The Central Bank of Cuba published an international overview article assessing how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping sectors including finance, while warning that its ethical, social and economic risks require responsible management. The piece frames AI as a powerful decision-support and automation tool, but one that needs governance to ensure benefits are realised sustainably. The article highlights applications in healthcare (clinical decision support, predicting patient deterioration and automating care planning), finance (fraud detection, risk assessment, algorithmic trading and real-time transaction monitoring) and education (adaptive learning and broader access). It sets out core strengths such as speed and efficiency, scalability, automation, predictive analytics and continuous availability, alongside weaknesses including algorithmic bias, potential displacement of routine jobs, technological dependence and high development and maintenance costs. Recommended responses include deploying explainable and auditable models, establishing legal and ethical frameworks, expanding workforce reskilling, promoting equitable access across countries and strengthening safeguards against cyberattacks and data manipulation.