Crypto.com trims 12%
Crypto.com cut about 12% of its staff and explicitly said it’s targeting roles 'that do not adapt' to enterprise AI, joining a string of companies framing layoffs as part of AI transformation. Critics warn some CEOs may be using 'AI' as a convenient narrative amid broader cost and regulatory pressures. (cnbc.com)
March 19, 2026 communications and reporting indicate roughly 180 Crypto.com positions were eliminated, based on a previously disclosed global headcount of more than 1,500. (coindesk.com) Founder and CEO Kris Marszalek has been publicly doubling down on AI: he acquired the ai.com domain in a transaction reported at about $70 million and launched the ai.com consumer agent platform with a Super Bowl ad on Feb. 8, 2026. (theblock.co) Company records and regional reporting note this is the firm’s third major staff reduction in roughly four years, after a 20% workforce cut announced in January 2023 and earlier reductions during 2022. (cnbc.com) Local reporting said affected employees were informed by an HR email circulated internally, while a Crypto.com spokesperson declined to disclose an exact headcount of impacted workers to reporters. (straitstimes.com) Outside analysts and commentators — including pieces in HBR and reporting that cites figures from economists and tech leaders — have argued many recent AI‑framed cuts are anticipatory or amount to “AI washing,” with figures like OpenAI’s Sam Altman and MIT economist David Autor publicly questioning whether AI is the principal driver. (hbr.org) Market observers point to whether Crypto.com reallocates staff into AI and product engineering roles or reports concrete cost savings; the company reported more than 100 million registered users in 2024 and published a 2025 year‑in‑review outlining its 2026 AI focus. (straitstimes.com)
