Introduction
For organisations navigating increasingly complex compliance landscapes, the right technology, and the right partner, can make all the difference. Southern Cross Cables Limited (SCCL), a key provider of trans-Pacific connectivity, had been using a legacy risk management platform for over a decade. While the system had served its purpose, growing demands around AI governance, audit preparedness, and evolving compliance standards made it clear that a modern, scalable solution was required.
With the support of Connect NZ and Spotica, SCCL transitioned to a next-generation Risk Management Platform – ultimately becoming the first non-data centre telecommunications operator in the world to achieve ISO/IEC 42001:2023 certification for AI.
Goal
By 2023, SCCL was facing mounting pressure to meet internal and external compliance requirements, including emerging AI-related standards. Their legacy platform was no longer keeping pace with the business’s risk management needs. Manual workflows and a lack of adaptability meant that achieving audit readiness placed a significant burden on SCCL’s internal resources.
SCCL sought a more agile platform to support both their existing ISO/IEC 27001 compliance and future goals, including aligning with the newly released ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Artificial Intelligence Management System standard. It was essential that any solution not only deliver powerful functionality, but also enable a seamless transition and a structured path to certification.
Why Connect NZ?
Expert guidance through complex certification processes
Connect NZ’s Risk and Compliance team brought deep expertise in helping clients modernise legacy systems and align with international standards. Working in partnership with Spotica, we ensured a well-structured, tailored approach to platform implementation, data migration and audit preparation.
From initial evaluation to certification support, our team provided strategic leadership and end-to-end coordination to reduce complexity, minimise disruption, and build confidence in SCCL’s compliance position.
Solution
In September 2023, SCCL commenced their evaluation of new Risk Management Platforms. By February 2024, Spotica was selected for its modern, standards-aligned design and ability to proactively support audit and compliance activity.
Connect NZ played a central role in the transition, beginning with the successful migration of all data from their old risk management platform into Spotica by June 2024. This process was supported by:
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Structured onboarding sessions
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Detailed analysis of legacy data
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Tailored recommendations specific to SCCL’s risk profile and audit objectives
This collaborative and methodical implementation approach laid the foundation for streamlined compliance operations and removed the heavy resource burden previously required to prepare for external audits.
Results
Setting a new benchmark in AI compliance
In February 2025, SCCL achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, marking a significant milestone in their compliance journey. Soon after, the focus shifted to the newly released ISO/IEC 42001:2023 standard, designed to provide a governance framework for Artificial Intelligence systems.
With continued support from Connect NZ and Spotica, SCCL became the first non-datacentre telecommunications operator in the world to be certified to this new AI standard – a global milestone that reflects both their forward-thinking approach and the effectiveness of our partnership.
The Spotica platform, supported by Connect NZ, significantly reduced SCCL’s compliance workload and improved the clarity, consistency, and traceability of risk processes across the business.
At Connect NZ, we pride ourselves on enabling future-ready, standards-based solutions that simplify complexity and deliver long-term value. Our collaboration with SCCL and Spotica exemplifies our growing strength in the Risk and Compliance space – particularly in emerging areas like AI governance.
If your organisation is looking to modernise risk management, reduce audit preparation effort, or meet evolving international standards, we’re here to help.
SCCL Letter of Recommendation:
