Dr Mark Nasila is seen as a luminary in AI and data science and is the Chief Data and Analytics Officer at First National Bank Risk. He shares his expertise at the Singularity Group, specialising in AI, data science, and data strategies. He is also a leading member of the National Institute for Theoretical Physics and Computational Sciences (NITheCS), a research fellow at Stellenbosch University, a Professor of Practice in AI at the University of Johannesburg, and the author of African Artificial Intelligence.
Mark’s innovative approach at FNB has revolutionised risk management and forensic due diligence through advanced AI systems, ultimately setting new benchmarks in banking technology. His work exemplifies the transformative power of emerging technology in finance and beyond.
Mark is a regular speaker at key events such as the Business-Tech Digital Banking Conference, Chief Data and Analytics Officer forums, and the SingularityU South Africa Summit, sharing his insights into the future of AI and big data. He is a board member of Moody’s Analytics Europe and Africa advisory board, where he shares his thoughts and predictions with a broader audience and has established himself as an expert in his field.
DataIQ asked: “How do you see the role of the data leader evolving over the next 12-24 months?”
“The data leader’s role is undergoing a profound transformation over the next 12-24 months, driven by the rapid evolution of AI and genAI, the global AI race, and the increasing demand for actionable insights. Initially focused on data governance and management, the role is rapidly expanding into a strategic business partnership that requires a delicate balance between technical expertise and commercial acumen.
“Data leaders will increasingly be expected to drive economic value engineering within their organisations, ensuring that every data and AI initiative is directly tied to measurable business outcomes, such as enhancing customer satisfaction, improving operational efficiency, or mitigating risk. This shift necessitates a change in mindset, from being a technical specialist to becoming a strategic leader who identifies new applications for AI and genAI, ensures ethical and responsible use of these technologies, and creates citizens of data and AI across the organisation by empowering all employees with the tools and literacy to use data effectively.
“Data leaders will need to bridge the gap between technical teams and business units, translating complex data insights into actionable business strategies that drive tangible outcomes. Furthermore, they will play a crucial role in developing and implementing AI ethics frameworks and fostering a data-driven culture, which includes ensuring data quality, privacy, and security in the context of these powerful, emerging technologies. The dual responsibility of steering both economic value engineering and human empowerment highlights the data leader’s indispensable role in guiding organisations through the AI revolution and positioning them for success in an increasingly data-driven world.”