Bybit CEO Ben Zhou Says Companies May Be Using AI as a Layoff Excuse

In an April 23 interview with When Shift Happens, Bybit CEO Ben Zhou said heavy AI use left him back at "square one" and that companies may be overstating its ability to replace workers.

Summary

Bybit CEO Ben Zhou said in an April 23 interview with When Shift Happens that he trusts his own judgment more than artificial intelligence and remains skeptical of claims about AI’s near-term value in decision-making and labor replacement. Zhou said that after using AI extensively, he felt like he had "come back to square one," which tempered his expectations for the technology’s practical advantage. He also said some companies may want to reduce headcount and cite AI as the reason, while adding that he does not believe AI can currently replace a large share of the workforce. His remarks reflect a cautious view of AI adoption in crypto and finance, where firms are increasingly testing automation for research, productivity, and analysis.

Terms & Concepts
  • Artificial intelligence (AI): Software systems that perform tasks such as generating text, analyzing data, reasoning, or automating workflows to assist or potentially replace parts of human work.
  • Bybit: A cryptocurrency exchange that offers trading and related digital asset services.
  • Headcount: The total number of employees at a company, often referenced in discussions of hiring, workforce reductions, or layoffs.