60 years of J.P. Morgan in Switzerland

Switzerland has long been known for its precision, quality and innovation, and we have been privileged to be part of the country’s dynamic environment. Over the past six decades, we have grown and evolved, driven by the same principles that define this country: a commitment to excellence, a spirit of collaboration, and a relentless curiosity and pursuit of innovation. We have supported our clients with best-in-class service across Investment Banking, Commercial Banking, Payments, Securities Services, Markets, Asset Management and Private Banking. 

While much has changed since 1964, when we opened our first representative office in Geneva, our commitment to our clients, our partners, our employees, and our communities remains as strong as ever. We are proud of our heritage in Switzerland and excited when we look ahead.

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60 years of J.P. Morgan in Switzerland

 

 


About us

Our presence in Switzerland dates back to 1964, when we opened a representative office in Geneva, followed by an office in Zurich. Our leadership in the country extends across our lines of business, including asset management, private banking, investment banking, investor services and treasury services.

J.P. Morgan has operated in Europe for nearly 200 years and has a sophisticated local market presence across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Within the region, J.P. Morgan has an unparalleled client base and leadership across the spectrum of financial services products. The regional head office in London is complemented by a strong regional footprint, with offices in all major financial centers.

Globally, through the JPMorgan Chase Foundation, we make philanthropic investments in cities where we have major operations, assisting those at a disadvantage by helping them build better lives for themselves, their families and their communities. Across EMEA, the firm focuses its investment and attention on three pillars: Economic Development, Financial Empowerment and Workforce Readiness.

J.P. Morgan is a global leader in financial services, offering solutions to the world's most important corporations, governments and institutions in more than 100 countries. As announced in 2020, JPMorgan Chase will deploy $2 billion in philanthropic capital around the world by 2025. We also lead volunteer service activities for employees in local communities by utilizing our many resources, including those that stem from access to capital, economies of scale, global reach and expertise.

Our local history

With a legacy dating back to 1799, we have a history of demonstrating leadership during times of both economic growth and financial instability. Below you will find major milestones from the firm’s history in Switzerland. The institutions listed in the timeline are several examples of the over 1,200 predecessors that make up today’s JPMorgan Chase.

  • 1920: J.P. Morgan & Co. participates in a syndicate for US$25 million government of Switzerland 8% twenty-year sinking fund bonds.
  • 1964: Chase Manhattan Bank opens a representative branch in Geneva.
  • 1966: Chase Manhattan acquires a 75% interest in Osterreichische Privat-und Kommercial Bank. In 1969 Chase purchases the remaining 25% and renames the bank Osterreichische Kommerzialbank.
  • 1969: Chase Manhattan forms a new bank in Geneva, a wholly-owned subsidiary, The Chase Manhattan Bank (Switzerland).
  • 1969-1973: Morgan Guaranty Trust Company (1969), The First National Bank of Chicago (1970), Chemical Bank (1971) and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company (1973) establish branches in Zurich.
  • 1971: J.P. Morgan establishes Morgan Guaranty Investment Services S.A. in Geneva, a wholly-owned subsidiary, to provide investment advisory services to individuals and institutions outside the United States.
  • 1973: The First National Bank of Chicago forms a subsidiary based in Geneva to co-manage Swiss franc bond issues and to broaden the bank's Eurobond trading activities.
  • 1980: J.P. Morgan establishes a wholly-owned subsidiary bank in Geneva called J.P. Morgan (Suisse) S.A.
  • 1980: J.P. Morgan forms Morgan Guaranty (Switzerland) Ltd., a finance company that also engages in underwriting.
  • 1983: Chemical Bank expands its operation in Switzerland, opening a second branch in Geneva.
  • 1984: Chase Manhattan opens a full-service branch in Geneva, in addition to a representative branch and a subsidiary bank.
  • 2001: Following the merger of Chase Manhattan and J.P. Morgan in 2000, the two firms' private banking businesses in Switzerland merge, taking the name JPMorgan (Suisse).
  • 2015: J.P. Morgan advises on several key capital markets and mergers and acquisitions deals for Swiss clients.

Contact us

 

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