OpenAI CFO: AI Progress Won't Stop Even If OpenAI Halts Development

OpenAI Chief Financial Officer Sarah Friar said on Sept. 16 that she is not worried about a slowdown in frontier AI development, noting that even if OpenAI stopped its work, AI development elsewhere in the world would continue.

Friar emphasized that OpenAI would base its next moves on strong return on investment, and that as CFO she needs to make business decisions accordingly. She also said OpenAI is exploring this frontier while taking safety and alignment seriously.

Asked about AI agents potentially using weapons of mass destruction, Friar said she is not concerned about that scenario but acknowledged that safety issues must be taken seriously. Earlier, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman said fears about AI risks are understandable, but he believes the industry can develop the technology safely. Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang also argued that speed and safety can go hand in hand when developing new AI models. Friar agreed with Huang's optimism while noting the need to be pragmatic about real risks.

Friar also disclosed that OpenAI is actively considering an IPO and maintains a very solid balance sheet with substantial cash to pay for partner products and expenses. Market expectations previously suggested Anthropic could go public in October 2026, while OpenAI is expected to list in 2027.