Kraken has laid off approximately 150 employees as the cryptocurrency exchange intensifies its focus on artificial intelligence, potentially delaying its U.S. IPO to 2027. The job cuts, reported by Bloomberg, are attributed to operational efficiencies gained from expanding AI tools within Kraken's corporate entity, Payward. Despite the layoffs, the company does not anticipate further reductions as AI adoption continues across various teams. The restructuring comes amid a broader industry trend of job cuts linked to AI-driven efficiencies. Over 5,000 crypto-related positions have been eliminated in 2026, with firms like Coinbase and Gemini also announcing significant layoffs. Kraken had confidentially filed for an IPO in November but paused the process in March due to unfavorable market conditions. The latest changes suggest a U.S. listing might be postponed until 2027, extending an already uncertain timeline.