct answer is C.

Financial institutions can become exposed to model risk by relying too heavily on a single model or failing to consider alternative models. This can result in inaccurate or incomplete assessments of risk, which can have serious consequences for the institution.

A is incorrect. Investing in low-risk assets may help to minimize some types of risk, but it is not directly related to model risk.

B is incorrect. Avoiding complex financial instruments may help to reduce some types of risk, but it does not address the issue of model risk specifically.

D is incorrect. Conducting regular stress tests and scenario analysis is an important risk management practice, but it is not directly related to the ways that financial institutions can become exposed to model risk.

Things to Remember

• Model risk is the risk of financial loss resulting from errors in the development, implementation, or use of models and modeling techniques.
• Financial institutions can be exposed to model risk when they rely too heavily on a single model without considering alternative models or scenarios.
• Model risk can arise from various sources, including data quality issues, model limitations, incorrect assumptions, and inadequate validation processes.
• To mitigate model risk, financial institutions should have robust model governance frameworks, independent model validation processes, and regular model performance monitoring.