Safety at Scale: High-Reliability ML Round-up, Jan–Jun 2025

A round-up of key developments in AI regulation, aviation, and finance

Jul 14, 2025

Executive Summary

During the first half of 2025, machine learning governance transitioned from principle to practice. Regulators translated guidance into enforceable rules, while organisations strengthened validation processes, formalised risk thresholds, and expanded transparency. In aviation and financial services, two of the most tightly regulated, safety-critical domains, ML systems have demonstrated measurable performance gains and reflect an industry that is striving for ever-greater reliability.

Operationalising ML Risk Management

Regulators moved decisively in the first half of 2025, turning guidelines into enforceable obligations and accelerating the maturity curve for responsible AI programmes. Some global regulators’ highlights include:

EU AI Act (Europe) – First provisions in force (Feb 2) banning unacceptable‑risk AI and mandating AI literacy; full high‑risk obligations commence Aug 2 2025, covering data quality, documentation, risk & quality management, and EU database registration. Read analysis →
Singapore Consensus on Global AI Safety (2025) – Introduces a defence‑in‑depth safety model spanning safe development, rigorous assessment (verification & validation), and ongoing control. Read analysis →
United States – The NIST AI Risk Management Framework became the de facto national benchmark while states advanced their own laws. Read analysis →; Texas led with the Responsible AI Governance Act (TRAIGA), the first statute to ban certain high‑risk uses and launch an AI regulatory sandbox, as over a dozen other states draft similar bills. Read analysis →
Japan – Parliament passed an innovation-first AI law establishing a cabinet-level AI Strategy HQ and voluntary guidelines to attract talent and investment while promoting responsible development. Read analysis →
Kenya & Wider Africa – Kenya’s National AI Strategy 2025‑30 and similar initiatives across Africa combine ethical, inclusive, and innovation‑centric pillars to foster fintech‑driven growth. Read analysis →
Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) – Adopted “soft‑regulation” playbooks built on national AI visions and ethical charters, enabling fast innovation while binding enforcement remains light. Read analysis →

Sector Spotlight in High-Stakes Domains

Aviation: Ensuring Safety in the Skies

The aviation sector has effectively balanced innovation and safety by utilising advanced machine learning (ML) applications.

Finance: Risk‑Proofing Decisions

Financial institutions harnessed ML to enhance decision-making, strengthen compliance, and streamline operations.

Events and Conferences

The first half of 2025 featured numerous conferences and workshops focusing on trustworthy, safe and reliable ML. Here is a recap.

Looking Ahead (H2 2025 → 2026)

In the second half of 2025, we are excited to launch our new publication, Resilient by Design. This space is dedicated to exploring the art and science of building robust machine learning systems. You can expect technical insights, real-world use studies and community and collaboration. Subscribe for free, receive insights directly in your inbox, and become part of a growing community committed to making machine learning validated, reliable, repeatable, and robust.

Pull up a seat and join the conversation: Resilient by Design →

Stay safe.