ABN Amro Announces Major Job Cuts Amid AI Transition
Amsterdam, Monday, 1 December 2025.
ABN Amro plans to cut 5,200 jobs by 2028 as it shifts focus to AI and digital technologies, reflecting a broader industry move towards automation.
ABN Amro’s Strategic Shift to AI
ABN Amro, one of the leading banks in the Netherlands, has announced a significant reorganization plan that will result in the elimination of 5,200 full-time jobs by 2028. This decision is part of a strategic shift towards embracing artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technologies like blockchain to enhance operational efficiency and customer service. The bank’s CEO, Marguerite Bérard, asserts that integrating AI into their operations is crucial for improving client services while reducing costs, ultimately aiming to position ABN Amro among the top five private banks in Europe by 2028 [1][2].
Impact on Workforce and Operations
The planned job cuts represent nearly 20% of ABN Amro’s total workforce as of the end of 2024, with departments such as customer service, operations, and anti-money laundering teams being the most affected. The bank plans for about half of the job reductions to occur through natural attrition, but union representatives anticipate that involuntary layoffs will be necessary. This has caused considerable concern among employees and unions, who are advocating for robust support measures for affected workers [1][3][4].
Technological Innovations and Their Benefits
ABN Amro’s transition to AI is not just about reducing costs; it also involves leveraging new technologies to improve service delivery. The bank has implemented over 25 high-impact AI use cases, including an AI assistant named Leni, which has significantly streamlined operations by reducing time spent on credit proposals by a third. Additionally, the bank is exploring tokenized finance, having issued its first digital green bond using blockchain technology. These innovations are expected to enhance transaction speed and security while supporting ABN Amro’s sustainability goals [2][3][5].
Navigating the Challenges of Automation
While the integration of AI presents numerous opportunities for efficiency and growth, it also raises challenges, particularly for the workforce. ABN Amro is committed to managing this transition by offering a comprehensive social plan to support employees affected by the job cuts. The focus is on reskilling and redeploying workers to roles that add higher value, ensuring that the bank’s transformation is not only technologically driven but also socially responsible. The success of this strategy will be closely watched as other banks in Europe and worldwide face similar pressures to adapt to the evolving digital landscape [2][6].