Artificial intelligence (AI) and its integration with finance have taken center stage as a core topic at the 2026 Financial Street Forum. In an interview during the forum, Zhang Ke, executive chairman of the Beijing Frontier Institute of Regulation and Supervision Technology, shared insights with CGTN on the opportunities, risks and global governance of AI in the financial sector.

Describing AI as the driver of the fifth industrial revolution, Zhang emphasized that AI's primary value lies in boosting efficiency. However, he cautioned that fundamental challenges remain as long as AI models rely heavily on path dependence and data dependence.

Addressing the risks of applying AI to data-intensive financial systems, Zhang highlighted two major concerns: data privacy and accountability. While data flow is essential, questions surrounding data security, access levels, and public disclosure require strict regulatory frameworks worldwide. Furthermore, while AI can significantly optimize research and decision support, Zhang warned against delegating final trading decisions entirely to algorithms. In cases of financial loss, ultimate accountability must rest with human decision-makers rather than machine intelligence.

To address these systemic risks, Zhang called for proactive international cooperation. He compared the need for global AI governance to major international conventions, such as the Paris Agreement on climate change and the Stockholm Convention on intellectual property. Rather than over-regulating, governments should work together to establish an international "AI Accord" to bring order and structure to scattered rules.

Looking ahead, Zhang noted that AI creates the greatest value when positioned as a strategic advisor for high-level decision-making and group strategy, rather than replacing routine transactional operations. In every critical financial maneuver, he concluded, human oversight remains irreplaceable.