Visa is set to eliminate around 2,600 jobs, about 7% of its global workforce, as part of a company-wide restructuring aimed at improving operational efficiency and investing more heavily in artificial intelligence and other key growth areas.
Most of the layoffs will impact employees in Visa’s technology and product teams, though some positions in other departments will also be affected. The move reflects a broader trend across the financial services and technology sectors, where companies are reorganising operations to support AI adoption and redirect resources toward future business priorities.
In a message to employees, Visa CEO Ryan McInerney acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but said the changes are necessary to strengthen the company’s long-term position. He said Visa is focusing on improving efficiency so it can invest in areas with the greatest growth potential while continuing to support customers and partners.
McInerney also noted that the company must continue evolving its operations, with AI expected to play an important role in accelerating that transformation. However, people familiar with the matter told media outlets that the restructuring is not driven solely by AI. The company is also shifting investments toward faster-growing businesses such as cross-border payments, commercial payments, and digital commerce infrastructure.
According to Visa’s 2025 Annual Report, the company had approximately 34,100 employees at the end of fiscal 2025, marking an 8% increase from the previous year. The latest workforce reduction follows similar actions across the payments industry. Earlier this year, rival Mastercard announced plans to cut around 4% of its workforce, while fintech company Block also reduced its headcount by roughly 4,000 employees.
The restructuring comes even as Visa continues to post solid financial results. In the third quarter of fiscal 2026, the company reported $11.6 billion in revenue, a 14% increase year over year, while adjusted earnings exceeded market expectations. Company executives said the savings from the job cuts will be reinvested into strategic growth initiatives rather than being used to offset weaker business performance.
Market analysts at Evercore ISI described the layoffs as a routine business restructuring rather than a sign of financial trouble. They said the move reflects Visa’s strategy of reallocating capital and talent toward areas that offer stronger long-term growth opportunities.
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