The independence of the internal audit activity is undermined when it is responsible for the company's risk management function and its head manager reports to the chief audit executive. This arrangement creates a conflict of interest because the internal audit function should be independent of the operations it audits, including risk management activities. Being responsible for risk management can impair the objectivity of the internal audit activity when auditing risk management processes or controls.

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) - Standards on Independence and Objectivity