Goldman Sachs CEO Sees Young Workers Remaining 'Core' Despite AI

Solomon says talented, motivated employees will always be part of professional services businesses.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon said that young talent will continue to be a "huge, core part" of the bank, even as artificial intelligence transforms the financial services industry. While acknowledging that AI may reduce the number of workers needed, Solomon emphasized that "talented, motivated people that want to serve clients are always going to be a part of professional services businesses." His comments come as college graduates struggle to find entry-level positions, which are often the roles most susceptible to automation.

Why it matters

Concerns about unemployment and limited job prospects for young workers can impact consumer spending, which is a key driver of the economy. While businesses are exploring how AI may reduce headcount, economists believe the primary reason for the high unemployment rate among recent college graduates is that companies that hired heavily in 2021-2022 are now cutting their workforces, limiting opportunities for young professionals.

The details

Solomon said that companies will adapt to AI just as they have with prior technological advancements, such as the emergence of computers and cell phones. He pointed to his own early days in financial services, when he had to use library resources and analog pagers, to illustrate how the industry has evolved over time. "The world evolves," Solomon said.

  • In December, the general unemployment rate for college graduates was about 3.1%, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

The players

David Solomon

The CEO of Goldman Sachs, a major investment bank.

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What they’re saying

“Talented, motivated people that want to serve clients are always going to be a part of professional services businesses.”

— David Solomon, CEO (CNBC)

“The number might change; how they focus their time will change.”

— David Solomon, CEO (CNBC)

The takeaway

While AI may transform the financial services industry, Goldman Sachs' CEO believes that young, talented workers will remain a core part of the business, as companies adapt to new technologies just as they have in the past.