Dangerous adaptation: the evolution of risk

Adaptation is a powerful force that helps ensure the survival of species, but David Rowe argues it also has a dark side risk managers should keep in mind

Adaptation is one of the most powerful phenomena in nature, and is one we tend to regard as favourable: it is the means by which species survive changes – often major changes – in their environments. It is not always a good thing, however. Adaptation can also be a source of strength and resilience for dangerous threats.

In the aftermath of the global financial crisis, considerable thought has been given to what we in finance can learn about systemic risk from other disciplines that study highly