FinTech Weekly's analysis contrasts global AI regulatory approaches, from the EU AI Act's comprehensive framework with €35 million penalties to China's strict government control versus Japan's flexible industry self-regulation. The piece examines Trump's pro-AI executive orders reversing Biden's 'safe and secure' AI policies while highlighting how financial services firms increasingly look to EU standards as 'best practice' despite compliance costs. This industry perspective illuminates the political volatility around AI regulation and the challenges facing financial services firms navigating divergent international regulatory philosophies.