I expect in 2026 to see more finance and banking jobs automated with AI. A growing number of Charlotte banks' jobs are now being done by AI instead of people. Charlotte is oddly the second biggest banking center in the United States.

Bank of America and Wells Fargo continued to tout "efficiency" gains while reporting earnings this week. 2026 could be the year where generative AI cools the labor market even further.

Instead of massive layoffs, Banks are being picky and refilling rolls that in part no longer exist. Part of the low hiring environment is due to the expectation of what AI will be able to do. This is happening across America as many roles are being redefined and redesigned internally.

I believe banking and finance employees will be especially vulnerable to this kind of task redistribution and automation. Bank of America now has roughly 213,000 employees, with 19,590 in Charlotte.

This could have a negative impact on regional economies. Think about it, Wells Fargo, based in San Francisco, has its largest employee base in Charlotte, with 27,000 workers.