Lloyds Banking Group plans to create more than 1,000 artificial intelligence-related jobs this year as the bank continues reshaping its workforce around digital banking and new technology.

The group is currently hiring for almost 300 positions, including data scientists, AI engineers, product managers and responsible AI specialists. Therecruitment drivecomes as Lloyds continues closing branches across the UK as more customers shift towards online services.

Lloyds says demand for digital banking services is rising, driving investment in artificial intelligence while reducing reliance on physical branches. More than 700 employees are already working on AI projects across the business.

Recent announcements mean Lloyds Banking Group is expected to close 233 branches across its Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland brands during 2026, with a further 12 closures already scheduled for early 2027.

According to figures reported this month, the group has closed nearly 1,600 branches since 2015. Lloyds says the closures reflect declining branch use as more customers manage their banking through apps and online services.

The changes come as banks continue investing in technology, cybersecurity and data-focused roles while reducing the size of their physical branch networks. While branch numbers continue to fall, banks are increasing investment in technology, cybersecurity and data-focused roles.

The bank says customers can continue accessing services through mobile banking apps, Post Office counters, PayPoint locations and community bankers operating in local areas.

Lloyds plans to create more than 1,000 AI-related roles during 2026 as it increases the use of artificial intelligence across the business. One of the systems being developed uses AI to analyse payments in real time and identify potentially suspicious transactions before money leaves a customer's account.

The bank is also continuing to roll out customer-facing AI tools. According to Lloyds, its AI financial assistant is already being used by more than 500,000 Bank of Scotland customers.

Lloyds Banking Group to hire 300 tech experts to work on AI | Kalyeena Makortoff, The GuardianLloyds Banking Group has launched an AI recruitment drive for 300 tech experts, weeks before its chief executive, Charlie Nunn, unveils a strategic plan for the 261-year old lender.…pic.twitter.com/ryhBgv732q

Source: International Business Times UK