Santander, BBVA and Sabadell have introduced incentivized exit programs and prepension offers to reshape their workforces amid rapid AI adoption, avoiding formal EREs. This shows how major banks are using flexible labor tools to cut costs and prepare for AI‑driven transformation, potentially influencing sector‑wide employment practices and investor views on efficiency. Santander, BBVA, Sabadell; their HR departments; employee representatives; AI technology providers. More banks may adopt similar voluntary schemes; unions may scrutinize fairness; potential regulatory review of disguised layoffs; increased AI investment in banking. Santander, BBVA and Sabadell have presented various voluntary exit formulas this year, avoiding formal EREs while citing the AI boom as a catalyst. The moves reflect a broader European trend of using prepension and incentivized resignations to reduce headcount without triggering collective layoff procedures. Analysts note that such tactics allow banks to cut costs and reskill workforces for AI‑related projects, though they may draw scrutiny from labor regulators.
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