Cognizant (Issue 1 | 2026)14 May 2026IN THIS ISSUE

Artificial intelligence is no longer a future theme — it is actively reshaping industries, business models and investor expectations.

In this issue of Cognizant, we explore the growing tension between disruption and durability. From the sharp valuation reset across global software companies to the evolving role of cybersecurity and trusted financial platforms, we examine where markets may be overreacting — and where the risks are real.



 




Threat of Disruption: Software’s 2026 Valuation Reset 

AI has triggered one of the biggest reassessments the software sector has seen in years. Nearly US$2 trillion has been wiped from leading software companies as investors grapple with the rise of agentic AI and fears around declining barriers to entry.

But is the market pricing in a realistic disruption scenario, or reacting too aggressively to uncertainty?

In this article, Sean Ashton explores why enterprise software may prove more resilient than current valuations suggest, how AI is changing software economics, and where selective opportunities could emerge for long-term investors.

Fortinet: Can the Fort Hold in the Age of AI?

AI is accelerating the cybersecurity arms race. As threats become more sophisticated, investors are questioning whether cybersecurity companies become more valuable or more vulnerable.

Victor Mupunga explores why the recent selloff across the sector may be overlooking the enduring advantages of scaled platforms like Fortinet, where integrated ecosystems, proprietary data and high switching costs could become even more important in an AI-driven environment.

Confidence, Not Code: Why Intuit’s Moats May Hold in an AI World

AI has intensified concerns around the future of financial software platforms like Intuit, contributing to a sharp decline in its valuation. Yet, beneath the disruption narrative lies a business built on proprietary data, powerful network effects and deep customer trust.

Roy Monk examines why deterministic systems, embedded ecosystems and confidence in outcomes may prove more durable than markets currently expect in an increasingly AI-driven world.

Is Your Trust Still Fit for Purpose?

Trusts are often established with clear intentions but over time, the structure can remain unchanged while circumstances evolve around it.

This article by Petri Lourens explores why reviewing how a trust functions in practice matters just as much as how it is structured legally, and why regular reviews can help ensure your trust continues to support your broader wealth planning objectives.

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