AI TO IMPACT 120M WORKERS IN ADVANCED ECONOMIES
AI DESK■ 2 MIN READ
WED, MAY 27, 2026■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE
Artificial intelligence will likely affect 27% of workers across all sectors in advanced economies, impacting more than 120 million people in 31 countries, according to Bloomberg Intelligence research.
A new Bloomberg Intelligence study reveals the scale of AI's potential workforce disruption as global banking executives assess the technology's industry impact.
The research found that AI will touch roughly one-quarter of the workforce across advanced economies. The 31 countries included in the analysis represent the world's most developed markets, where automation and AI integration are advancing most rapidly.
The findings come as financial institutions grapple with how to implement AI tools while managing workforce implications. Banks and other sectors are evaluating AI's role in automating tasks, enhancing productivity, and reshaping job requirements.
The 120 million worker figure underscores AI's broad reach across economic sectors. The impact is not limited to any single industry but spans multiple fields as organizations adopt AI for various functions, from data analysis to customer service and beyond.
Bloomberg's analysis suggests that while AI presents significant disruption potential, the scope varies by sector and skill level. Advanced economies are leading in AI adoption, placing their workforces at the forefront of these changes.
The research reflects growing attention to AI's economic consequences as policymakers, business leaders, and economists debate workforce adaptation strategies. Companies are beginning to assess which roles will be automated, which will be augmented by AI tools, and what new positions may emerge.
The 27% figure represents a substantial portion of the workforce, signaling that AI's impact will be neither marginal nor contained to tech-focused roles. The breadth of potential impact suggests widespread need for workforce planning, retraining programs, and policy considerations across advanced economies.
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