Veteran journalist Robert Peston says he believes the world could be heading toward another major financial shock, this time driven by massive investment in artificial intelligence. While he is often credited with raising early concerns about the 2008 financial crisis and warning that COVID-19 could become a global threat, Peston says his latest concern is the growing financial boom surrounding AI infrastructure.

According to Peston, companies and investors are pouring enormous amounts of money into AI data centers, computing power, and related technology. He worries that expectations for future profits may be far higher than what businesses can realistically deliver. If those expectations aren’t met, he believes companies could fail, investors could panic, and global markets could experience a significant downturn.

Beyond the financial risks, Peston also believes AI could transform the workforce on an unprecedented scale. He argues that increasingly capable AI systems and robots may replace millions of jobs faster than new ones are created, raising difficult questions about employment, tax revenue, and how governments would continue funding essential public services if large numbers of people are out of work.

Despite these warnings, Peston says he remains optimistic about the future. He believes discussing potential risks is the best way to prepare for them and reduce the chances of the worst outcomes. While no one can predict the future with certainty, his comments have renewed debate over whether the rapid expansion of AI could create both enormous opportunities and significant economic challenges in the years ahead.