CHINA.WIRE
Standard Chartered says to slash jobs due to AI
London, May 19 (AFP) May 19, 2026
British bank Standard Chartered said Tuesday that it planned to axe thousands of jobs by 2030 as artificial intelligence replaces employees in a range of administrative roles.

"Our next phase of our growth will be supported by a simpler, faster and more connected operating model," the Asia-focused lender said in a statement.

"We are scaling practical uses of automation, advanced analytics and artificial intelligence to streamline processes, improve decision-making and enhance both client service and internal efficiency," it added.

Standard Chartered plans to cut more than 15 percent of the roles identified, amounting to around 7,800 posts.

"We are investing in the capabilities that will compound our competitive advantages and drive sustainable growth and higher quality returns over time, with clear targets in place," Standard Chartered chief executive Bill Winters said in the statement.

The bank, which employs around 82,000 worldwide, did not specify in which countries the cuts would occur.

It said it hoped the changes would drive productivity improvements to help raise income per employee by around 20 percent by 2028.

"Our strategy is grounded in a simple belief: the world is becoming more connected, more complex and more cross-border," Winters added.

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