The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) has admitted that it is in financial trouble.

IRM governor Mark Butterworth said the institute would contact its members within the next three weeks to commun ...

The Institute of Risk Management (IRM) has admitted that it is in financial trouble.

IRM governor Mark Butterworth said the institute would contact its members within the next three weeks to communicate changes to its "financial and strategic direction".

He said the changes related to the IRM's core business of risk management education.

However, Butterworth denied bankruptcy was imminent.

"There are financial problems that many businesses experience and the institute isn't immune from them," he said.

"It's been a difficult year, but not on the scale suggested.

"It would be unwise to project too far into the future, but, for the immediate future, the institute will continue to operate as normal."

Butterworth said the financial difficulties were not related to the resignation of five examiners in October after a series of rows.

At the time, examiner Stuart Martin said they had disagreed with the institute on issues such as exam strategy and coursework and questioned whether the IRM's courses were still viable for 2002.

In August 2001, the IRM's former chief executive, Maureen Gibbins, started legal proceedings against the institute, alleging sexual discrimination and constructive dismissal.

Her employment tribunal hearing is set for the end of January.