Part 5 of the Global AI Competitiveness Index 2025 represents a pivotal shift in the comprehensive analysis of artificial intelligence's role in global financial services. It builds on the groundwork laid by the previous four parts, which focused on AI readiness, enterprise activity, scientific output, and human capital development. While these earlier editions provided a broad view of AI adoption across various sectors, Part 5 delves specifically into the financial services sector, analyzing the institutional, legislative, and financial mechanisms driving AI governance in this domain. The section not only highlights the impressive technological advancements in AI but also emphasizes the critical role of governance, regulation, and enforcement in shaping the AI landscape. The findings underscore that while innovation remains important, the ability to govern, fund, and enforce AI systems is becoming the true measure of a nation’s competitive edge in the global financial market.

This volume introduces an essential transition from innovation to regulation, marking the shift from "who builds" AI to "who governs, funds, and enforces" its implementation. The report draws attention to the growing importance of strong regulatory frameworks, robust data protection laws, and the establishment of cross-sectoral coordination units within finance ministries. These mechanisms are essential for ensuring AI’s responsible and sustainable deployment, particularly in highly regulated fields like finance. Key recommendations for governments and regulators include treating AI supervision as critical infrastructure, integrating knowledge exchange between market regulators, data-protection authorities, and national AI offices, and fostering global collaborations to ensure transparency and accountability.

Part 5 also stresses the economic and strategic importance of AI, likening the investment in AI talent and infrastructure to the historical value placed on oil and rare-earth metals. Countries that invest in technical capacity, AI talent, and diplomatic credibility will be better positioned to compete in the next decade. Conversely, those that fail to maintain a sustained investment in AI capabilities risk falling behind, with diplomatic efforts potentially outpacing domestic progress. Ultimately, Part 5 paints a picture of an increasingly competitive global landscape, where AI is not just a technological advantage but a critical asset in national economic positioning. It concludes by emphasizing that nations with the most advanced AI-driven financial services ecosystems will be best equipped to navigate the rapidly evolving financial landscape, driving both economic growth and global influence.