Blockchain and AI in Global Finance: A Case Study of Cross-Border Payments in 2024 Asia

This paper investigates the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into trading ecosystems from 2020 to 2023. It outlines the historical progression of AI applications in financial markets, emphasizing the transition from rule-based algorithms to data-driven machine learning models. The analysis covers AI-driven innovations in biometric identity verification, predictive analytics, and personalized trading systems. The economic contributions of AI are quantified using institutional estimates, with a focus on regional implementation strategies. Regulatory structures, particularly in Singapore, are examined in the context of their role in enabling AI adoption while ensuring compliance. Challenges including data governance, ethical constraints, regulatory inconsistencies, and technical limitations in blockchain infrastructure are analyzed. The discussion also highlights the impact of expertise shortages and the critical need for government-industry collaboration in fintech development.