SEC Chair Warns of Financial Crisis Caused by AI
The chair of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Gary Gensler, has expressed concerns about the potential for a financial crisis resulting from the widespread use of artificial intelligence (AI). In an interview with the Financial Times, Gensler stated that without intervention, this crisis could occur within the next decade.
Gensler’s primary worry revolves around the centralization of AI models and cloud service providers. He emphasizes the risk of relying on a single base model controlled by large tech companies, rather than broker dealers. He questions the number of cloud providers in the country and warns that such concentration can lead to vulnerabilities in the financial system.
SEC’s Regulatory Challenges with AI
In addition to cryptocurrency regulation, artificial intelligence has become one of the SEC’s major regulatory challenges. Gensler is particularly concerned about the over-reliance on similar AI models, which can result in herd behavior in Wall Street and across US financial markets.
This is not a new stance for Gensler. In 2020, he co-authored a research paper titled “Deep Learning and Financial Stability,” where he highlighted the risks posed by AI systems in finance. The paper called for government regulation to address the potential fragility and systemic risks associated with the broad adoption of deep learning in finance.
Hot Take: Urgent Need for Intervention
Gensler’s warning about a potential financial crisis caused by AI highlights the need for immediate intervention and regulation in this field. The centralization of AI models controlled by tech giants poses significant risks to financial stability. To mitigate these risks, it is crucial to diversify AI models across multiple providers and implement appropriate regulatory measures. Failure to take action could result in a future crisis that impacts both the financial system and the wider economy.