Archive · 18 Jul 2026
US Considers FINRA-Style AI Oversight Body
The US government is thinking about creating a new group to check the safety of advanced AI models, similar to how FINRA oversees financial brokers.
This idea comes after some tech companies complained that recent government rules were too strict and not well thought out.
The plan would let both tech companies and financial firms help set safety standards.
A tech leader named Demis Hassabis suggested this idea, which would be funded by the industry itself.
The goal is to make sure AI is safe while also letting companies innovate without too many restrictions.
The Trump administration is considering creating an independent AI regulatory agency similar to FINRA.
The proposal aims to incorporate industry input to address concerns about AI safety and cybersecurity.
Silicon Valley companies have criticized recent government measures as excessive and inconsistent.
The plan would allow both tech and financial sectors to play a role in setting safety standards.
Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind, proposed a similar self-regulatory model funded by the industry.
- Who
- The Trump administration, Silicon Valley leaders, Wall Street firms, and AI companies like Anthropic PBC and OpenAI.
- What
- A proposal to create an independent regulator to evaluate the safety of advanced AI models.
- When
- Currently under review, with no specific timeline for implementation.
- Where
- United States, with considerations for global AI leadership.
- Why
- To address concerns about AI safety, cybersecurity risks, and the need for a more consistent regulatory approach.
Industry Perspective
Government Perspective
Regulatory Approach
Industry Perspective
Silicon Valley companies view current government measures as inconsistent and excessive, preferring a more collaborative and voluntary approach.
Government Perspective
The government aims to ensure AI safety and cybersecurity, sometimes imposing stricter measures to mitigate potential risks.
Role of Industry
Industry Perspective
Industry leaders advocate for a self-regulatory model funded by the industry itself, with active involvement in setting safety standards.
Government Perspective
The government seeks to balance industry input with regulatory oversight to ensure public safety and national security.
- Proposal Drafted By
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent
- Current Review By
- White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles
- Potential Regulatory Agency
- Independent AI regulatory agency under the SEC, similar to FINRA
- Key Companies Affected
- Anthropic PBC, OpenAI
- Recent Chinese Model
- Moonshot's Kimi K3
- Proposal Funding
- Industry-funded self-regulatory organization
- Proposal Author
- Demis Hassabis, CEO of Google DeepMind