On 10 September 2025, United States Securities and Exchange Commission (US SEC) Chairman Paul S. Atkins addressed the OECD Roundtable on Global Financial Markets in Paris. In his remarks, Atkins explained how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping capital markets. He described the rise of agentic finance, where autonomous AI agents manage trades, capital, and risk with compliance embedded in code. Atkins urged regulators to provide commonsense guardrails while avoiding restrictive measures that could slow innovation. He framed AI as a critical driver of faster markets, lower costs, and broader access to investment strategies once reserved for large firms.
AI in Capital Markets
Atkins emphasised the growing importance of technology: “AI is now part of our capital markets, and its role will only grow.” He described how AI can execute trades and manage risk in ways that human decision-making cannot match, offering efficiency and speed.
Agentic Finance and Embedded Compliance
Looking to the future, Atkins highlighted a new model: “Artificial intelligence is opening the door to agentic finance—a system whereby autonomous AI agents execute trades, allocate capital, and manage risk at speeds no human can match, with securities law compliance embedded in its code.” This vision links technological capability with regulatory responsibility, ensuring that AI-driven markets remain aligned with investor protection.
Balancing Guardrails and Innovation
On regulatory posture, Atkins stated: “The government’s responsibility here is to ensure that commonsense guardrails are in place while eliminating the regulatory obstructions that stifle innovation.” He warned against overreaction driven by fear, stressing that AI must be supported rather than constrained.
Lower Costs and Broader Access
Atkins explained the benefits of coupling AI with blockchain: “The benefits could be immense: faster markets, lower costs, and broader access to strategies once reserved for Wall Street’s largest firms.” This makes it clear that the United States SEC’s recognises AI as an enabler of wider financial participation.
Choosing Leadership Over Hesitation
In concluding his remarks on AI, Atkins drew a clear line: “The choice before us is simple yet profound: either America steps forward with confidence and conviction, or others will. I choose leadership, freedom, and growth—for our markets, for our economy, and for the next generation.” United States SEC makes it crystal clear is that America must embrace AI to secure its role as the centre of global financial innovation.
