Lloyds Banking Group has launched a major initiative to train its entire workforce of 67,000 employees in artificial intelligence (AI). The move forms a core part of a multi-million pound digital transformation strategy for the UK's largest domestic bank.
Top-Down Drive for Digital Change
The bank's new AI Academy follows a bespoke training programme completed by chief executive Charlie Nunn and the entire executive committee. This underscores a commitment to driving technological adoption from the very top of the organisation.
In a significant step, every employee, regardless of their role or seniority, is expected to complete the AI course by the end of 2026. The initial module will focus on "working with AI responsibly", ensuring staff understand the safe and ethical application of the technology in line with the bank's own standards.
Goals of the AI Literacy Push
Lloyds has invested several million pounds into this and related initiatives. The primary goal is for 100% of its workforce to become "AI literate" by the end of next year. The bank believes this widespread upskilling will enable staff to use AI in their daily work, saving time, developing new customer services, and potentially generating increased revenue.
This digital push coincides with other substantial changes within the group, which includes the Lloyds, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland brands. The bank has been streamlining its physical presence and modernising its IT infrastructure.
A Broader Context of Restructuring
Earlier in 2025, Lloyds announced the closure of 136 more high-street branches, a process set to be completed by the end of March this year. Furthermore, a policy introduced in September placed around 3,000 of its lowest-performing staff at risk of dismissal to foster a "high-performance culture".
Under this practice, employees deemed to be underperforming by managers are placed on "structured support" plans but face losing their jobs if sufficient improvements are not made. The simultaneous investment in mass AI training and performance management reforms paints a picture of a banking group undergoing a comprehensive and rapid evolution for the digital age.
