Global investment bank Morgan Stanley plans to cut about 2,500 jobs worldwide, roughly 3% of its global workforce, as part of a restructuring effort aimed at improving efficiency and aligning operations with changing market conditions.
The layoffs will affect several of the bank’s major divisions, including investment banking, wealth management and investment management. However, reports said the company’s financial advisers are unlikely to be impacted by the job cuts.
The decision comes despite the bank reporting record financial performance in 2025, with strong growth in investment banking and dealmaking activities. The firm recorded annual revenue of around $70.6 billion, driven by increased mergers and acquisitions activity and stronger trading performance.
Sources familiar with the matter said the job cuts are part of a strategic workforce review rather than a sign of financial distress. The bank is evaluating staffing levels based on business priorities, employee performance and operational needs across different regions.
The layoffs will impact both front-office roles, which generate revenue, and back-office support functions, though the company has not disclosed which locations will see the largest reductions.
As of the end of 2025, Morgan Stanley had nearly 83,000 employees globally. The planned cuts represent a relatively small portion of its workforce but reflect a broader trend among global financial institutions to streamline operations and control costs.
Industry analysts said many large banks are adjusting staffing levels as market conditions evolve and companies increasingly invest in automation and technology to improve productivity.
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