Goldman Sachs restricts Anthropic AI access for Hong Kong bankers

Wednesday 29 April 2026 - 07:40

By: Dakir Madiha

Goldman Sachs restricts Anthropic AI access for Hong Kong bankers

Goldman Sachs has blocked its Hong Kong-based bankers from accessing Anthropic’s Claude AI models through internal systems, reflecting a strict interpretation of its agreement with the US startup. The restriction has been in place for several weeks and applies specifically to Anthropic tools, while access to other providers such as OpenAI remains unchanged.

The decision stems from internal legal guidance following discussions with Anthropic. The bank concluded that employees operating in Hong Kong should not use Claude models under the current contractual framework. This approach appears linked to Anthropic’s regional access policy, which was updated in September 2025 to limit use by organizations subject to jurisdictions where its products are not authorized, including China. Although Goldman Sachs is not controlled by Chinese entities, its compliance teams appear to have adopted a cautious stance regarding operations in Hong Kong.

The move complicates a close working relationship between the bank and Anthropic. Goldman Sachs has invested significant resources in integrating Anthropic engineers into its teams to build AI-driven systems for transaction processing, client onboarding, and regulatory compliance. Senior executives have also confirmed ongoing collaboration to assess cybersecurity risks associated with advanced AI models, including the latest Claude systems.

The restriction carries broader implications for Hong Kong’s position as a financial and technology hub. The city has placed artificial intelligence at the center of its economic strategy, with policymakers promoting its integration into financial services and digital infrastructure. Authorities have emphasized the role of AI and Web3 technologies in driving future growth, while regulators have launched initiatives to expand fintech adoption in banking.

However, the Goldman Sachs decision highlights how geopolitical tensions and corporate compliance policies can limit access to advanced AI tools in the region. For financial professionals operating in Hong Kong, even within major US institutions, access to cutting-edge systems may depend increasingly on regulatory interpretations and cross-border policy constraints.