This study examines the relationship between risk governance and the performance of listed banks in Iran, by means of panel data models over the period 1397-1401. Risk governance was measured by indicators related to risk governance mechanisms (i.e. board of directors, risk committee, and chief risk officer) Bank performance was measured by "return on average assets" and "risk-adjusted return on average assets". The results of the analysis show that although there was a positive relationship between the variables of the board of directors mechanism ("board independence" & "board size") and performance, but the relationship was not significant. Regarding of the chief risk officer mechanism, all the variables of the mechanism ("chief risk officer independence", "chief risk officer stature", "chief risk officer oversight" and "chief risk officer compensation") had a positive relationship with performance, but this relationship was significant for the "chief risk officer oversight" and "chief risk officer compensation". Regarding the risk committee mechanism, the results indicate that there was a positive relationship between the "risk committee meeting", "risk committee approvals", and bank performance., And this relationship was negative for the "risk committee size" and "risk committee independence",. However, this relationship is significant for the "risk committee size". This study provides insight into the mechanisms and variables of risk governance that affect the performance of listed banks in Iran; It could be important for risk managers, bank executives, regulatory authorities, policymakers and future researchers.