Crypto.com Announces 12% Workforce Reduction Citing Artificial Intelligence Integration
March 19, 2026 — By Lola Murti
Cryptocurrency trading platform Crypto.com revealed Thursday that it is laying off approximately 12% of its employees as part of a strategic move to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) across its enterprise. This announcement places Crypto.com among a growing number of companies reshaping their workforces in response to the transformative impact of AI technologies.
A Shift Toward AI-Driven Operations
CEO Kris Marszalek posted on the social media platform X that the company is “joining the list of companies integrating enterprise-wide AI,” emphasizing that firms failing to adapt to AI advances risk obsolescence. He described the workforce reduction as a “targeted ~12%” cut focused on “roles that do not adapt in our new world.” Marszalek framed the restructuring as essential to preparing Crypto.com for “continued success” in an evolving business landscape.
While specific numbers were not disclosed, a spokesperson confirmed that all affected employees have been notified of their separation. Crypto.com, headquartered in Singapore with offices worldwide including the United States, previously reduced its workforce by 20% in 2023 amid financial pressures linked to the FTX collapse and a focus on fiscal prudence.
AI’s Growing Influence on Workforce Decisions
Crypto.com’s decision reflects an accelerating trend among prominent technology and finance companies to optimize labor in light of enhanced AI capabilities. For example, last month Block—the payments company founded by Jack Dorsey—laid off over 4,000 staff, almost half of its workforce. In a shareholder letter, Dorsey stated, “A significantly smaller team, using the tools we’re building, can do more and do it better,” underscoring AI’s ability to increase productivity with fewer people.
Similarly, software giant Meta is reportedly planning layoffs potentially impacting up to 20% of its global workforce. Reuters reported that these cuts aim to offset heavy investments in AI infrastructure and prepare for efficiencies driven by AI-assisted employees.
Other companies following suit include Atlassian, which disclosed a 10% reduction equating to approximately 1,600 jobs. CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes explained that Atlassian intends to self-fund expanded AI development and enterprise sales efforts while bolstering its financial position.
Implications for the Labor Market
The widespread AI-driven restructuring presents challenges, especially for entry-level workers. ServiceNow CEO Bill McDermott recently warned that unemployment rates among new college graduates “could easily go into the mid-30s in the next couple of years,” attributing this to AI agents taking over significant portions of routine work.
Crypto.com’s AI Investments
Highlighting its commitment to AI, Marszalek acquired the coveted domain name AI.com for $70 million in February 2026, marking the highest publicly disclosed sale price for a domain. Crypto.com used the domain to launch its AI agent with a high-profile 30-second ad during this year’s Super Bowl.
As companies worldwide embrace AI, Crypto.com’s recent workforce reduction underscores a pivotal moment in the evolving relationship between technology and employment in the digital economy.
About Crypto.com
Founded with a goal to simplify cryptocurrency trading, Crypto.com provides a platform for buying, selling, and managing digital assets. With a global presence, it continues to innovate amid rapid developments in blockchain and AI technologies.
For further tech and market updates, visit CNBC.