JPMorgan Chase Boss Authorizes New UK Tower After UK Government Promises
The head of JP Morgan Chase signed off on a substantial three billion pound headquarters building in London after commitments from British authorities about business-friendly measures.
Sequence of Developments
The Wall Street banking giant, which along with another major bank disclosed substantial investment plans right after being spared tax increases in the Treasury's financial statement, authorized the project the previous week.
This decision came after a trip to the United States by Varun Chandra, that conferred with the banking executive to discuss commitments about the UK's economic approach.
Budget Context
The discussions happened days before the Treasury disclosed revenue-raising measures in a economic plan that exempted banks from higher levies, following substantial advocacy from the financial sector.
"The investment ... would probably not have been announced if this financial plan had been perceived as hostile to financial services."
Development Information
On this week, the banking giant revealed plans to construct a massive building in the docklands area, which will function as its primary British base and house a significant portion of its British workforce.
The bank stressed that the development would depend on "supportive government policies in the UK".
Economic Impact
The financial institution has projected that the investment could generate nearly ten billion pounds to the British economy over the next six years.
The Treasury chief expressed enthusiasm about the investment, calling it a "significant demonstration of faith in the UK economy".
Additional Context
A source familiar with JP Morgan's building plans indicated that the decision to invest was "based on multiple factors" and that "it was impossible to predict whether financial institutions were going to be facing higher charges before the announcement".
The banking executive stated that the "Treasury's emphasis of financial development has been a key consideration in influencing our this determination".
Parallel Announcements
Goldman Sachs revealed that it would increase its Birmingham office and hire 500 staff, in a move that would more than double its employee numbers in the England's major regional center.
The authorities had considered expanding the financial sector tax in the UK, as it explored ways to raise revenues after opting not to implement additional income levies, but finally concluded not to do so.
Banking organizations in the UK currently pay a increased business taxation, which is exceeding the standard 25%, as well as a distinct tax on their UK balance sheets.