As part of the NUS Centre for Banking & Finance Law (CBFL) AI & Banking Webinar Series, Dr Jon Truby on 24 September 2025, delivered a talk entitled ‘AI in Loan Applications: International Governance Challenges and Sustainable Development Goals.’

His presentation examined AI’s role in loan processing as a critical test case for responsible AI deployment. He discussed both the promise of AI efficiency, cost reduction, and expanded access to finance in underbanked regions and its alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 8, 9, 10, and 16). The session also highlighted the legal and regulatory challenges posed by AI, including accountability, transparency and explainability, data protection, and cross-border regulatory divergence.

Dr Truby emphasised how algorithmic bias risks reinforcing social and economic inequalities, while also identifying pathways for AI to contribute positively to sustainable finance initiatives and global governance frameworks. He concluded by stressing that AI can support sustainable development in lending only if guided by robust international legal principles and harmonised global regulatory standards.

This panel provided a valuable opportunity to showcase ongoing research at the Centre for International Law, exchange insights with international colleagues, and advance discussions on the intersection of AI, banking, and global governance.