US Securities and Exchange Commission chair Gary Gensler has expressed concerns about the potential risks of centralized artificial intelligence (AI) to the financial system. During a virtual fireside chat, Gensler warned that relying too heavily on a small number of AI models for financial data could lead to a fragile financial system. He drew parallels between the rise of AI and the dominance of cloud services and search providers like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google. Gensler emphasized that regulators currently have no oversight over AI models in the financial sector. This suggests that he may be pushing for regulatory measures similar to those applied to cryptocurrencies.
Gensler’s remarks highlight the need for diversity in AI models and data sources to avoid a monoculture that could pose risks to society and the financial sector. He has previously voiced concerns about the crypto industry, referring to it as a “wild west” that threatens traditional finance. The artificial intelligence sector is currently dominated by a few major players, including OpenAI, Microsoft, Google, and Anthropic.
In other news, Google Deepmind announced a breakthrough in high-level geometry problems using its new AI system. While most attention has been focused on language-based AI models, mathematical-based AIs are also being developed, which could further raise concerns among regulators like Gensler.
Hot Take: Regulating Centralized Artificial Intelligence – A Necessary Step for Financial Stability
As Gary Gensler continues his vigilance in protecting the financial system, his recent warnings about centralized artificial intelligence reflect a growing recognition of potential risks. Just as with cryptocurrencies, he believes that regulatory oversight is necessary to ensure diversity in AI models and data sources. By addressing the concentration of power in a few dominant players and advocating for transparency in AI algorithms, Gensler aims to prevent a fragile financial system from emerging. As AI continues to evolve and play an increasingly significant role in finance, it is crucial for regulators to stay ahead of the curve and establish guidelines that promote stability and mitigate potential harms.