Regulators Summon Bank CEOs Over Anthropic AI Model Risks

Treasury Secretary Bessent and Fed Chair Powell warn of potential cybersecurity threats from Anthropic's powerful new Mythos model.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:12pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a complex circuit board with neon cyan and magenta lights pulsing through the intricate pathways, conceptually representing the advanced digital infrastructure that powers the modern financial system.Regulators warn that advanced AI models like Anthropic's Mythos could expose vulnerabilities in the critical digital infrastructure underpinning the global financial system.Washington Today

In an urgent meeting, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell summoned Wall Street leaders to discuss concerns that Anthropic's latest AI model, Mythos, could usher in a new era of greater cyber risk for the financial industry. The regulators wanted to ensure that systemically important banks are aware of the potential threats and are taking precautions to defend their systems.

Why it matters

The meeting signals that regulators view the possibility of a new breed of cyberattacks powered by advanced AI models as one of the biggest risks facing the global financial system. Anthropic has limited the initial release of Mythos, but regulators want to make sure banks are prepared for the potential fallout if similar powerful AI models become more widely available.

The details

Bessent and Powell gathered the bank executives, who were already in town for a Financial Services Forum meeting, at the Treasury headquarters in Washington. They wanted to ensure the banks are aware of the risks raised by Mythos and are taking steps to protect their systems. The Fed's involvement indicates the concern is about systemic risk, not just the Trump administration's previous clashes with Anthropic.

  • The meeting was held on Tuesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Anthropic has limited the initial release of Mythos to a few major tech and finance firms as part of 'Project Glasswing' to secure the most important systems before wider availability.

The players

Scott Bessent

The current United States Secretary of the Treasury.

Jerome Powell

The current Chair of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System.

Anthropic

An artificial intelligence research company that has developed the powerful Mythos AI model, which regulators believe could pose significant cybersecurity risks to the financial industry.

Kevin Hassett

The current Director of the National Economic Council.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're taking every step we can to make sure that everybody is safe from these potential risks, including Anthropic agreeing to hold back the public release of the model until our officials have figured everything out.”

— Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council

What’s next

The Bank of Canada and major Canadian banks and financial firms have also met to discuss the cybersecurity risks raised by Anthropic's Mythos model. The Bank of England will also meet with top bank and insurance executives in the UK to discuss how they are preparing for the potential threats.

The takeaway

This urgent meeting between regulators and bank CEOs underscores the growing concern over the cybersecurity risks posed by powerful AI models like Anthropic's Mythos. It signals that safeguarding the financial system from these emerging threats is a top priority for policymakers, who are working to ensure banks are taking the necessary precautions.