The NIST AI Risk Management Framework, released in January 2023, is a flexible, outcome-based framework that supports the development, deployment, and use of trustworthy AI. It helps organizations identify and manage the unique risks posed by AI systems—not only technical issues like model bias or data drift, but broader risks to civil rights, safety, transparency, and accountability.
Unlike frameworks built solely for compliance, the AI RMF is structured to encourage collaboration between multiple roles—engineers, legal teams, executives, policymakers—helping them speak a common language when evaluating the risks and benefits of AI.
You can access the official NIST AI RMF v1.0 here: https://www.nist.gov/itl/ai-risk-management-framework
The Structure of the Framework
The AI RMF is divided into two main parts:
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Core
This is the operational heart of the framework. It is organized around four key functions:-
Map – Understand the context, goals, stakeholders, and intended uses of the AI system.
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Measure – Analyze the system’s capabilities, limitations, and risk factors.
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Manage – Take concrete actions to address, mitigate, or monitor risks.
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Govern – Oversee and guide AI risk management practices and organizational accountability.
These functions are not linear—they can occur in parallel and should be revisited regularly across the AI system lifecycle.
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Profiles
Profiles describe how an organization implements the Core functions to meet specific risk tolerance levels or business needs. They allow teams to tailor the framework to their unique use cases, sector, and maturity level.
Why It Matters
AI introduces risks that are fundamentally different from traditional software. AI systems can behave unpredictably, evolve over time, and impact individuals or communities in ways that are hard to foresee. They can amplify discrimination, reinforce inequality, or erode trust, especially when deployed without safeguards.
The NIST AI RMF provides a structured way to:
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Shift from ad hoc AI decisions to documented, accountable processes.
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Embed risk management into the full AI lifecycle
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Demonstrate alignment with emerging global principles such as the OECD AI Principles, the EU AI Act, and the G7 Hiroshima Process.
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Build trust with customers, regulators, and internal stakeholders through transparency and proactive risk management.
Adoption Momentum
While the AI RMF is voluntary, its influence is rapidly expanding. Major industry players, federal agencies, and AI assurance providers are aligning their internal practices with it. It has already become a reference point in policy discussions in both the U.S. and internationally.
The AI RMF is also harmonized with the NIST Privacy Framework and the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF 2.0), allowing organizations to treat AI risks as part of broader enterprise risk management.
NIST AI RMF FAQ
What types of organizations is the AI RMF designed for?
It’s designed to be useful for any organization that develops, deploys, or uses AI. Whether you’re a startup fine-tuning LLM prompts or a multinational enterprise deploying high-stakes AI in healthcare, the framework is adaptable.
Is the AI RMF a legal requirement?
No. The AI RMF is voluntary. But it helps organizations prepare for regulatory requirements already emerging in places like the EU, Canada, and several U.S. states. It also positions organizations to better handle litigation risk, procurement requirements, and stakeholder expectations.
How does it define “trustworthy AI”?
The framework outlines seven key characteristics:
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Valid and reliable
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Safe
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Fair and unbiased
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Transparent and explainable
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Secure and resilient
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Accountable and traceable
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Privacy-enhanced
Risk management activities are intended to help achieve and sustain these characteristics across the lifecycle.
Does the AI RMF replace existing AI governance practices?
No. It complements them. If you already follow ISO/IEC 42001, the EU AI Act, or internal AI ethics principles, the AI RMF can help you operationalize and benchmark your efforts. It’s more of a translation and alignment tool, not a replacement.
What’s the connection between the AI RMF and broader enterprise risk?
NIST released a companion document (NIST IR 8357) to help organizations integrate AI risk into enterprise risk governance. That means aligning AI risk assessments with audit, legal, compliance, and board-level oversight.
What is a “Profile” in the RMF?
A Profile is a customized view of the framework that reflects your organization’s context, priorities, and risk tolerance. You might have one Profile for internal productivity tools and a different one for customer-facing, high-impact applications.
