Bank of Canada's Macklem says he has spoken to Fed chair about risks from Anthropic's Mythos AI model

April 18, 2026 - 02:14

Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem has revealed that he discussed the potential economic and financial risks posed by advanced artificial intelligence systems, specifically mentioning Anthropic's "Mythos" AI model, in conversations with U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. The dialogue took place during the recent International Monetary Fund meetings in New York, highlighting the growing attention financial regulators are paying to the disruptive potential of next-generation AI.

Macklem emphasized the profound uncertainty surrounding these powerful technologies. "I don't think anybody knows the full implications at this point," the governor stated, acknowledging the dual nature of AI as both a driver of productivity and a source of significant potential risk. The core concern for central bankers revolves around AI's possible impact on financial stability, labor markets, and inflation dynamics, all of which fall directly within their policy mandates.

The discussion between the two banking leaders signals a proactive, albeit cautious, approach from top economic stewards. They are moving to understand how AI could rapidly alter economic forecasting models, disrupt employment sectors, and potentially be leveraged in ways that threaten market integrity or stability. This high-level engagement underscores a global recognition that the financial policy landscape must evolve alongside technological leaps, even as the exact consequences remain unclear.