In various exemplary embodiments, a system and associated method to perform an adaptive risk-based assessment of a user is disclosed. A method includes receiving a request from a user to perform an action at an electronic marketplace, retrieving a plurality of risk assessment factors associated with the action and the user, performing a risk assessment process on the risk assessment factors to identify a risk mitigation process, requesting that the user perform the identified risk mitigation process, and allowing the user to perform the action in response to the user completing the risk mitigation.