Page 10 - KZN Buisiness Sense - Page One - Susan Abro

WHY 2026 WILL BELONG

TO DEFENSIBLE DECISIONS

Sameer Kumandan, Managing Director, especially true when it comes to regulatory risk and erodes trust.
SW360 to automation. Alternatively, when compliance
is embedded into processes, these
oday’s customers don’t Automation With Accountability processes become a source of
just want fast service; Where automation was confidence rather than a point of
Tthey demand it. From originally introduced to reduce friction. Automated compliance
instant onboarding to real- human error and improve enables faster onboarding, earlier
time approvals and automated consistency, today these tools risk detection, and smoother
experiences, speed has become can do far more than execute audits. Today, risk profiles change
the baseline expectation. And instructions. Modern algorithms constantly. A company may expand
in a highly competitive market, can determine who is approved, operations into new markets,
they won’t hesitate to take their who is flagged, who is denied or a business owner’s financial
business elsewhere if these access, and which transactions circumstances may shift. If an
expectations aren’t met. But are escalated. These decisions accountable institution decides
speed without accountability is can have financial, legal, and based on this new information, it
not a competitive advantage; it’s reputational consequences. But must be able to explain how the
a real risk. what if the tech makes a mistake? decision was made, what data
was used, and why the particular
We are entering an era where If something goes wrong,
businesses are no longer judged simply saying ‘the system outcome was justified.
solely on the outcomes they decided’ is not an acceptable When using a platform like
achieve, but on whether they can explanation. Regulators view VOCA from SW360, accountable
defend the decisions that led to automated systems as tools used institutions have access to
those outcomes. Rapid action is by businesses, not as autonomous detailed, real-time reports on
Sameer Kumandan, Managing Director, SW360 only an advantage if it goes hand decision-makers with legal each verification, enabling them
in hand with robust compliance. accountability. This means that to make decisions they can defend
If your business is making fast if an automated system fails to later. Speed may be important,
decisions, it’s essential that these detect fraud or makes a non- but in 2026, businesses that can
decisions are also transparent, compliant decision, regulators explain themselves will be the
auditable, and aligned with will ask whether the organisation real winners because they can
regulatory standards. had appropriate governance, minimise risk without affecting
controls, documentation, and their competitiveness. 
For example, an innovative audit trails in place.
financial services provider may
be able to approve new customers In this scenario, the critical For more information contact
T: + 27 (0)86 034 0000
in minutes rather than days, issue isn’t how quickly a decision E: info@searchworks.co.za
delivering the fast, frictionless was made, but whether it can be W: www.searchworks.co.za
experience customers expect. But explained and justified. Can a www.voca.co.za
if that same process fails to check business clearly articulate why a
for sanctions or flag suspicious customer failed a check? Why was
accounts, the business could a supplier flagged as high risk?
unknowingly onboard high-risk Or why a transaction that passed
individuals, leading to regulatory yesterday no longer passes today?
breaches, penalties, and possible A black-box system that cannot
reputational damage. This is explain itself exposes organisations

UNLOCK AI WITH KZN TOP BUSINESS

ogether with Vodacom, learning and applying AI in my ■ Terry Flack – Business Success
KZN Top Business business every day. Understanding Leader, Cannect Digital
Twill host its first client its value is critical for being Smarter, Faster, Further:
breakfast of the year on 5 May efficient, staying relevant, leading Leveraging AI to Scale Your
2026 at the Oyster Box Hotel, digital transformation, and Revenue
Umhlanga. The event will bring driving innovation.”
together business leaders for a A distinguished line-up of This exclusive event is limited
timely and thought-provoking expert speakers will share their to KZN Top Business subscribers
discussion on the future of perspectives, sparking meaningful only.
artificial intelligence. Businesses are encouraged
conversation. Attendees will be
The topic, AI Unlocked: have the opportunity to engage, to apply to be part of the
Strategy, Security & Growth for ask questions, and reflect on the KZN Top Business Portfolio,
Business Acceleration, promises evolving role of AI within their granting access to this
insightful dialogue as we explore organisations. insightful business function
how AI is reshaping the business Speaker line-up: and future events.
landscape. As of early 2026, AI Existing clients are
adoption is transitioning from ■ Daren Denholm – CEO encouraged to connect with
simple, task-specific automation Genius Series Grant Adlam or Angela
to autonomous systems capable Beyond the Buzzword: Where Alderton to update their
of complex decision-making and AI Is and Where It’s Heading business profiles and ensure
end-to-end process management. ■ Vodacom Representative inclusion in the portfolio. 
The focus of the event will be on The Double-Edged Sword: How
practical strategy, cybersecurity AI Is Reshaping Cybersecurity
considerations, and leveraging AI ■ Warren Sachs – CEO, Beier For more information, contact:
to drive sustainable growth. Maryke Dickinson
Group M: +27 (0)82 877 7906
KZN Top Business CEO Grant Practical Implementation of AI E: maryke@kzntopbusiness.com
Adlam commented, “I am in the Manufacturing Process W: www.kzntopbusiness.com

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