Key Takeaways
- Anthropic’s Claude AI has been blocked for Goldman Sachs personnel in Hong Kong following recent contract analysis
- Competing AI platforms like ChatGPT and Gemini continue to be accessible on Goldman’s internal systems
- Following a thorough contract examination, Goldman determined its Hong Kong workforce should avoid all Anthropic services
- Anthropic’s website does not include Hong Kong among its officially supported regions
- Financial institutions worldwide and banking regulators are examining Anthropic’s latest Mythos model for potential systemic risks
Investment banking powerhouse Goldman Sachs has discontinued access to Anthropic’s Claude artificial intelligence assistant for its Hong Kong-based workforce, according to an insider with firsthand information about the decision.
The individual informed Reuters that staff members in Hong Kong had previously utilized Claude via the bank’s proprietary AI infrastructure. Within the past several weeks, this capability has been withdrawn.
Competing artificial intelligence solutions, such as Google’s Gemini platform and OpenAI’s ChatGPT system, continue to remain accessible to employees through the identical internal infrastructure.
The Financial Times initially disclosed this development, referencing sources with knowledge of the situation. Goldman Sachs representatives declined to provide commentary. Anthropic has not yet responded to inquiries seeking comment.
As reported by the FT, Goldman arrived at this conclusion following a rigorous interpretation of its contractual agreement with Anthropic. The financial institution engaged in discussions with Anthropic prior to determining that personnel stationed in Hong Kong should refrain from utilizing any Anthropic offerings.
An Anthropic representative informed the FT that Claude has never received official “support” designation for Hong Kong. The organization’s online presence does not identify Hong Kong among the territories where its API services or Claude.ai platform are formally accessible.
Hong Kong’s Unique Position in AI Access
Hong Kong occupies a nuanced position regarding American artificial intelligence platforms. While AI systems from U.S. corporations face prohibition throughout mainland China, Hong Kong has predominantly maintained openness, with availability determined by individual corporate policies.
This development emerges as friction between Washington and Beijing regarding artificial intelligence capabilities and information security continues escalating. An anticipated meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping scheduled for mid-May is projected to address these matters.
The U.S. administration released an international alert last week concerning suspected AI intellectual property theft by Chinese AI entities. During 2024, OpenAI similarly implemented measures to prevent China-based traffic to its API platform amid worries that its systems might be exploited by Chinese rivals for model development.
Reuters was unable to verify whether additional financial institutions or corporations have imposed similar Claude restrictions within Hong Kong.
Mythos Model Catches Eye of Financial Watchdogs
Goldman’s decision coincides with Anthropic’s most recent AI system, Mythos, attracting scrutiny from international banking institutions and financial oversight bodies.
The Hong Kong Monetary Authority confirmed to Reuters that it has reached out to numerous prominent banks to gather insights regarding recent Mythos developments. The regulatory body has additionally reminded these institutions to refresh their risk evaluations and implement appropriate protective measures.
Reuters disclosed that certain lending institutions were already exploring additional security protocols in reaction to cybersecurity challenges associated with sophisticated AI systems.
During February, Goldman Sachs Chief Information Officer Marco Argenti revealed the institution was collaborating with Anthropic to create AI-driven agents capable of automating an expanding spectrum of operational tasks.
The Hong Kong government has not provided a response to Reuters’ inquiry for commentary. The HKMA refused to address Goldman’s particular determination.
