Finance

Bank of England's Bailey says AI can help regulators to find the 'smoking gun'

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on September 23, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

Add as preferred source on Google
Bank of England's Bailey says AI can help regulators to find the 'smoking gun'
Global Banking & Finance Awards 2026 — Call for Entries

(Reuters) -Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said on Monday that he and other regulators who oversee the financial services industry should use artificial intelligence to help them spot problems

Bank of England's Bailey Advocates AI for Enhanced Regulatory Oversight

The Role of AI in Financial Regulation

(Reuters) -Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey said on Monday that he and other regulators who oversee the financial services industry should use artificial intelligence to help them spot problems among the firms that they supervise.

Importance of Data Science

"I think we've all got to invest heavily in data and data science, and techniques," Bailey said during a discussion about financial regulation organised by the London School of Economics.

Challenges in Data Utilization

He said central banks and other watchdogs gather up vast amounts of data but "none of us, I think, can put our hand on our heart to say that we're sort of optimally using it all."

Regulatory Perspectives on Risk

“It also creates the danger for the authorities that you’ve got the evidence in the building and you haven’t been able to use it and it subsequently comes out that somewhere in your system was the smoking gun,” Bailey added. “That’s a recurring concern for all of us.”

Bailey used his appearance at the LSE to repeat his view that calls for a cutting back of regulation of the financial sector should not lead to a return to risky behaviour in the financial services industry that could put the broader economy at risk.

Bailey said in July he disagreed with Finance Minister Rachel Reeves’ description of regulation as a "boot on the neck of businesses" and he defended rules for the banking sector which are overseen by the BoE.

(Reporting William Schomberg and Muvija MEditing by Marguerita Choy)

Key Takeaways

  • AI can help regulators identify issues in financial firms.
  • Investment in data science is crucial for effective oversight.
  • Regulators face challenges in utilizing collected data optimally.
  • Bailey warns against reducing financial sector regulations.
  • AI could prevent missed opportunities to catch 'smoking guns'.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is artificial intelligence?
Artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines programmed to think and learn. It is used in various applications, including financial regulation, to analyze data and identify patterns.
What is financial regulation?
Financial regulation involves the rules and laws that govern financial institutions and markets. It aims to maintain stability, protect consumers, and ensure fair practices within the financial system.
What is data science?
Data science is a multidisciplinary field that uses scientific methods, algorithms, and systems to extract knowledge and insights from structured and unstructured data. It plays a crucial role in decision-making processes.
What is risk management?
Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and controlling threats to an organization's capital and earnings. It is essential in the financial sector to mitigate potential losses.
What is regulatory oversight?
Regulatory oversight refers to the supervision and enforcement of laws and regulations governing financial institutions. It ensures compliance and protects the integrity of the financial system.

Tags

Related Articles

More from Finance

Explore more articles in the Finance category