Experts discuss benefits and risks associated with integrating AI – The Peninsula Qatar

01 Jun 2020 - 8:09

A file photo of Qatar University building.

Qatar Universitys College of Laws Center for Law and Development recently published an article under the title Banking on AI: Mandating a Proactive Approach to AI regulation in the Financial Sector.The best way to encourage a sustainable future in AI innovation in the financial sector is to support a proactive regulatory approach prior to any financial harm occurring. This is what Dr. Jon Truby, Dr. Rafael Brown and Dr. Andrew Dahdal of the Qatar University College of Laws Center for Law and Development, argued in their recent article titled Banking on AI: Mandating a Proactive Approach to AI regulation in the Financial Sector. The article, which was published in Taylor & Francis Financial Markets Review on May 15, 2020, is part of an NPRP grant from the Qatar National Research Fund.The authors discussed the benefits and risks associated with integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the existing systems and processes of financial institutions. AI for financial institutions offer many benefits such as enhanced fraud detection, more accurate lending and credit assessments, stronger cybersecurity detection, and faster regulatory compliance. However, the authors also emphasize the need to consider AIs inherent risks and threats. They argue that a proactive approach should implement rational regulations that embody jurisdiction-specific rules in line with carefully construed international principles.The authors use a risk-benefit analysis framework to examine three distinct contexts in which AI can be utilized: how financial service providers use AI in relation to their clients, how financial services firms use AI in their compliance efforts, and how regulators use and may use AI in their regulatory efforts.According to the authors, financial intuitions are introducing a plethora of AI-driven financial services, including robo-advising, algorithmic investing and insurance/ credit assessment at a rapid pace and as a first-generation technology. Though governed by existing financial and data protection laws, neither the developers nor the financial institutions have significant legal obligations in any jurisdiction to follow the international principles on AI governance, which in turn have been developed to require accountability, transparency and fairness in the utilisation of AI software in the financial sphere.The authors contemplate it to be prudent and timely for regulators to seriously consider the nature and scope of AI regulation in the financial services sector. They argue that the adoption of rational regulations that encourage innovation whilst ensuring adherence to international principles will significantly reduce the likelihood of development of AI-related risks into systemic problems. To accomplish it efficiently, the article suggests that policymakers intervene early with targeted, proactive but balanced regulatory approaches to AI technology in the financial sector that are consistent with emerging internationally accepted principles on AI governance. To explain attempts to attain such balance, the article provides the analysis of AI regulatory policies in different jurisdictions such as China, India, EU and Japan.Considering that the AI regulation has significant geo-political ramifications, it is contended that it will trigger race for global economic supremacy and will face strong opposition given the stakes at play. Therefore, it is asserted that balancing the risks of AI with the benefits of innovation requires addressing macro and micro level details. Taking account of this, it is proposed that policy makers in individual jurisdictions acknowledge the potential global significance of the sector in formulating their regulatory frameworks.Having provided thorough analysis, the article concludes that in order to avoid distorted and unbalanced outcomes, AI regulation in the financial sector must be implemented in a consistent and balanced manner across all three contexts by taking into consideration the interests of all stakeholders.

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Experts discuss benefits and risks associated with integrating AI - The Peninsula Qatar