AI Revolution Hits Finance: High-Skilled Jobs Now at Risk

I've been watching the crypto and finance sector evolve over the years, but AI's recent leap has got me really thinking. At a recent Stanford event, Citadel CEO Ken Griffin dropped a bombshell. He admitted AI now completes work that used to take PhD holders weeks. It does it in hours! That's not just an upgrade. It's a whole new game.

Deep Dive into AI's Rapid Rise

In just nine months, AI has transformed from a promising tool to a serious competitor for high-skilled jobs in finance. Ken Griffin, once skeptical, now sees AI reshaping Citadel's internal workings. Imagine having quantitative researchers with top-tier PhDs replaced by AI systems. These aren't just any jobs being automated. We're talking about the elite talent Citadel traditionally hunted down from the best math and physics programs.

Griffin's revelation wasn't a casual one. He recalled a Friday when he left work feeling "fairly depressed," confronted by the drastic changes AI had incited within his company. The speed at which AI performs tasks traditionally requiring human expertise is unsettling for many in the industry.

Broader Implications for Markets and Crypto

So, what does this mean beyond Citadel's walls? AI-triggered layoffs aren't limited to finance. It's a 2026 trend affecting tech firms too. Many companies blame AI for thousands of job cuts, pivoting towards AI-augmented teams instead. Even giants like Coinbase and Microsoft are shifting gears.

But not everyone sees a job apocalypse. A review by a16z suggests that while displacement is happening, it's focused on specific tasks, not entire occupations. Still, the crypto space is adapting. With AI agents capable of trading and settling, the industry is racing to integrate these systems into their operations. The question is: will AI liberate or dominate?

Where Do We Go from Here?

Here's my take. If you're entrenched in a high-skilled finance role, it might be time to pay attention. AI isn't just a tool anymore. It's a contender for your job. Firms need to adapt, not resist. Embrace these changes, tap into AI for routine tasks, and focus human talent on what machines can't do, yet.

For investors, the smart move is to watch how companies like Citadel adjust. If they quantify AI-driven cost savings, it could signal broader acceptance and reliance on AI. The winners here will be those who innovate, not those who cling to the past.

AI's not slowing down. How long until it disrupts other sectors similarly? The race is on. And while speculation won't disappear, payments and settlements through AI may just usher in a new financial era.