The right relationship is everything.

The right relationship is everything.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Conclusion

JPMorgan Chase’s origins can be traced as far back as 1799. The bank as we know it today was formed by the merger of several other financial institutions and is considered one of the three largest banks in the world. They offer a plethora of products and services to meet the needs of a large customer market. With Jamie Dimon as CEO, JPMorgan Chase has made several advancements in their industry and is securing its role as one of the world leaders in the financial industry. JPMorgan Chase offers incentives to keep their customers coming back and introduce them to new products as well as referral programs to bring on new customers and expand its market. JPMorgan Chase has even hopped on the band wagon and is taking advantage of social networking to expand their customer market. They are innovators in their field, introducing new, state of the art products as well as investing large sums of money in the technology sector of their company in order to offer the best products to their customers. They offer cutting edge products, that may not always be the most successful, but Dimon knows that by being an innovator of their field, the tech savvy know to turn to JPMorgan Chase when they want the most up to date products from the financial industry. By being the first, it helps JPMorgan Chase be one of the best.

Sunday, November 21, 2010

JPMorgan: The Bank Of Technology

JPMorgan Chase is not only on the cutting edge of the banking industry, but they are a leader in technology. They are spending $2 billion alone just to overhaul its network which is twice of what technology giant, Hewitt Packard, is spending in the same time period to overhaul their network. JPMorgan Chase is also spending an additional $1 billion to support the plan to reduce the number of global centers from 90 to 30. Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chase’s CEO, knows that smart investments in technology can help reduce overhead and increase revenue but one of the reasons for such high funding in the technology sector of the company is to enable the computer systems used by the company to speak the same language. JPMorgan Chase was formed by the merger of several financial institutions who utilized different computer databases, some of which were out of date. In order to allow the company to run smoothly and be able to harvest all of this information onto one system, a standalone network needed to be formed so that data was not lost and business moved along without a hitch. Not only is investing in technology important to bring the network onto one system but it is also invaluable when it comes to introducing new products as well as reducing processing time. For instance, the introduction of the Blink Card which enables users to pay using their credit card just by holding it over a reader instead of having to swipe the card, enter a pin, sign for the purchase, or hand it to the store associate to process. Home equity loan processing also was reduced from two days to just two hours. Being on the forefront of technology allows JPMorgan Chase to introduce the newest, greatest products keeping customers enticed and bringing new customers on board.

http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/06_25/b3989067.htm

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Networks

JPMorgan Chase utilizes several types of networks. There are different components used to build a business network. Some examples of these components include: network interfaces in every computer, a network interface card or an Ethernet card, hubs or switches to connect computers together and pass messages by repeating all network transmissions, and routers to pass network traffic between smaller subnets or a larger network. Another type of network used by JPMorgan Chase is a local area network, which is a network that covers a building or buildings in close proximity. In order to use these networks, different types of interfaces are needed. Software can be considered intellectual interface because it contains the instructions that hardware uses to execute an information-processing task. JPMorgan Chase, as well as other industries, employs a category of application software known as horizontal market software. Examples of horizontal market software include, inventory management, payroll, accounts receivable, billing, invoice processing, and human resource management. The company also uses personal productivity software, which helps perform tasks such as writing memos, creating graphs, and presentations. On the other hand, hardware is considered the physical interface. To understand the role of hardware, you need to know that computers unlike humans work with bytes and bits. The challenge here is to be able to translate the common human language into binary form. In order to translate into binary form, computers use coding systems to represent, process, and store information. Examples of the coding systems used by JPMorgan Chase include SQL, and ASCII. You also need to be familiar with the role of your input and output devices. Input devices convert information from human-readable form into bits and bytes. Output devices on the other hand, covert the “computers language” into something people can understand. Examples of input devices are keyboards, mouse, touchpad, scanners, and cameras. Examples of output devices consist of monitors, printers, and speakers. All these devices are used by JPMorgan Chase.

JPMorgan Chase uses several types of media such as magnetic, optical, and flash. Magnetic media includes storage devices such as hard disks, which stores information inside the disk drive. Optical media is not that well-known these days but in some way it is still used. Optical storage devices include CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, and DVD-RW. Last but certainly not least, flash media comes in two categories, flash memory device and flash memory cards. JPMorgan Chase also uses network communications media, which includes two options: wired communications media and wireless communications media. Both wired and wireless transmission media is utilized by JPMorgan Chase. They also use several kinds of communications software. Communications media are paths over which information travels in a network. There are also wired and wireless versions of communication media. Wired communications media include twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable, and optical fiber. Wireless communications media include infrared, Bluetooth, microwave, and satellite. JPMorgan Chase utilizes wireless as well as wired communication software. Wi-Fi would be another example of a wireless communications media this is a standard for transmitting information over distances as far as several miles. Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT) is a communications software employed by JPMorgan Chase. This software operates a worldwide financial messaging network which exchanges messages between banks and other financial institutions. SWIFT also markets software and services to financial institutions. SWIFT transports financial messages in a highly secure way, but does not hold accounts for its members and does not perform any form of clearing or settlement. The software does not facilitate funds transfer, rather, it sends payment orders, which must be settled via correspondent accounts that the institutions have with each other.


There are several different types of ways to connect a network. A company can utilize just a hub or a switch, or they can connect the network with a hub or a switch with a router. JPMorgan Chase is a global company with offices all over the world. They connect their networks using a router and a switch. It is the most resourceful way to network such a large company. The routers connect the subnetworks to the larger network. Since JPMorgan Chase is a global company with employees and customers all over the world needing to access the network, they utilize both local area networks (LAN) and wide area networks (WAN). LANs are networks used to connect an entire building or several buildings that are in close proximity to each other. WANs are used to network buildings that are not in close proximity to each other but need to be on the network. JPMorgan Chase connects to the internet using T1, which is a high-speed business circuit with speeds as high as 1.544 Mbps; DS3, which is a very high-speed business circuit running at up to 44.736 Mbps; as well Frame Relay which is set up on the T1 and DS3 lines. Voice over IP (VoIP) is a means of transmitting a voice telephone call over a computer data network. T1 and DS3 lines were originally designed to transmit telephone calls and were later adapted to carry computer data. VoIP is just one of the many more technological advances that JPMorgan utilizes.


The four principles of network security are confidentiality, authenticity, integrity, and availability. Confidentiality means that information can be obtained only by those authorized to access it. JPMorgan Chase values the sensitivity of the information that their system contains and therefore has safeguards they use to ensure that no outside parties can access this information. They also restrict the access of certain information to only authorized personnel. JPMorgan Chase also distributes a code of conduct to all employees to ensure they understand the importance of keeping valuable customer information private. JPMorgan Chase also employs the use of passwords to access certain areas of the network as well as requires customers to safeguard their accounts with their own personal password. Authenticity means that information really comes from the source it claims to come from. JPMorgan Chase employs digital signatures on their website to ensure the authenticity of transactions as well as the confidentiality. They also employ digital signing of transactions binding users to the transactions they initiate, advanced encryption technology assuring end-to-end security of transactions, and secure log record verification of transaction, originator, and recipient.

Integrity means that information has not been altered. JPMorgan Chase’s code of conduct outlines the integrity that they expect their employees to follow. JPMorgan Chase’s digital signature, advanced encryption technology, and secure log verification ensures the integrity of the information entered and stored. JPMorgan Chase also has processes set up to notify customers when their information or account may have been comprised and ensure that they take the necessary actions quickly to maintain the integrity of their database. Availability means simply that a service or resource is available when it is supposed to be. JPMorgan Chase takes every means possible to ensure that their network is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If for any reason, the network is to crash or is not available, JPMorgan Chase takes every means necessary to ensure that the down town is extremely limited and that there are no future interruptions. JPMorgan Chase employs the use of several different programs to ensure they are maintaining the four principles of network security such as anti-virus software, filters, firewall, keystroke logger, monitoring software, and Wi-Fi protected access, just to name a few. JPMorgan Chase has three domains that one can use to access information about the company, http://www.jpmorganchase.com/, http://www.jpmorgan.com/, and http://www.chase.com/.

Monday, November 1, 2010

Hardware and Software

Hardware consists of the physical devices that make up a computer. Common hardware devices used by JPMorgan Chase include keyboards, pointing devices, scanners, cameras, monitors, and printers. Some categories of computers used include personal digital assistants, tablet PCs, notebook computers, desktop computers, minicomputers, and mainframe computers. JPMorgan Chase uses Dell as its primary computer brand. JPMorgan Chase banks use a wide range of computers to carry out regular, day-to-day operations. For instance, mainframe computers are used to store data pertaining to client records, domestic operations and other critical processing information. Mainframe computers have fast data-processing speeds and built-in fault tolerance mechanisms which help reduce labor costs and support a wide range of workloads and uninterrupted processing. Mainframe computers can easily handle the processing requests of hundreds and even thousands of people at the same time. Minicomputers also take a part in the banking operations of JPMorgan Chase. These computers are used as servers and as an internal computer on which shared information and software is placed. JPMorgan Chase uses these computers as Internet servers and network servers in banking operations, to shift from centralized to distributed processing, to file storage systems, to run email systems, and to perform Internet operations. Notebook and desktop computers are also used by JPMorgan Chase. These computers have very important functions in the organizational environment of JPMorgan Chase. They function as part of a larger wide area network (WAN) or local area network (LAN), or as independent, self-contained, devices. PCs used are programmed to run spreadsheet, word processing and database software, to web browsers and email clients. At JPMorgan Chase, the chief information officer (CIO), Guy Chiarello, is responsible for the firm’s information technology functions which includes but is not limited to the hardware and software used. JPMorgan Chase uses a plethora of system software such as the Linux operating system software and a wide range of utility software. With Linux operating system, JPMorgan Chase is able to tailor their system to meet their needs and ensure that all users in their network have the same capabilities. JPMorgan Chase utilizes several different application forms of application software such as HR software; Oracle which has ERP, CRM, and several other vertical applications; PROS Holding software, which is a used for pricing and revenue optimization; SAP; and Microsoft.

Friday, October 22, 2010

Databases and Data Warehouses

JPMorgan Chase employees use various forms of technology every day. Most programs and databases are created and used for the retail sector of the company. These programs include, but are not limited to, “Teller Express”, “Customer Assist”, “Outlook”, “Internet Explorer”, “Training Central”, and “Contact Manager.” Databases can be found in “Teller Express”, “Customer Assist”, and “Contact Manager”. These three programs were created and maintained by employee teams at JPMorgan Chase. Each of the programs contains databases of customer information such as account numbers, account balances, contact history, address information, etc. Information is entered into the customer profiles by personal bankers, tellers, and other branch employees such as managers and SSAs which stands for sales and service associates. This information is obtained through contact with the clients, as well as clients’ transactions such as updating their contact information online or when they make a purchase or transfer that changes their balance. The programs are also able to track who viewed the information and also what was viewed and when. The database found in “Teller Express” contains the least information of the three programs. The only information that can be viewed is account numbers, balances, and customer addresses. If an employee needs to research anything for a customer, they would need to use “Customer Assist” because that database holds the most information. Managers can obtain information reports from any of the three programs. In “Contact Manager” and “Customer Assist”, reports are detailed, but tend to be based on individual clients; such as past and present customer transactions and clients’ contact notes which have been entered by other employees. The reports from Teller Express are less detailed but contain information drawn from a broader spectrum. For example, the program would allow you to print all monetary payments made on a specific day. Such reports can be obtained for any type of teller transaction on any specific day.

The investment banking sector of JPMorgan Chase uses “DataQuery.” This is a research tool used through “MorganMarkets” which is a research and data portal for institutional clients. “DataQuery” is an online interactive application. It pulls historical financial data from various locations before analyzing and charting it into one single database. “DataQuery” allows clients quick and easy access to view hundreds of thousands of data entries that could be beneficial to their purchasing and trading of investments. JPMorgan Chase uses OLAP which is an online analytical processing that allows the manipulation of information to support decision making. A data warehouse is a logical collection of information and is necessary for JPMorgan Chase to create customer relationship activities, strategies, and campaigns. By creating this data warehouse employees can view all transactions each customer has made at a given time any time, check opportunities, and study the different market for prospect customers.

The data mining tools are used to manipulate the data warehouse information and depending on which department needs this information, it can be small or big; the goal is to create business intelligence. An example of how JPMorgan Chase can use this tool would be in the case of the receivables department who create a data mart. Data marts are a subset of a data warehouse this is where a focus portion of the data warehouse information is kept. An example could be seen in the accounting department where one would be created to allow this department to have specific information based on the needs of a customer, making this data mart manageable considering the particular needs to the individual receivables items. JPMorgan Chase’s browser-based capabilities streamline exception management through structured workflow, enabling online dialogue, intraday decision-making, and automating decision-making within client-established parameters. For example, the capability to assign company distinct reason codes and to create notes to transaction allows clients to document their findings related to the individual.

All this processes have a correlation because data mining tools are to data warehouse users what data manipulation subsystems tools are to database users. Then, the data warehouse system has the responsibility of converting logical requests into physical equivalents through query and reporting tools, intelligent agents, as well as, multidimensional analysis tools and statistical tools. The software used for this department is Real-Time which supports a collaborative environment for trend analysis and benchmarking. Daniel D’Silva is the Senior Vice President and receivables executive for the treasury service business of JP Morgan Chase. With over 15 years of cash management experience, he is responsible for strategy, execution, technical sales support and delivery of the receivables products and service.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Jamie Dimon - A CEO that is on target!

“Jamie Dimon–A CEO that is on target!” by The Sales Cooke is a brief article which explains some key points about keeping a business not only afloat but also successful. These points were obtained from a presentation made by Mr. Dimon which stuck with the author of the article the most. The first point brought to the spotlight is “businesses are good at wasting money.” This is something that most would never expect would be said from the mouth of the CEO of a large corporation. When he explains why he feels this way, it makes perfect sense. Jamie Dimon enjoys spending money, he will not deny that, but he thinks instead of cutting costs they should cut wastes, because then you can spend money on things that matter. Such things that would be wise to spend money on would be ones that benefit employees such as better compensation, implement new technology, and other company procedures, such as marketing and advertising. The second point we see is that employees should “build a great company every day and the share price will take care of itself.” Mr. Dimon feels that if employees put their best efforts into their work every day, not just when something is due or they’re up for review, the company will be more successful. This success is not only measured in client satisfaction but also share prices. He says “focus on excellence and the profits will come.” The third, and final, point addressed by the author is “I am not a ‘rock star’; I am part of a team.” Jamie Dimon acknowledges that he is the main figure associated with Chase, but he wants the public to know that the entire staff deserves recognition. He is not the only one doing the work and feels that the company’s “accomplishments are attributable solely to the teamwork that is occurring within the organization.” The author only chose three main points addressed during Jamie Dimon’s presentation, but they show how Chase’s leader works with his staff to ensure success in their business planning and strategies.


http://www.purecooke.com/?p=147

Friday, October 8, 2010

Business Strategy - E-Commerce, Marketing Mix, and more

JPMorgan Chase is innovative in the area of E- Commerce. They offer online and mobile banking. Online banking allows customers to access their account by a user name and password at www.chase.com. After entering their login information, they can manage their checking or savings account, loans, lines of credit, credit cards, and any other account they have with JPMorgan Chase. One can check their account balances, due dates, schedule payments and/or transfers, and many other services. Mobile banking allows customers many of the same features as online banking but just on their cell phone through a downloadable application. JPMorgan Chase as also created an application for Apple’s iPhone which enables a customer to take deposit a check into their bank account without actually having to go to a branch or ATM machine. All you have to do is take a picture of your check and the funds are then deposited into your account. This feature will hopefully be available on other smartphones. In the meantime, one have account notifications sent to their phone in the form of a text message advising when a deposit is made, you account reaches a certain balance, and so much more. JPMorgan Chase is taking advantage of the technology offered in today’s world.

JPMorgan Chase uses two E- Commerce Business models, Business to Consumer (B2C) and Business to Business (B2B). Business to Consumer E- Commerce occurs when a business provides products and services for customers who are individuals rather than entities. This is done through various online features such as the ability to make transfers, deposits, and view accounts via JPMorgan Chase’s website and through cell phone applications. Business to Business E- Commerce is seen through JPMorgan Chase’s various business clients. Though the products and services of JPMorgan Chase are not flashy and visible by customers, they make running and operating the business much more convenient for the business owners. JPMorgan Chase is also very willing to work with their business clients regarding fees to help keep costs down and earn customer loyalty. Business clients make a lot more money for JPMorgan Chase than their consumer clients because they do business on a larger scale. The same features that are offered to the consumers are also offered to business clients. Aside from the basic features, they also provide various features such as merchant services which allow business clients to accept payments in the form of credit card transactions.

JPMorgan Chase uses various promotional marketing tools to reach its customers. These tools are primarily seen on line. JPMorgan Chase uses online ads to get its name out to customers. For example, they place ads on the side of Facebook pages. Facebook has over 500 million active members, many of which log on to the site daily. The sheer volume alone guarantees millions of people will at the very least see their logo almost every day. The company has also teamed up with Facebook to create page sponsored by JPMorgan Chase that allows people to get involved. It is called “Chase Community Giving” and allows users to vote on which charity or organization the company will make a donation to. It also provides links back to the company’s main website. Not to mention JPMorgan Chase does heavy advertising to their active customers. When logging into your online account, you are bombarded with ads about other products and services offered by JPMorgan Chase. They also advertise on billboards and invest in ad spaces on buses and taxis.

In the business portion of JPMorgan Chase, the main form of marketing is the actual relationship ratio. By having a deepened relationship with each business client, the company is able to ensure a lasting partnership and expand their business by word of mouth. They have several referral programs and offer rewards to their customers for any referral which results in a new relationship with JPMorgan Chase. The company tries to provide the business client with as many products and services as possible on top of just deposit accounts. These products include loans, lines of credit, and credit cards just to name a few. Another way the relationship is deepened is through the “Chase at Work” program. This is when the company agrees to have JP Morgan Chase employees come to their office(s) and lets them sit down with the company’s employees to open deposit accounts and give them information on the other products and services that are offered. This personalized service gives the business client confidence in knowing they are backed by JPMorgan Chase every step of the way.

JPMorgan Chase offers various payment options for its customers. Online banking is a very easy and convenient option for customers to make payments. It also allows them to see their available credit, credit limit, outstanding balance, transaction/payment history, minimum amount due, and the due date. All the customer has to do is sign on to their online banking, scroll to the account they would like to make a payment on and select the “make a payment” option. This brings the customer to a screen that allows them to select the checking/savings account that they’d like to use to make the payment and it auto fills the rest. This option can also be used on mobile phone applications. Aside from using online banking to pay JPMorgan Chase bills, the customer is also able to set up payments online for any bill that they have to pay. This process is similar to paying a JPMorgan Chase bill, except the customer must fill in the account number, address, etc of the account they’d like to make a payment on.

Another payment option offered to JPMorgan Chase customers is pay by phone. Customers can contact the number on their billing statement or on the back of their credit card to make payments. They can decide if they’d like to use an automated program or if they’d like to speak directly to a customer service agent to make the payment. This is a terrific service for clients who are not computer literate and are unable to get to a branch in order to make a payment. JPMorgan Chase also allows their customers to visit a branch location to make a payment Branch employees, primarily tellers, are able to process the payment through their “Teller Express” system. Customers can obtain in depth information on their accounts to ensure that proper fees and amounts are paid. They also do not have to worry about having their statement because employees are able to pull up account numbers and fill out “counter payment coupons”, which are generic payment forms that can be used in place of a customer’s personalized slip, for the customers.

Aside from various payment methods offered to JP Morgan Chase customers to pay bills, loans, and lines of credit held with the company, it also offers business and personal clients various ways to make purchases and payments for everyday things, involving business outside of the company. These methods come in the forms of checks, debit cards, and credit cards. All these are available to both business and personal clients. Checks can be used to pay for in store purchases or pay bills through regular or snail mail. Checks, from JPMorgan Chase or any other financial institution, can also be used to make payments on JPMorgan Chase credit cards, loans, or lines of credit. They are considered negotiable items and are easy to obtain. Each check has a MICR line, which includes your bank’s routing number, your account number, and a check number. This allows customers to feel safe when using checks as a form of payment, because JP Morgan Chase ensures that duplicate checks cannot be accepted and stop payments can be placed on specific check numbers in case a check is lost or stolen.
Debit cards, which are implementations of the smart card concept, are very similar to checks but do not require customers to write out negotiable items. They have the appearance of a credit card, but are linked to the customers’ checking account. Whenever a purchase is made the purchase amount is deducted directly from their account. You can either use your debit card as a debit card, where you enter your pin number, or you can use it as a credit card. If you use your debit card as a credit card, you just sign for the purchase, just like you would when using a regular credit card at no additional cost to you. By using the credit option, JPMorgan Chase gives its’ customers points which can be used to earn rewards once the customer earns a certain amount, typically the minimum is 2,000 points.

The last payment option available to JP Morgan Chase customers is credit cards. The company offers various credit cards with numerous reward options. This gives customers a lot of choices to earn things back on everyday purchases. Each customer is allotted a credit limit which they must stay within to avoid fees and they are required to make payments each month. This is convenient if a customer would like to make a large purchase but is unable to afford it all at once. JP Morgan Chase is constantly trying to come up with ways to make the lives of its clients easier, and the many payment methods is simply one way they are able to do that.

Aside from offering numerous ways for customers to make payments, JPMorgan Chase has just created a new way to pay off credit cards. This new feature is called “Blueprint.” It offers various options such as setting up certain categories that you wish to pay off in full to avoid paying interest and paying off larger purchases by splitting them up and setting a goal payoff date or monthly payment. Other things that customers are able to do with “Blueprint” are tracking your spending habits and where you are with the goals you set for paying off large purchases. Lastly, “Blueprint” allows you to set up your own payment plan which enables a customer to decide how long they want to pay off their balance with a payment amount they know they can manage. This new feature is something not offered by other institutions which is likely to draw new clients to, as well as, keep current clients at JPMorgan Chase.

In addition to the various payment methods offered to their business and consumer clients, JPMorgan Chase has also teamed with several businesses to offer easy and manageable billing and payments options. Businesses are now able to receive payments and invoices electronically, which allows for easier tracking and management. Businesses no longer have to deal with sifting through large stacks of paper invoices and worry about paying something late and face a late payment fee. They are able to keep tighter track of expenses and analyze spending easier to cut costs. It also allows the company to go green and make less of an impact on the environment because there is less paper which means less trees being wasted.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

JPMorgan Chase's Business Strategy

According to the description of Porter’s generic business strategies, JP Morgan Chase & Co would be an example of the differentiation strategy. It is very complicated for companies like JPMorgan Chase to distinguish their services or products from their competitors, so when you look into the business strategy they use, you will find out that they focus more on the brand identity of the business. JPMorgan Chase is more successful by playing up the trust, loyalty, or experience angles of their reputations rather than exploiting differences where there are few. For instance, look at their mission statement "At JPMorgan Chase, we want to be the best financial services company in the world. Because of our great heritage and excellent platform, we believe this is within our reach." They truly describe their business strategy by pointing out their experience angles.

Porter’s five forces model has been accepted for businesses to use when thinking about strategy and the impact IT has and also to help understand the competitive pressures interms of the five forces. JPMorgan Chase utilizes the five forces model as a strategy for their business. Considering the amount of competitors that JPMorgan Chase has, it would be assumed that their buyer power is high, but they offer so many perks that it helps maintain their advantage over competitors. They offer several rewards to their customers such as free checking, $25 referral rewards, and the newly implemented “Chase quick deposit”. With quick deposit, you can deposit a check without having to go to a bank location. You can use an application on your iPhone which submits a picture of the check to the bank and then in turn deposits the funds into your account. It’s quick, easy and free for most customers.

There are so many companies in the financial industry that the top minds looking to work in banking can work for, so JPMorgan Chase provides extensive employee benefit programs to keep their competitive advantage. Benefits such as exceptional health care plans, 401K programs, retirement plans, and even benefits such as child care assistance, give them an appeal that other companies cannot match. JPMorgan Chase offers both personal and business banking and lending, retirement and investment accounts. They offer online banking and you can even receive text message updates regarding your account on your cell phone.

Threat of substitute services, new entries, and rivalry of existing competitors is high in the financial market but JPMorgan Chase is consistently implementing new strategies to keep their competitive edge. They are actually an innovator in their sector. Most recently, they have set aside $10 billion to lend to small businesses with an incentive to increase their staff. They provide low rates and once the loan application has been approved, for every new hire, there is a rate discount of .5%, up to three new employees. They are also offering an incentive of $100 cash back on an auto loan for any new or used car purchase. JPMorgan Chase realizes they there are several banks available that individuals and businesses can invest their money in, with new options frequently becoming available. Because of this, they offer benefits and incentive programs to employees and customers, from individuals to businesses, they offer something for everyone.

The major business initiatives being considered by JPMorgan Chase would be to increase revenues, making them top line initiatives. Even though the company wishes to minimize costs, it will agree to incur certain costs to develop new and deepen existing customer relationships. For example, each account (and added features) cost the company a certain amount per client; JPMorgan Chase will sometimes waive fees on the added features to keep large balance carrying clients happy. This may increase costs but also its revenue because that client will bring current and future monies to the company. This also opens the opportunity to have the client pass on a success story to a friend which could result in new customer relationships for JPMorgan Chase. Another example would be how the company offers clients certain incentives such as a free $100 for opening a new checking account.

JPMorgan Chase uses such software as “Customer Assist” and “Contact Manager” which are both forms of customer relationship management system. “Customer Assist” allows employees to search personal information (such as address, SSN, etc.), as well as, the various account types and other features that a client has in order to gain a deeper understanding of what they may be interested in in the future. “Customer Assist” also works with “Contact Manager”. “Contact Manager” allows employees to see a clear profile of each client without having to click to various screens. Both programs give you the ability to see any contact made to the individual in the past in order to lessen the frequency of calls and to avoid making an offer more than once (especially if the customer refused it before).

JPMorgan Chase follows a fully integrated approach when it comes to their IT culture. Each business unit has its own IT organization. In 2001, JPMorgan Chase shifted its business focus to “one firm-one team” which encourages employees and departments to collaborate together. JPMorgan Chase’s IT decisions are lead by a five-member Technology Executive Committee which is a subgroup of the company’s Executive Committee and comprised of the top line-of-business executives and the head of technology. The Technology Executive Committee with the assistance of the Technology Council decide on the companies IT principles and investment decisions. The Technology Council consists of the Enterprise Technology Services CIOs and infrastructure leaders. The council is entrusted with making firm wide architecture and infrastructure decisions with the assistance of six subcommittees which are the Architecture Board, Engineering Board, Financial Performance, People, Strategic Relationships, and Communications. Each subcommittee is headed by a Council Member and has representatives from both business unit and corporate IT. JPMorgan Chase is definitely on the innovative spectrum when it comes to technology. While they perform extensive research prior to investing in new technology, they are at the forefront of technology in the financial sector.

JPMorgan Chase became one of the first financial services company to implement a single purpose grid which allows them to improve performance and lower technology costs. The purpose of the grid is to assist in performing major tasks such as calculating risk or performing simulations faster than competitors. It is because of this initiative, they are one of the leaders in the financial sector. JPMorgan Chase is also the only bank with end-to-end supply chain management capabilities which enables them to add value to both the importing and exporting side of transactions. JPMorgan Chase has teamed with Vastera to manage their physical and financial supply chains, optimizing transactions. With Vastera, JPMorgan Chase offers improved inventory and document management, reduced Days Sales Outstanding, automated tasks, and risk compliance, demonstrating once again how JPMorgan Chase’s forward thinking and innovation makes them a leader in the financial sector.

With all of JPMorgan Chase’s acquisitions and mergers came several different databases and customer relationship software that needed to be combined in a format that maintained the information and functionality of the existing systems. With the assistance of Siebel, the Relationship Exchange (RX) was created which centralized the information previously separated in different sources, creating an organized database containing all of the firm’s contacts and customer information. RX enables every member of JPMorgan Chase to access the database, no matter their location. RX harvests information provided by the customer directly and obtained through the various actions by the customer such as purchase activity. This information can then be reviewed to tailor offers to each customer’s interests. Sales associates and customer service reps are now able to optimize every customers experience and maximize sales, in-turn increasing profits just by having this valuable information available in a convenient location. JPMorgan Chase is able to manage its own data processing networks, data centers, help desks, and data and voice networks internally in addition to managing their thousands of employees. Without the need to outsource any of this work, JPMorgan Chase is able to retain an considerable amount of money.

In keeping with the developing trends, JPMorgan Chase has turned to social networking to reach more customers. They have teamed up with Facebook to offer an affinity credit card with allows users to redeem Amazon gift certificates or make donations to the charity of their choice. They have also launched a campaign on Facebook allowing users to vote for their favorite charities to receive a donation of $25,000 to $100,000 depending on the number of votes received. Utilizing Facebook to generate a PR buzz allows JPMorgan Chase to reach millions of potential customers without having to adhere to stringent regulatory compliance regulations. In addition to teaming up with Facebook, JPMorgan Chase also has pages on other popular social networking sites such as Linkedin and Twitter.

In addition to turning to social networking, JPMorgan Chase has turned to E-Learning tools such as “Training Central”, to train their employees and keep them educated. Through this software employees and their superiors can easily see the training courses which they took and provide information on future optional training. Also, whenever new company required training is required the information for when it’s due as well as the learning materials and most often the testing is available right on this program. This makes it easy to check what needs to be completed and when and enables employees to support the skills already obtained and to increase their knowledge of the system, regulations, and the general course of business. With e-learning, one is no longer restricted to a certain location to learn such as a classroom setting, but can access the learning programs from anywhere with the software is available. E-learning offers flexibility without comprising the learning experience. JPMorgan Chase’s exceptional business strategy allows them to maintain their position as the one of the world’s leading financial firms.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Company Profile: JP Morgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM)

JPMorgan Chase - History, CEO, and more

History:

JPMorgan Chase’s origins can be traced back as far as 1799 when The Bank of The Manhattan Co. was founded by Aaron Burr. JPMorgan Chase is a leading global financial services firm with operations in more than 60 countries and assets amounting to over $2 trillion. Its corporate head quarters are located in New York City. JPMorgan Chase was formed by the merger and acquisition of over 1,000 institutions, most notably JPMorgan & Co and The Chase Manhattan Corp merger in 2000, the merger with Bank One Corp in 2004, and the 2008 acquisition of The Bear Stearns Companies and some assets, deposits, and liabilities of Washington Mutual. JPMorgan Chase’s six major businesses are investment banking, retail financial services, card services, commercial banking, treasury and security services, and asset management. JPMorgan Chase is considered one of the leading banks in the United States.


CEO:

Since December 2005, Jamie Dimon has been the President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of JPMorgan Chase and became the Chairman of the Board in 2006. Born in New York City in 1956, he served a three year term on the Board of Directors of the New York Federal Reserve which started in January 2007. Previous to joining JPMorgan Chase, Dimon was the CEO of Bank One, which at the time was the nation’s fifth largest bank. Prior to his position at Bank One, Dimon held several senior executive positions at Citigroup. Under Dimon's leadership, JP Morgan Chase has become the leading U.S. bank in domestic assets under management, market capitalization value, and publicly traded stock value. JP Morgan Chase is also the #1 credit card provider in the United States. Dimon’s tactics and skills earned him recognition by President Obama during the bank bailout of 2008. He was named on Time Magazine’s list of the world’s most influential people three times (2006, 2008, and 2009) and has also been ranked in the top 25 highest- paid men.




Ethical and Social Responsibilities:

JPMorgan Chase’s mission statement clearly states its corporate responsibility to the general public. Their mission statement is as follows:

“At JPMorgan Chase, we believe that being profitable and doing good works for the people and the world around us aren't exclusive of each other; they're integrated goals. When our business is strong and well governed, we're in a better position to translate positive financial results into sustainable community and environmental efforts that benefit everyone. This is the essence of corporate responsibility. Every day, we strive to make our firm a good corporate citizen -- and the most respected financial-services institution in the world.”

JPMorgan Chase formed the JPMorgan Chase Foundation which provides financial support for Community Development, Primary and Secondary Education, and Arts and Culture in excess of $110 million a year in over 33 countries. They also work with non-profit organizations in underdeveloped countries to develop skills such as literacy, language, self-empowerment, community improvement, and exposure to arts and culture. JPMorgan Chase also encourages employees to volunteer and take an active role in their communities. The company realizes that the public sees it as more than just buildings and money, but more so as a group individuals who are dedicating to guiding them into well informed and educated options for their financial investments and future.

Security/Risk Management:

JP Morgan Chase is dedicated to ensuring that their clients’ money, investments and personal information are all kept safe under strong firewalls, as well as taking other protective measures. From the retail sector all the way to the top levels of corporate management every client’s information is guarded to keep it away from the eyes of those not intended to view the material. There are various programs such as “Customer Assist” and “Contact Manager” which allow information to be viewed while keeping track of who viewed it, as well as, what was done and seen. This is a very important feature for a company who deals with millions of people (and dollars) on an everyday basis. Other safety measures are also put in place such as identifying clients through ECI numbers which are useless outside of J.P Morgan Chase computer systems. These ECI numbers allow employees to share client information to each other without actually displaying any personal information. Aside from the various technological aspects all offices at J.P. Morgan Chase have shred bins (which have combination locks so no one can pull personal data), where all customer information is disposed of. The corporate sector of the company has an entire department referred to as “Risk Analysis” which allows the company to keep a strong hold on the current risks found in our markets and also those in international ones. The company keeps all employees up to date through constant training and coaching to ensure that the customers are receiving the most up to date information and they are also dealing with highly trained, responsible individuals.

Links:


WWW.JPMORGANCHASE.COM

WWW.JPMORGAN.COM

WWW.CHASE.COM