Crypto.com cuts jobs as AI push reshapes crypto exchange workforce

Crypto.com has reduced its workforce by around 12% as the company accelerates a shift towards artificial intelligence across its operations.

The Singapore-based exchange confirmed the layoffs on March 19, with CEO Kris Marszalek positioning the move as a necessary step to align with an AI-first business model.

With more than 4,000 employees before the cuts, the reduction equates to roughly 480 roles.

The decision places Crypto.com among a growing group of crypto firms restructuring around automation and machine learning, as competition and cost pressures push platforms to rethink how they scale and operate.

AI strategy drives workforce cuts

Marszalek said the roles affected were no longer aligned with the company’s future direction, as Crypto.com integrates AI into core processes.

The restructuring reflects a broader shift in how exchanges are organising teams, with a focus on automation, data analysis, and operational efficiency.

The announcement builds on earlier signals from the company.

In February, Crypto.com acquired the AI.com domain for $70 million, highlighting its intention to expand its presence in artificial intelligence.

The move suggested that AI is not just a supporting tool but a central pillar in its long-term strategy.

The workforce reduction follows this pivot, as the company reallocates resources towards technology that can deliver faster execution and improved scalability.

Gemini sets precedent for AI layoffs

Crypto.com is not the first crypto exchange this year to link layoffs directly to artificial intelligence adoption.

Gemini made a similar move on February 5, cutting 25% of its staff.

That restructuring came alongside broader business challenges.

Gemini exited markets including the UK, EU, and Australia, while reporting a quarterly loss of $159.5 million.

The company also pointed to AI-driven productivity improvements as a factor behind its decision to reduce headcount.

The parallel between the two firms suggests that AI-led restructuring is emerging as a common strategy among exchanges looking to streamline operations and remain competitive.

Industry-wide shift towards automation

The layoffs at Crypto.com and Gemini reflect a wider trend across crypto and fintech firms.

Companies are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to optimise workflows and reduce costs.

Block Inc. cut nearly 4,000 jobs in late February, explicitly linking the move to AI adoption.

Messari has also reorganised around an AI-first approach, while the Algorand Foundation reduced its workforce by 25%, partly citing the rise of artificial intelligence.

This wave of restructuring indicates that AI is reshaping not only how products are built, but also how companies allocate human resources.

Efficiency gains under scrutiny

Not all major exchanges have followed the same path.

Binance, Coinbase, and Kraken have not announced similar layoffs tied to artificial intelligence so far.

The effectiveness of these workforce reductions will depend on whether AI can deliver the efficiency gains companies expect.

As more firms experiment with this model, the results could influence how widely the approach is adopted across the crypto industry.