IMF Technology Chief Urges Strong Governance and Public Trust in AI-Driven Central Banking
COLOMBO, October 28, 2026 — Central banks adopting artificial intelligence must prioritise public trust, strong governance and human oversight, IMF Chief Information Officer Shirin Hamid said at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka’s 76th Anniversary Oration.
Hamid, who also serves as Director of the International Monetary Fund’s Information Technology Department, delivered the address on October 23 at the Central Bank Atrium under the theme “The Intelligent Central Bank: Building Trust in the Age of AI.”
Her address examined how AI could strengthen central banks’ ability to fulfil their mandates, improve operational efficiency and support decision-making, while introducing risks that require careful management.
She emphasised that responsible adoption depends on systems that are explainable, secure and ethical, backed by robust governance arrangements.
Effective human oversight remained essential to ensuring that AI strengthens institutional accountability and supports sound decisions as its use expands across central bank operations.
The oration also highlighted the importance of maintaining institutional credibility and public confidence as central banks incorporate AI into their processes.
The event brought together policymakers, academics, financial sector representatives, other professionals and journalists to discuss the technology’s evolving role in central banking.
The Central Bank said the anniversary oration reflected its commitment to informed discussion on emerging technologies and their responsible adoption, supporting institutional resilience and preparedness for future developments in central banking.
