OpenAI is enhancing ChatGPT's capabilities for the financial sector through "Project Mercury," which employs over 100 former investment bankers at a rate of $150 an hour. Their goal is to train the AI to perform tasks typically handled by junior bankers, such as creating financial models and refining presentations. This initiative aims to tap into the lucrative banking industry as OpenAI seeks to diversify its revenue streams beyond consumer subscriptions.

Microsoft has been criticized for its lack of transparency regarding its investment in OpenAI, including not disclosing the stake's carrying amount or its fair market value. Despite classifying OpenAI as an equity-method investment, Microsoft fails to identify it as a related party in its financial reports, leading to questions about its financial dealings with the AI company.