Crypto firms cut hundreds of jobs in weeks, blaming weak markets, strong AI

A wave of crypto job cuts in early 2026 exposes the gap between two convenient narratives: macro headwinds and AI transformation. What to know : Algorand, Gemini, Block, Crypto.com, OP Labs, PIP Labs and Messari have all cut staff in recent weeks Companies are citing reasons ranging from weak token prices to AI integration. Messari has now laid off staff three times since 2023, shrinking from a target of 1,000 analysts to roughly 140 employees today.