Pacing the Frontier: What’s next for AI?

As AI models become increasingly capable, questions around safety and oversight are growing. Recent cybersecurity incidents have intensified the debate over whether frontier AI development needs to slow down, or "pace," while labs introduce stronger guardrails. ​​In this episode of Barclays Brief, host Ronnie Wexler speaks with Senior Internet Research Analyst Ross Sandler about what pacing could mean for the future of AI investment and innovation. They discuss why more rigorous safeguards could increase development costs, how major labs may respond, and whether pacing could change the competitive landscape. ​​Despite the challenges, Sandler remains optimistic about AI. As models become more powerful and more computing capacity becomes available, he sees the potential for major breakthroughs across medicine, biology, science and mathematics. For investors, the question is whether stronger safeguards will materially slow industry growth and innovation, or simply become part of AI’s continued evolution. ​​Listeners can hear more related to this topic:​​Episode 42: AI credit supply tests market capacity ​Episode 40: Cooling the AI buildout ​​​Clients can read more on Barclays Live:​​Compute Increases ~18% From Frontier Lab 'Pacing'​AI-fueled Credit Supply: the slice keeps getting bigger ​Important Content Disclosures​Important Non-Research Content Disclosures​​This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice or a recommendation. Views expressed are those of the speakers and may not reflect those of the firm. Any forward-looking statements are based on current assumptions and subject to risks and uncertainties.​