Artificial intelligence (AI) has been gaining significant interest in central banks, reflecting its potential to support a wide range of their activities. This interest was already highlighted in a comprehensive survey conducted in 2024 by the Irving Fisher Committee on Central Bank Statistics (IFC). Back then, many AI applications were still at an early stage, underscoring the need for further efforts on governance, infrastructure and resources to ensure effective deployment (IFC (2025a)).
Two years later, the focus has broadened beyond experimentation to encompass AI readiness. This concept refers to the institution’s preparedness to adopt, adapt and advance AI in its operations, decision-making and objectives. It is particularly relevant for central banks as they seek to ensure that both their organisation and data are ready to make the most of this technology. At the same time, they also constantly need to review their state of preparation to deal with the implications of AI’s fast-paced and uncertain evolution.
Yet, in practice, assessing AI readiness is a complex task. It calls for distinguishing between perceived readiness – ie how an institution considers itself to be prepared – and actual readiness – ie as reflected in the reported actions taken to use AI. To shed light on these issues, this new IFC survey has been expanded to cover progress in AI readiness in central banks.
