G20 supports digital innovation while calling for stronger safeguards

G20 finance ministers and central bank governors have expressed support for digital financial innovation and investment in emerging technologies following their meeting in Asheville, North Carolina, on 31 August and 1 September 2026.

The group identified artificial intelligence, computing, digital infrastructure and digital assets as technologies that could significantly affect economic growth and financial systems. Members supported investment in these areas to improve productivity and expand adoption, while stressing the need to manage financial and sector-specific risks.

AI was also discussed as a general-purpose technology with potentially broad economic effects. The G20 highlighted its potential to improve cyber resilience and noted that central banks may need to account for AI-driven changes in productive capacity when assessing economic conditions.

Digital financial innovation, including digital assets, was another focus. Members supported regulatory and supervisory frameworks that provide clearer conditions for innovation while protecting financial stability and confidence in monetary and payment systems. They also discussed the cross-border implications of global stablecoin arrangements and supported efforts to improve cross-border payments, including wider use of the ISO 20022 standard.

The statement also addresses risks associated with emerging technologies. G20 members highlighted the use of AI in fraud and supported stronger cooperation between governments and the private sector to share information and disrupt financial crime. They also called for effective implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards in countries with significant virtual asset activity.

China did not join the consensus on several paragraphs of the statement, relating to global economic risks and trade disruptions, global imbalances, International Monetary Fund surveillance, and sovereign debt sustainability.