Within a governance structure for risk management, the second line of defense is primarily responsible for monitoring risk and controls. This function involves overseeing the effectiveness of the first line of defense (operational management and control implementation) and ensuring that risk management practices are properly integrated into business processes. It serves as a check on the adequacy and effectiveness of risk management across the organization. While conducting audits is a function of the third line of defense (internal audit), and identifying and assessing risk is often a shared responsibility, the distinct role of the second line is to provide ongoing monitoring and oversight of risk management and control processes.