What is the regulatory outlook for AI agents in 2026-2028?

Answer

Expect:

1. EU AI Act enforcement ramps up through 2026-2027 with the first significant penalties.
2. US federal AI legislation likely passes in some form, possibly sector-specific.
3. More state AI laws, particularly around automated decision-making and bias.
4. Industry-specific guidance from SEC, OCC, FDA, and FTC on AI agents in regulated activities.
5. International convergence around risk-based frameworks similar to NIST AI RMF.
6. Increased procurement requirements — government and enterprise buyers will require AI governance certifications. The organizations building governance now will have a 2-3 year head start.