A Wells Fargo branch in New York (Photo: Bloomberg)
Wells Fargo & Co. cut more than 700 commercial-banking jobs as it embarks on workforce reductions that could ultimately number in the tens of thousands, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
The terminations affected positions across the division, the people said, asking not to be identified discussing details of internal decisions. The unit offers a variety of services to businesses that typically have more than $5 million in annual sales. Katie Ellis, a company spokeswoman, confirmed that at least some reductions have occurred.
"We are at the beginning of a multiyear effort to build a stronger, more efficient company for our customers, employees, communities and shareholders," Ellis said in a statement. "As part of this work, we will have impacts, including job reductions, in nearly all of our functions and business lines, including commercial banking, where we have started displacements."
Wells Fargo, the U.S. banking industry's largest employer, became the first major lender in the nation to resume job cuts this year after a number of top firms said they would try to offer workers stability during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Companies including Citigroup Inc., Goldman Sachs Group Inc. and JPMorgan Chase & Co. have since made targeted reductions. Bank of America Corp. Chief Executive Officer Brian Moynihan said last week that he was sticking by the bank's no-layoff pledge for 2020.
