Anuva Wardah 

Undergraduate Recipient, Department of Political Science
Guiliano Fellow, Winter 2025

Exploring the Future of Tax Law: AI, Finance, and Regulation at the 14th Annual London Finance and Capital Markets Conference (London, UK)

Thanks to the Edward Guiliano Global Fellowship, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the International Bar Association’s 14th Annual London Finance and Capital Markets Conference in January 2025. This experience allowed me to engage with industry leaders and legal experts and explore how artificial intelligence, digital finance, and evolving regulations are shaping the future of tax law. As a pre-law student with a keen interest in intellectual property and finance law, I was particularly excited to learn about the intersection of technology and regulatory frameworks. 

Upon arriving in London, I headed straight to the conference venue in the heart of the financial district. The event attracted a diverse audience, including legal scholars, policymakers, financial analysts, and corporate lawyers, all eager to discuss the latest challenges and advancements in finance law. The opening keynote provided a compelling overview of the transformative role of AI in financial markets, setting the stage for deeper discussions throughout the conference. 

One of the most insightful panels I attended focused on "AI, Big Data, and the Future of Tax Compliance." The discussion centered on how AI-driven financial tools are revolutionizing tax reporting, compliance enforcement, and fraud detection. Experts highlighted both the benefits and risks of AI integration, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks to balance innovation with privacy concerns. A key takeaway was the potential for AI to reduce tax evasion through predictive analytics, while also presenting new ethical dilemmas regarding data collection and surveillance.

Another session on "Cryptocurrency and Tax Law" addressed the complexities of taxing digital assets. Panelists debated the effectiveness of current tax regulations in governing decentralized finance (DeFi) and highlighted the ongoing struggle of governments to adapt to the borderless nature of cryptocurrency. One particularly thought-provoking discussion revolved around whether crypto should be taxed as property or currency, a legal distinction with significant implications for investors and regulators alike.

Beyond AI and cryptocurrency, the conference also shed light on global regulatory shifts affecting corporate tax structures. The panel "Cross-Border Taxation and the Digital Economy" explored how multinational corporations are navigating new tax policies, particularly in light of the OECD’s global tax reform initiatives. Speakers underscored the challenges of implementing fair taxation policies while fostering innovation and economic growth.

Throughout the conference, I had the chance to network with legal professionals and scholars, gaining valuable insights into the evolving landscape of financial law. Conversations with experts reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in shaping future regulations. I also had the opportunity to discuss my academic research interests with attendees who provided thoughtful recommendations on further study and career development in intellectual property law.

Attending the 14th Annual London Finance and Capital Markets Conference was an eye-opening experience that deepened my understanding of the legal challenges and opportunities presented by emerging financial technologies. The insights I gained will not only inform my academic research but also shape my aspirations in pursuing a career at the intersection of law and technology. I am incredibly grateful to the Edward Guiliano Global Fellowship for making this experience possible!