This study has been undertaken with the objective of examining the impact of Board of Directors Characteristics on the Risk management Capacity of listed deposit money banks in Nigeria. Using a sample of eight (8) too big to fail banks for a period of 8 years (2005-2012), the study employs correlation research design and Generalized least squares method of analysis. The study found that board characteristics of the listed deposit money banks in Nigeria have significant impact on the risk management of the banks. Specifically, the study found that, board of directors' size and independence, board risk governance and board financial expertise have significantly improved the risk management (measured by Value at risk and non-performing loans ratio) of the deposit money banks in Nigeria. The study recommends among others that the regulators of deposit money banks in Nigeria should increase surveillance, and supervision to ensure proper overall risk management that could safeguard the interest of all stakeholders and the reputations of the banks. They should also emphasize the optimal size of the board