CEO Peng Zhao on AI

Peng Takes the Stage at HumanX 2025, the Inaugural Annual Conference for Global Leaders in AI

 
 
For three days in March, the Fontainebleau Resort in Las Vegas transformed into a global gathering for the AI community. The inaugural HumanX conference assembled more than 3,500 senior-level AI executives from a wide range of industries.

During the gathering from March 10 to March 13, Citadel Securities CEO Peng Zhao joined an impressive roster of main stage speakers, including tech innovators such as Kevin Weil of OpenAI, Steve Schmidt of Amazon; Alison Wagonfeld of Google, and Vinod Khosla, founder of Khosla Ventures.

HumanX tackled several themes drawn from today’s headlines about the advance of artificial intelligence. Among the topics discussed were AI as a catalyst for industry transformation, ethical AI and responsible innovation, and collaboration and workforce transformations in the age of AI.

Peng’s fireside chat, moderated by CNBC’s Kate Rooney, focused on the intersection of AI and capital markets. Peng shared insight into how we view AI as a tool to find efficiencies and increase productivity. He also discussed how we position ourselves and our firm to learn and benefit from advances in technology.

“We think a lot about how we can constantly evolve our business model, our talent base, and where we are investing so that we have positive beta from technology,” said Peng.

During their dialogue, Kate asked Peng whether markets were overly focused on AI and if valuations were too high.

“I think any company that wants to unlock productivity and added value for their customers needs to have a true understanding of what AI can do,” Peng said. “That requires hiring experts, who are empowered and in key leadership positions to provide real guidance,” he added.

During his session, Peng focused on the positive intersection of machines and those putting them to work. “I think the money that is being put toward the people, companies, and, ultimately, technology that will change how we work and how we live for the better are good investments,” he told the audience.

Hear more from Peng’s fireside chat below.