American Express AI integration and restructuring

American Express has initiated several strategic shifts centered on artificial intelligence. The company launched the Intent Intelligence Framework, a system designed to secure transactions made by AI agents. This framework uses a ‘Proof of Intent Token’ to ensure AI-driven purchases remain within authorized customer parameters, such as budget limits and merchant preferences. Through the Create Intent API, the system generates a unique Intent ID and a secure digital credential for checkout, allowing the AI agent to process payments without using the actual credit card number. This development is part of the ACE developer toolkit and aligns with industry-wide efforts toward agentic commerce.

Simultaneously, the company announced plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 5%, affecting between 3,500 and 4,000 employees. CEO Stephen Squeri indicated that this restructuring aims to make the organization leaner, more agile, and better prepared to integrate AI into internal processes. This move includes reducing management layers and optimizing processes for automation, supported by a $336 million restructuring charge. CFO Christophe Le Caillec noted that the firm aims to simplify internal structures before fully leveraging AI in the coming years.

Despite these changes, American Express reported strong third-quarter financial results, with net income rising 28% year-over-year to $3.71 billion and revenue increasing 9% to $20.1 billion. While the company beat profit expectations, its stock experienced a decline following the job cut announcement. Driven by consumer spending and updated Platinum Card fees, the company raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance to a range of $18.30 to $18.60 per share.