Good morning, everyone.
First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Governor Michael Dukakis, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, and the Boston Global Forum for giving me the opportunity to speak at this meaningful discussion.
As someone who served as Japan’s State Minister of Defense and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, I see the development of AI in finance not only as a matter of innovation, but as a matter of trust, national security, and democratic integrity.
Let me begin with the Abe Financial AI Protocol. This protocol is deeply rooted in the legacy of the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who championed the vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific and a rules-based international order.
Today, we are called upon to build a pioneering model of a Bank and Finance Ecosystem in the Age of AI. The Abe Financial AI Protocol provides the foundation for such a model grounded in transparency, accountability, and democratic values.
This means building AI-powered financial systems that are:
* Explainable
* Human centered
* Resilient against abuse or manipulation
Japan is ready to lead and participate in pilot projects alongside partners in the U.S., EU, and democratic Asia to ensure that our financial AI systems are not tools of exploitation, but pillars of trust and opportunity.
Now, with regard to the cybersecurity of this new kind of AI-driven financial system I would like to propose a three-layered approach:
1. Real-time threat detection using AI x AI AI-powered systems that detect anomalies and prevent intrusions by interacting with other AI in real-time.
2. Zero-trust architecture at every layer From authentication to transaction logging, nothing should be assumed as “safe by default.”
3. International Cyber-Command Cooperation Framework Just as central banks cooperate through BIS, we must form a coalition of cyber units across democratic nations, ensuring cross-border incident response and shared threat intelligence in real-time.
Japan, with its expertise in both cyber-defense and digital governance, can serve as a regional coordinator for this effort especially in Asia-Pacific.
Now, regarding the Boston Finance Accord for AI Governance 24/7 Finance never sleeps. And neither can our governance.
This Accord aims to create a real-time, always on ethical framework to govern AI in finance across borders, across time zones, across crises.
We must build a trust network among democratic nations with shared values, shared standards, and shared responsibility.
In building this new AI-powered financial ecosystem, one of my deepest concerns is this: How can we shield it from the destructive forces of terrorism, war, and authoritarian manipulation?
In today’s world, the line between physical conflict and digital conflict is disappearing. We need systems that are resilient, decentralized, and ethically grounded, so that even in times of geopolitical crisis, our financial systems continue to serve people — not power.
Ultimately, our goal should be to create an ecosystem that remains neutral, fair, and immune to coercion, no matter which side of the global struggle between democracy and authoritarianism one stands.
In closing, as we mark 80 years since the end of World War II, we are called to build new rules of peace and stability. Not through force, but through foresight. Not through fear, but through trust.
Let us work together to realize this vision, and to honor the legacy of leaders like Shinzo Abe. Thank you very much.
Yasuhide NAKAYAMA, Former Japanese State Minister of Foreign Affairs
Please see video here: