中国人民银行原副行长李东荣：智能金融必将成为数字金融发展的重要方向

Core Viewpoint - The development of intelligent finance in China is positioned as a crucial direction for digital finance during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, supported by robust policy backing, rapid investment growth, and significant advancements in AI applications within the financial sector [3][6][9]. Group 1: AI Technology and Investment - AI technology in China has a solid foundation for large-scale application, driven by increasing policy support and rapid growth in related investments, with AI investment projected to reach $252.3 billion in 2024, a 25.5% increase from 2023 [6][21]. - The number of AI enterprises in China has surpassed 5,300, accounting for 15% of the global total, indicating a comprehensive industrial system covering foundational infrastructure, model frameworks, and industry applications [6][22]. - The cost and barriers to AI technology and applications are continuously decreasing, facilitating broader adoption across various sectors [6][21]. Group 2: Progress in Financial Sector AI Applications - The financial industry has been a strong advocate for information technology and intelligent applications, with a history of evolving through technological advancements [7][22]. - Policies from the People's Bank of China have consistently supported the gradual application of AI in finance, with significant investments from major state-owned banks reaching approximately 125.5 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 2.15% increase from 2023 [7][22]. - AI applications in finance are transforming traditional business models and service methods, enhancing customer experience and operational efficiency through intelligent customer service, investment advisory, and risk management [7][22]. Group 3: Considerations for Intelligent Finance Development - Emphasis on information security in intelligent finance applications is critical, as the rapid development of financial technology introduces new risks alongside efficiency gains [10][24]. - Accelerating the construction of an intelligent finance ecosystem is essential, focusing on better serving public needs through collaboration and breaking down data silos [11][25]. - Regulatory frameworks must adapt to the evolving landscape of intelligent finance, ensuring that standards support high-quality development while addressing challenges such as algorithm transparency and fairness [12][26].