Business · Economy · 2 hrs ago
Regulators step up scrutiny of AI risks at banks
US regulators are questioning banks about their use of advanced AI, including systems that can act with little human supervision.
The questions come as banks adopt AI agents for tasks such as finding and responding to cyber threats.
Regulators are concerned that AI agents or cyberattacks could damage banks and disrupt financial markets if systems act beyond their limits or critical services are hit.
US officials are asking how banks monitor and control AI, keep people involved in important decisions and shut systems down when needed.
European supervisors are pressing banks to improve their recovery plans in case rapid advances in AI cause serious disruption.
The International Monetary Fund has warned against complacency and urged policymakers to strengthen cybersecurity.
Regulators are still gathering information, not setting new requirements, so the next step is to assess how prepared banks are to manage these risks.
US, UK and European regulators are increasing scrutiny of banks’ use of advanced AI amid concerns about cyberattacks and autonomous systems.
US regulators are asking banks how they use AI agents, monitor their actions and prevent them from exceeding their authority.
The Bank of England and the European Central Bank are pressing banks to improve recovery plans.
Regulators are also examining banks’ reliance on external technology providers and their readiness to manage new cyber risks.
The inquiries are still gathering information, and regulators have not yet prescribed what banks should do.
- Who
- US regulators, including the Federal Reserve, and European supervisors including the Bank of England and the European Central Bank.
- What
- They are increasing scrutiny of banks’ use of advanced AI and their preparations for related risks.
- When
- The article was published on 13 October 2026; the inquiries are ongoing.
- Where
- The United States and Europe.
- Why
- Regulators are concerned that AI-related cyberattacks or autonomous systems could disrupt banks and financial markets.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
CrowdStrike said a person in China had probably used a Chinese-developed AI agent and Anthropic’s Claude Code in a hack on South Korean banks.
The International Monetary Fund warned against complacency in global financial markets and called on policymakers to strengthen cybersecurity capacity.
- US regulators
- Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC
- European supervisors
- Bank of England and European Central Bank
- AI risks under scrutiny
- Autonomous agents, foreign-developed models and cyber risks
- Regulatory approach
- Information gathering; no prescriptive instructions yet
What people are saying
The adoption of AI is often outpacing the ability to put the controls in place
Sources
Related news
Robert Hall and Michael Woodford win 2026 economics prize
Global debt tops $365 trillion, increasing pressure on governments
Chip stocks fall as investors weigh AI spending and Chinese competition
Altcoins fall as crypto-market optimism fades
IMF lifts 2026 global growth forecast as AI investment offsets energy shock
Chipmaker concerns weigh on world stocks as bonds rise
Oil prices dip as expected Russian diesel supplies offset Gulf risks
Holafly launches travel subscription with data and health support
Climate change is making some everyday fish more expensive
Zenyum parent MakeO raises $10 million for Asian expansion
IMF warns poorer countries may need spending cuts or debt restructuring
