Crypto.com Cuts 12% of Workforce as CEO Kris Marszalek Orders AI Overhaul

Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek personally announced a 12% workforce reduction as part of a major strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence integration.

Marszalek took a transparent approach in communicating the cuts publicly before speculation could spread.

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The company stated they are 'joining the list of companies integrating enterprise-wide AI' in their official communication.

The targeted reduction focuses on roles that do not adapt to what Marszalek calls the 'new world.'

This restructuring represents both a workforce decision and a firm strategic declaration according to company leadership.

The layoffs follow a pattern of workforce reductions across the cryptocurrency industry.

Crypto.com's 12% cut comes shortly after Block announced a massive 40% reduction of its 6,000-strong workforce.

Blockonomi

Block's founder and CEO Jack Dorsey explicitly cited AI-enabled productivity gains as the reason for his company's cuts.

Dorsey explained that AI allows smaller teams to move faster, justifying the dramatic workforce reduction.

This industry-wide trend reflects a broader shift in how technology companies approach staffing in the AI era.

Crypto.com's workforce reduction affects approximately 12% of its global employee base.

The company had roughly 1,500 employees worldwide prior to the layoffs.

The Singapore-based exchange boasts 100 million registered accounts and approximately $750 billion in trading volume in 2025.

The company recently received conditional approval from U.S. regulators according to company reports.

Departing employees will receive resources to support their transition.

Marszalek expressed gratitude for the contributions of departing colleagues.

Crypto.com is not alone in its AI-driven workforce restructuring.

Multiple cryptocurrency exchanges have implemented similar cuts in recent months.

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In January, OKX announced restructuring of its global institutional business resulting in unspecified job losses.

OKX claimed the cuts were not a 'mass layoff' according to company statements.

That same month, Polygon laid off 60 employees while disputing reports of 30% staff reductions.

In February, Gemini announced plans to eliminate up to 200 roles, roughly 25% of its workforce.

Gemini founders stated the cuts would help align expenses and accelerate their 'path to profitability.'

The broader technology and cryptocurrency markets have reacted to these workforce changes with mixed sentiment.

Block's stock was down over 1% in early morning trading following its layoff announcement.

Blockonomi

The market weakness was influenced by rising oil prices and escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, Gemini's stock edged higher in pre-market trading despite the layoffs.

Retail sentiment on Stocktwits remained in 'bearish' territory amid 'low' levels of chatter.

The technology industry as a whole cut approximately 22,291 jobs in the U.S. last year.

Messari, a crypto data platform, also announced layoffs alongside a leadership change earlier this month.

These changes indicate widespread workforce restructuring in the digital asset sector.