Deutsche Bank to lay off 3,500 employees

The cuts come shortly after Citigroup axed 20K roles

Deutsche Bank is cutting 3,500 jobs as it aims to shave off billions in operational costs by 2025. 

On Thursday, the German investment bank announced that it made further progress on its operational efficiency program during 2023. The goal of the program is to cut costs by 2.5 billion euros, or about $2.7 billion.

While the bank made progress on this goal, it noted that it was still seeking to save 1.6 billion euros, or $1.7 billion. These savings will be driven by various measures "including simplified workflows and automation," the bank said. 

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It further noted that the specific roles that are being cut will "mainly" be in non-client-facing areas. 

LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 05: A general view of Deutsche Bank on September 5, 2011 in London, England. Shares at Deutsche Bank fell by nearly 9 per cent today after news emerged that it was one of several banks currently being examined by the Serious Fraud Office, to determine whether financial institutions fraudulently misrepresented asset backed securities deals to clients in the UK. (Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images)

A general view of Deutsche Bank in London on Sept. 5, 2011.  (Dan Kitwood/Getty Images / Getty Images)

"Our strong capital generation enables us to accelerate distributions to shareholders. This gives us firm confidence that we will deliver on our 2025 targets," CEO Christian Sewing said.

The cuts come after the bank reported that its profit before tax in 2023 rose to 5.7 billion euros, or $6.1 billion, marking its highest profit before tax level in 16 years.

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Net profit fell 14% to 4.9 billion euros, or $5.3 billion.

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
DB DEUTSCHE BANK AG 16.20 -0.59 -3.51%

Despite certain economic challenges, consulting firm McKinsey & Co. reported that the last 18 months have been relatively positive for global financial institutions.

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According to its Global Banking Annual Review, rising interest rates have boosted net interest margins and, in turn, boosted the sector's profits by approximately $280 billion in 2022 alone. 

Ticker Security Last Change Change %
C CITIGROUP INC. 69.82 +0.88 +1.28%

Still, it's not the first major bank to announce job cuts in the new year. Earlier this month, Citigroup said it will slash 20,000 jobs.