Clifford Shearing is Professor Emeritus at the Universities of Toronto and Cape Town, and Honorary Professor at the Australian National University. Throughout his distinguished career, he has pioneered influential concepts in security governance and policing studies, earning recognition from the American Society of Criminology and South Africa’s National Research Foundation.

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Shearing’s work has shaped policy globally, including co-authoring the landmark Patten Commission report on policing in Northern Ireland and advising governments across multiple continents, including the South African government on the policing of South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994. His current research bridges criminology with emerging global risks, particularly climate change and artificial intelligence threats.

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Recently completing a book on energy transitions demonstrating how renewable generation now rivals fossil fuels in providing reliable baseload power, Shearing brings deep understanding of systemic risk and governance innovation to CAA. As co-founder, he connects academic insights on AI safety with practical interventions that enable organizations and individuals to harness AI’s potential with confidence and protection.

As the founder of Certified AI Access, Matt Renirie draws on a distinguished and highly successful career in global investment banking, bringing the executive judgment and institutional fluency needed to penetrate complex financial sectors and accelerate adoption of AI-security technologies.

 

Before co-founding Certified AI Access, Matt served as Managing Director and Co-Head of EMEA Distribution for the Institutional Equities Division at Morgan Stanley, where he previously led the Flow Derivative Sales business to a number-one industry ranking. His grounding in the African financial ecosystem runs deep: he graduated from the University of Cape Town and later served on the board of the landmark Morgan Stanley–RMB South Africa joint venture, the largest by market share in the region.

 

He brings the senior credibility, governance rigor, and regulatory insight required to guide and position leading AI-security vendors for successful adoption within top-tier financial institutions.

Josh Macdonald is a Founding Partner at Certified AI Access, responsible for steering the company’s digital marketing strategy and overseeing key day-to-day business operations. His role is vital in ensuring the company’s growth strategies remain aligned with the rapidly evolving digital landscape in AI.

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Currently pursuing a degree in Entrepreneurship and Innovation at Stellenbosch University, following his time at Diocesan College, Josh Macdonald's background demonstrates an exceptional and sustained entrepreneurial drive.

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Certified AI Access marks his third business venture, leveraging the practical expertise gained from establishing previous operations, particularly in digital marketing and web development. His commitment extends beyond commercial interests, including leading a community initiative that successfully raised a substantial amount for an orphanage in Langa, underscoring his dedication to both business acumen and social impact.