JPMorgan Blocks Hong Kong Staff from Accessing Anthropic AI Models

Jun 18, 2026

JPMorgan Chase has blocked its Hong Kong staff from using Anthropic's AI models, including Claude, due to concerns over the company's licensing terms. The move follows a similar restriction by Goldman Sachs in April and occurs amid rising U.S.-China tensions over AI. The U.S. Commerce Department recently ordered Anthropic to suspend some AI model exports over fears they could be used by military intelligence in China and Russia.

JPMorgan Hong Kong access restrictions

▪In a similar move in April, Goldman Sachs removed Anthropic's Claude model from a list of approved tools for its Hong Kong-based bankers.
▪The decision was prompted by the wording of Anthropic's usage terms in its licensing agreement with JPMorgan.
▪JPMorgan removed Anthropic's Claude models from an internal list of approved large language models for its Hong Kong employees.
▪JPMorgan Chase has blocked its staff in Hong Kong from accessing Anthropic's AI models.

U.S.-China AI tensions

▪While U.S.-built AI models are unavailable in mainland China, some operate in Hong Kong with usage limits set by U.S. companies.
▪The restrictions by JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs occur amid rising U.S.-China tensions over AI technology, data security, and access to advanced computing tools.

Commerce Department export suspension

▪U.S. President Donald Trump stated on June 17, 2026, that negotiations with Anthropic are "going fine."
▪The U.S. Commerce Department cited concerns that the suspended models could be used by military intelligence users in China, Russia, and other countries of concern.
▪U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick ordered Anthropic to suspend exports of its Mythos and Fable AI models to all foreign destinations and nationals.