J.P. Morgan Private Bank hosts inaugural Black Wealth Initiatives Forum

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August 1, 2022 – Brooklyn, New York – J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s inaugural Black Wealth Initiatives Forum was held this year in Brooklyn, New York, marking the one-year anniversary of the program’s launch. More than 100 Black advisors, analysts and presenters from across the country attended the Forum at JPMorgan Chase’s MetroTech Center in Brooklyn, NY for three days of dynamic panels, fireside chats and networking to support commercial success with the theme — Culture. Capital. Community. The three-day Forum held June 27th through June 29th, 2022, featured session themes including Authenticity in the Workplace, Becoming the Pilot of Your Own Career, and finance focused learning sessions around lending, alternatives and private equity, client prospecting and more.

The Forum was led by Debra Langford, Head of Black Wealth Initiatives at J.P. Morgan Private Bank. Langford, a long-time entertainment industry leader, pioneer in Black executive leadership and a 2022 NAACP Changemaker Award honoree, made her foray into the world of finance in joining J.P. Morgan, first in the firm’s Advancing Black Pathways program in 2019 and now at the Private Bank.

“I am so excited about the possibilities for Black Wealth Initiatives because of the wonderful foundation we have already established in just over a year,” said Langford in opening remarks. “This is a business development strategy with great potential that we can all really thrive doing. And it’s an important differentiator for the firm, both for those deciding to work here, as well as the clients and prospects who appreciate and share our commitment to communities of color.” 

Black Wealth Initiatives is J.P. Morgan’s intentional effort to be the bank of choice for high net worth Black individuals and families, and the employer of choice for Black advisors and investors. The creation of Black Wealth Initiatives in 2021 assembled a new team of bankers, investors and wealth strategists dedicated to engaging Black families across the country with tailored content, experiences and advice. The group also focuses on furthering the Private Bank’s recruitment efforts for Black private bankers, concentrating on hiring, internal support and development resources.

Since its launch, Black Wealth Initiatives has held more than 20 events across the country in cities including Los Angeles, CA, Washington D.C., New York, NY, Charlotte, NC, Atlanta, GA, Miami, FL and Dallas, TX. Through their events-driven work to expand its reach and impact on building Black generational wealth, the group has connected with more than 450 Black individuals and families over the past year.

“The progress we’ve made doesn’t happen without the strength, vigor and urgency that you have all brought to this,” said David Frame, US CEO of J.P. Morgan Private Bank addressing the Forum audience. “It was a powerful three days together – its impact is perhaps best illustrated by the feedback we received from participants,” added Frame in the days following the Forum’s successful closing.

• Rick Barragan, Managing Director and Los Angeles Market Manager at J.P. Morgan Private Bank,
  sharing remarks around the Forum’s closing
  “You provided a space for transparent and inspiring conversation with my peers that look like me like no other
  firm. You delivered tools for success like no other firm. Lastly, you delivered on one of my expectations of this
  firm when I joined and confirmed the reason I choose to join J.P. Morgan.”

• Lee Parker, Executive Director and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Washington, D.C.

“(The BWI Forum) is just what I need and what we all needed to go out and be great. It’s important to hire Black
talent but it’s just as important to give them a community so they feel like they can succeed and have the safe
space to connect with like people to help pull each other through our woes, challenges and diversity or exclusion
we sometimes feel within the private wealth industry. This Forum did that!” – Christina Hartfield, Orlando

• Christina Hartfield, Vice President and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Orlando, FL
  “Having Black Wealth Initiatives at J.P. Morgan elevates the conversation of generational wealth to look beyond
  the growth of wealth in one lifetime and extend beyond one generation. What we want to do is promote legacy,
  promote good practice, and share best practices with our clients.”

• Meena Nankani, Vice President and Banker at J.P. Morgan Private Bank in Washington D.C. on how
  Black Wealth Initiatives can help transform the way we think about generational wealth

About J.P. Morgan Private Bank

J.P. Morgan Private Bank provides customized financial advice to help wealthy clients and their families achieve their goals through an elevated experience. Clients of the Private Bank work with dedicated teams of specialists that bring their investments and financial assets together into one comprehensive strategy, leveraging the global resources of J.P. Morgan across planning, investing, lending, banking, philanthropy, family office management, fiduciary services, special advisory services and more. The Private Bank oversees more than $1.7 trillion in client assets globally. For more information on J.P. Morgan Private Bank, visit privatebank.jpmorgan.com/