Barclays expects to cut roughly 5,000 positions globally in 2026 as it simplifies operations and uses artificial intelligence and other technology to improve efficiency.

The reductions represent approximately 5% of the roughly 93,000 people the London-based bank employed globally at the end of 2025. Around 1,000 positions were eliminated in the first half, with another 4,000 expected to go by year-end.

For IT leaders, the announcement raises questions about how AI productivity gains should influence staffing, training, and the expertise needed to maintain critical systems.

Back-office restructuring

About 60% of the planned reductions involve support functions, including developers, according to Banking Dive .…