Lloyds Bank mandates AI training for 67,000 staff by 2026 amid branch closures and workforce restructuring.

Lloyds Banking Group is requiring all 67,000 employees to complete AI training by the end of 2026 as part of a major digital transformation. The AI Academy aims to make the workforce "AI literate," focusing on responsible and ethical use to boost efficiency, customer service, and growth. The effort follows leadership training and aligns with the closure of 136 high-street branches by March 2026 and a restructuring that placed around 3,000 lower-performing staff at risk of dismissal to foster a higher-performance culture. The bank has invested millions in digital upgrades to modernize operations.