The 3 Lines of Defense

"The 3 Lines of Defense helps professionals understand how effective risk management depends on teamwork and clear accountability. In just 25 minutes, learners will see how operations, oversight, and assurance work together to protect an organization’s integrity, strengthen compliance, and build trust across every level of the business."

20 - 25 minutes

Certificate Included

Global

Description

This self-paced, 20–25 minute course explains how the Three Lines of Defense model strengthens risk management, compliance, and governance across financial institutions. Learners will explore the distinct responsibilities of each line — from frontline operations to oversight and independent assurance — and understand how collaboration between them supports accountability, transparency, and resilience. Real-world examples and practical insights help professionals apply the model confidently within their own organizations.

What will you learn?

Module 1 – The Concept of the 3 Lines of Defense
Introduces the model and its purpose, explaining how clear roles and responsibilities form the foundation of effective risk management and organizational control.
Module 2 – Understanding the First Line of Defense
Explores how operational teams identify, assess, and manage risks in daily activities, acting as the organization’s first layer of protection.
Module 3 – The Second Line of Defense
Covers the oversight and compliance functions that monitor performance, enforce policies, and guide the First Line to ensure risks remain within acceptable limits.
Module 4 – The Third Line of Defense
Examines the independent role of internal audit in providing objective assurance that systems, controls, and governance processes are functioning effectively.
Module 5 – Integrating the Three Lines
Explains how communication and collaboration between all three lines create a unified, transparent, and resilient approach to managing risk and strengthening trust.

Course Content

Module 1 – The Concept of the 3 Lines of Defense
Module 2 – Understanding the First Line of Defense
Module 3 – The Second Line of Defense
Module 4 – The Third Line of Defense
Module 5 – Integrating the Three Lines