Around 400 technology workers at Norway's biggest bank are facing job losses as the lender expands its use of artificial intelligence to carry out tasks previously handled by employees. DNB said on Tuesday, 6 October, that it would reduce its workforce by around 400 full-time positions in its Technology & Services division as part of a major restructuring.
The bank said increased investment in AI agents and digital solutions had changed the organisation and the skills it needs.
DNB has already introduced agentic AI in several areas of its operations, with the technology taking over tasks that were previously performed manually. The bank specifically identified customer-data controls, Know Your Customer processes, technology development and coding as areas where AI agents are delivering significant efficiency gains.
DNB Says AI Is Creating a 'New Reality'
DNB chief executive Kjerstin Braathen said the bank was adapting as AI changes how employees work and how services are delivered to customers.
'AI is changing the way we work and how we deliver services to our customers,' Braathen said. 'We are already seeing considerable gains, and are therefore adapting our organisation to a new reality.'
The CEO acknowledged that the restructuring would affect employees who had contributed to DNB for many years. She said the bank would carry out the process in an orderly and responsible manner and work with employee representatives throughout the restructuring.
AI Agents Are Taking Over Manual Tasks
DNB has been simplifying internal processes for several years while increasing its investment in technology and digital services. The bank said AI agents can now perform some tasks that previously required employees to handle them manually.
The technology is being used to increase capacity, speed up processes and reduce the amount of routine work carried out by staff. Coding is among the areas where DNB says it is already seeing substantial efficiency gains from AI.
That means the restructuring is particularly significant for technology workers, as AI coding tools and agents increasingly become part of the development process. However, DNB has not said that every one of the 400 positions being removed is being directly replaced by an AI system.
Instead, the bank described the cuts as part of a broader change to its organisation and skills mix as it adopts new technology and work processes.
400 Jobs To Go by the End of 2026
DNB said the reduction represents around 400 full-time equivalent positions. The downsizing is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2026. The restructuring costs will be recognised in DNB's accounts during the fourth quarter, with the full accounting effect expected from the second quarter of 2027.
The announcement comes as businesses around the world increasingly experiment with AI agents capable of carrying out tasks that previously required human workers. For technology departments, the change is particularly significant because generative AI can now assist with coding, testing, documentation and other parts of software development.
AI Layoffs Spark Debate
The DNB cuts have already triggered debate online about whether AI is genuinely responsible for eliminating jobs or whether companies are using the technology as part of broader cost-cutting strategies. Some technology workers have questioned whether businesses are moving too quickly to replace human expertise with AI systems.
Others argue that AI agents can automate repetitive work and allow remaining employees to concentrate on more complex tasks. DNB said its investment in AI is aimed at improving efficiency and customer services while adapting to changing expectations for faster and simpler banking.
