Crypto Firms Cut Staff as AI Push and Cost Pressures Drive Layoffs Across Crypto.com, Messari, Algorand, and Block in March

Workforce Reductions, Leadership Changes, and AI Integration Efforts Unfold Within Days Across Crypto Sector

TL;DR

• Crypto.com cut 12% (~180 of ~1,500 staff) on March 19, 2026 as part of an AI-driven restructuring, while purchasing the AI.com domain for ~$70 million.
• Messari saw its CEO step down on March 16–17, 2026 alongside layoffs, as it pivots to an AI-first model with agent-based data access via x402 protocol.
• Algorand Foundation reduced staff by 25%, while Block cut ~4,000 employees (~40%) in February 2026 before rehiring some workers due to operational gaps.

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Crypto firms carried out a series of workforce reductions between March 16–19, 2026, as companies adjusted staffing levels while pursuing artificial intelligence integration and cost restructuring strategies. Crypto.com reduced its global workforce by 12%, affecting approximately 180 employees out of around 1,500 staff, according to company statements released on March 19, 2026. Chief Executive Officer Kris Marszalek said employees impacted were in “roles that do not adapt in our new world,” adding, “Companies that do not make this pivot immediately will fail,” and “Companies that move slowly will be left behind.”

Company actions included restructuring growth and customer relationship teams while reallocating resources toward operational priorities tied to automation initiatives. Some affected employees reported discovering job cuts after losing access to internal systems such as Slack. Crypto.com’s workforce reduction follows earlier layoffs in 2022 and a separate ~20% cut in 2023, while the company also completed a domain purchase valued at approximately $70 million for AI.com.

Messari confirmed leadership changes and workforce reductions between March 16–17, 2026, as Chief Executive Officer Eric Turner stepped down and moved into an advisory role. Turner described the layoffs as a “difficult day… saying goodbye to many people who helped build Messari.” The company appointed Diran Li, previously Chief Technology Officer with more than seven years at the firm, as the new chief executive following a period of leadership turnover that began after founder Ryan Selkis exited in 2024.

Messari outlined a shift toward becoming “an AI-first company serving institutions through research and AI products,” alongside plans to expand its data infrastructure for machine-based consumption. The firm is enabling autonomous agents to access and purchase datasets directly using crypto wallets through the x402 protocol. Workforce reductions follow earlier cuts in February 2023 and a separate ~15% reduction in January 2025, according to company disclosures and reporting tied to prior restructuring efforts.

Algorand Foundation reduced its workforce by approximately 25% on March 19, 2026, citing “uncertain global macroeconomic conditions” and a “broader downturn in crypto markets” in internal communications. The organization described affected staff as “best-in-class contributors” and called the decision “incredibly tough.” The foundation said it would concentrate resources on protocol development and ecosystem priorities following the restructuring.

Organizational data indicates the foundation had fewer than 200 employees prior to the layoffs. Treasury holdings were reported at approximately $38 million in fiat reserves and about 1.1 million ALGO tokens, while the ALGO token traded down ~3.6% to around $0.08 following the announcement.

Block carried out a separate workforce reduction in February 2026, cutting approximately 4,000 employees, or about 40% of its staff, as part of a shift toward artificial intelligence integration. Company leadership described the move as an effort to operate with smaller teams supported by automated systems. Subsequent internal reports indicated the company rehired some previously terminated employees within weeks, citing “technical oversight” and the need to maintain staffing for critical infrastructure and customer-facing operations.

Additional workforce changes across the sector included a reduction of about 20 employees at OP Labs and reported plans by Gemini to cut approximately 200 employees, or around 25% of its workforce, according to multiple industry reports published during the same period. These developments occurred within a narrow time frame alongside the layoffs at Crypto.com, Messari, and Algorand Foundation.

Data cited by outplacement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas shows artificial intelligence was linked to more than 48,000 job cuts during the first 11 months of 2025, while survey findings indicate 41% of companies expect workforce reductions tied to AI within five years. Separate estimates suggest AI could affect approximately 11.7% of the U.S. labor market, based on research referenced in reporting tied to workforce trends.

This article has been refined and enhanced by ChatGPT.