Recently, US SEC chair Gary Gensler spoke out against the rising trend of “AI washing” in the financial sector. This deceptive practice involves making false claims about the use of artificial intelligence to attract investors and improve stock prices. Gensler warned that such activities could potentially violate securities laws, highlighting the importance of transparency and honesty in all dealings.
Gensler emphasized the transformative potential of AI technology, likening it to the impact of the internet. He noted that AI is already being used to enhance inclusion, efficiency, and user experience within the financial system. However, Gensler stressed the need for companies to accurately represent their use of AI and refrain from misleading investors with false claims.
The SEC recently took action against two investment advisers, Delphia (USA) Inc. and Global Predictions Inc., for making false and misleading statements about their AI capabilities. Delphia falsely claimed to use AI to predict successful investments, while Global Predictions misrepresented itself as the “first regulated AI advisor.” Both companies paid significant civil penalties as part of their settlements with the SEC, underscoring the serious consequences of AI washing.
Despite the SEC’s efforts to crack down on AI washing, regulatory challenges persist. The SEC proposed rules to regulate AI use in financial markets in 2023, but faced opposition in the Senate. As a result, the progress of these rules has stalled, leaving the financial sector vulnerable to further instances of deceptive AI washing. It is crucial for regulators to address these challenges and implement effective measures to protect investors and maintain market integrity.
The prevalence of AI washing poses a significant threat to the financial sector, undermining trust and transparency in investment practices. Companies must be held accountable for their claims regarding AI technology and regulators must take decisive action to prevent misleading practices. By promoting honesty and accuracy in the use of AI, the financial industry can uphold its integrity and safeguard the interests of investors.