Only for employees
Reorganization at ABN AMRO
Has ABN AMRO announced that your position is being eliminated, or have you received a dismissal proposal or departure arrangement?
Are you facing a reorganization at ABN AMRO? The bank is cutting thousands of jobs by 2028, and your pension deserves extra attention. This page explains your position under Dutch employment law, also for highly skilled migrants and internationals working at ABN AMRO.
Does this apply to you?
- Your position is being eliminated
- You have been declared redundant
- You have received a dismissal proposal
- A social plan applies
- You have received a settlement agreement
Why employees turn to ReorgLegal
ReorgLegal specialises in reorganizations and works solely for employees, never for employers. We assess your proposal and stand beside you.
Do not wait too long. Reorganizations often involve short response deadlines. Have a proposal assessed before you agree.
The situation at ABN AMRO
ABN AMRO is carrying out its largest reorganization in years. For employees this means uncertainty about their position and their future at the bank.
Thousands of jobs by 2028
On 25 November 2025 ABN AMRO, led by CEO Marguerite Bérard, announced that around 5,200 positions will disappear by the end of 2028, about one fifth of its workforce. The number of employees will fall from around 27,500 to around 22,300.
According to the bank, about half will occur through natural attrition. As reasons ABN AMRO cites digitalization, the use of artificial intelligence and cost saving. According to reporting, support and operational functions are most affected.
A social plan applies
For employees who are affected, a social plan applies, with arrangements on support, reassignment and compensation. Whether and how that plan applies to you differs from case to case.
The figures and arrangements around a reorganization can change. This page was last updated in July 2026; the facts shown apply as far as known at that time.
In brief
- ABN AMRO's largest reorganization in years: around 5,200 positions by the end of 2028
- Reasons: digitalization, artificial intelligence and cost saving
- About half through natural attrition
- A social plan applies
- An important choice arises around your pension
- Have your situation assessed before you sign
How does a reorganization at ABN AMRO work?
A reorganization at a bank like ABN AMRO follows a fixed route, from the announcement to a concrete departure proposal. At every link in that route there is something you can do to make your position stronger.
Announcement and notification
ABN AMRO makes the reorganization public and, where enough employees are involved, files a collective dismissal notification with the unions and the UWV. In that announcement the bank usually refers to the social plan that applies to the employees concerned.
Which positions expire and who is affected
ABN AMRO first establishes which positions disappear and which roles count as interchangeable. Within those interchangeable roles, the reflection principle in principle designates who becomes redundant, subject to the statutory exceptions such as an indispensable employee. The bank therefore does not freely choose which employees it puts forward for dismissal.
Reassignment and offer
Dismissal only comes into view once reassignment is not possible, not even within a reasonable period and, if needed, after training. If no suitable position emerges, an offer to leave through a settlement agreement often follows, or otherwise a dismissal request to the UWV.
Your moments to step in
- At the announcement: ask for the social plan and where you stand in the reorganization
- At redundancy: have the reflection principle recalculated
- At a proposal: sign nothing before the content has been assessed
- In a UWV procedure: mount a defence or discuss an arrangement
What does this mean for you?
A reorganization at ABN AMRO follows the same statutory rules as any other economic dismissal. On each of these points you have rights.
The social plan
ABN AMRO's social plan usually sets out arrangements on compensation and support. What it means for you depends on the wording of the plan and on your own situation; sometimes there is room for additional arrangements.
The reflection principle
ABN AMRO does not decide at its own discretion who has to leave. Within interchangeable roles the reflection principle in principle sets the order, subject to statutory exceptions. If that order is wrong, it can work in your favour.
Reassignment
Dismissal is only allowed once reassignment fails, not even within a reasonable period and, if needed, after training. If ABN AMRO has not examined this seriously, the UWV may refuse permission or a dismissal procedure may stall.
Departure arrangement or settlement
Usually a proposal follows to leave through a settlement agreement. Have the content of that proposal assessed before you sign; its consequences for your unemployment benefit and your pension are not always immediately visible.
Pension compensation and the timing of departure
At ABN AMRO this is a point that can significantly affect your departure financially, and one you do not want to overlook.
The transition to the new pension system
The pension fund is moving to the new pension system, currently as of 1 January 2027. Around that transition, compensation is granted to those who are still participants at that moment. Anyone who leaves earlier risks missing out on that compensation.
Voluntary continuation: a choice with catches
ABN AMRO offers employees who leave through the social plan from 1 March 2026 the option to voluntarily continue their pension accrual and thus remain a participant. Voluntary continuation means that after you leave, you yourself continue the pension accrual with the fund. Depending on the conditions, this can allow you to remain eligible for the compensation.
Note: the trade unions are divided on this. De Unie agreed, but CNV rejected the proposal out of concern about the costs and risks for employees. You pay the premium yourself, and in the event of unemployment it may still turn out differently.
Not sure what this means for your pension? Have your proposal assessed before you sign.
What to watch for
- The timing of your departure relative to the pension transition
- Whether voluntary continuation is favourable for you
- The costs and the risks involved
- The consequences during any period of unemployment
- The amount and build-up of your compensation
Voluntary departure or redundancy?
Two situations are often confused, while your position differs materially between them.
Voluntary departure
With a voluntary departure, ABN AMRO offers you the option to leave of your own accord, usually through a settlement agreement and sometimes with attractive compensation. You are not obliged to accept. There may be room to negotiate on the compensation, the end date, a release from work and your pension. With a correct agreement your right to unemployment benefit (WW) is in principle retained; the UWV does ultimately assess the full situation.
Redundancy
If you are declared redundant, your position has expired and you have been selected via the reflection principle. That does not mean your dismissal is a foregone conclusion. We check the reflection principle and the reassignment; a flaw in it can strengthen your negotiating position.
Every situation is different. An individual assessment can show whether ABN AMRO is applying the rules correctly. Have your situation assessed.
What we take on for you
- We go through your proposal and the social plan with you
- We test the reflection principle and the reassignment effort
- We check your compensation and the clauses in the agreement
- We keep a sharp eye on the consequences for your pension
- We work only for you as an employee, never for ABN AMRO
What you can do now
If the reorganization at ABN AMRO also affects you, take the steps below before you sign anything. The sooner it is clear where you stand, the more options remain open.
- Ask ABN AMRO in writing for the full proposal and the social plan
- Do not let a deadline rush you and ask for time to consider
- Check whether the reflection principle and the reassignment are correct
- Weigh the timing of your departure against the consequences for your pension
- Sign the settlement agreement only after it has been assessed
Have you received a dismissal proposal or settlement agreement from ABN AMRO? Send it to us for assessment before you make a final decision.
When to ring the bell
- ABN AMRO has put a settlement agreement to you
- Your position is disappearing in the reorganization
- You have been declared redundant
- You are unsure about the compensation or about your pension choice
- A response deadline of a few days applies
Frequently asked questions
These are questions ABN AMRO staff put to us during this reorganization.
Has ABN AMRO sent you a dismissal proposal or a settlement agreement? Put it to us for assessment.
Can I keep my pension compensation if I leave?
ABN AMRO offers the option to voluntarily continue your pension accrual. This involves costs and risks, and the unions are divided on it. Have your situation assessed before you choose.
Am I obliged to accept the departure arrangement?
No. If you reject the proposal, a dismissal procedure comes into view in which the ordinary rules apply, including the reflection principle and the reassignment obligation.
Do I receive compensation?
On a termination at ABN AMRO's initiative there is usually a right to the statutory transition payment, unless the social plan offers a different or additional compensation. What applies in your case depends on the plan and on your personal situation.
What if I am declared redundant?
Redundancy is an intermediate step, not a final dismissal. If the reflection principle turns out to be incorrect or the reassignment inadequate, your starting position may look different.
Received a settlement agreement? Get a free review.
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