Barclays Ties AI in Banking to Cost Cuts and Higher Returns
Published: 11 Feb 2026
Barclays reported a 12% rise in annual profit for 2025, highlighting the growing role of
The bank said earnings before tax reached £9.1 billion, up from £8.1 billion a year earlier.
Barclays also raised its long-term performance targets, pointing to lower costs and a stronger US business as key drivers.
AIstrong>AI in Banking Linked to Day-to-Day OperationsAI/h2>
Barclays said it is no longer treating AI as a test project. Instead, the bank has built AI in banking into its regular operations. In statements to investors, the bank linked AI use directly to:
- AI!– wp:list-item –>
- Lower operating costs
- Faster internal processes
- Better use of staff resources
- Cutting back on legacy technology
- Automating routine and repeat tasks
- Simplifying internal workflows
- AI tools support data review and reporting
- AI helps manage customer service processes
- AI helps teams with risk checks
- A return on tangible equity above 14% by 2028AI/li>
- A previous goal of above 12% by 2026
- Stable profits
- Ongoing efficiency gains
- Continued use of AI in banking
- Technology-driven savings
- Improved operational efficiency
- Compliance rules
- Data privacy concerns
- Risk controls
- AI can support cost control
- AI can improve efficiency
- AI can contribute to profit growth
Suffyan is the admin of AI Test Guide, an experienced SEO content writer and AI-tech blogger. He has been working online for years, helping websites grow through smart content, SEO planning, and simple, helpful tech guides
