Model risk of risk models

•We evaluate the model risk of models used for forecasting systemic and market risk.•We propose a method for quantifying model risk, which we term risk ratio.•We consider models in the current Basel regulations and the Basel III proposals.•Model risk is low during times of no financial distress.•Model risk increases in periods of market distress, which frustrates risk inference.

This paper evaluates the model risk of models used for forecasting systemic and market risk. Model risk, which is the potential for different models to provide inconsistent outcomes, is shown to be increasing with market uncertainty. During calm periods, the underlying risk forecast models produce similar risk readings; hence, model risk is typically negligible. However, the disagreement between the various candidate models increases significantly during market distress, further frustrating the reliability of risk readings. Finally, particular conclusions on the underlying reasons for the high model risk and the implications for practitioners and policy makers are discussed.