JPMorgan Chase CEO Gives Green Light New London Headquarters Following UK Government Commitments
The chief executive of JPMorgan authorized on a substantial three billion pound new tower in the UK capital following assurances from British authorities about business-friendly measures.
Timing of Developments
The major US bank, that together with Goldman Sachs revealed major UK investments right after being spared tax increases in the UK government's recent budget announcement, authorized the project last Friday.
This approval came after a visit to the United States by the prime minister's envoy, that conferred with the JP Morgan chief to provide assurances about the business environment.
Budget Context
The engagement occurred days before the government revealed significant tax increases in a economic plan that exempted the banking sector from higher levies, in response to significant pressure from the banking industry.
"The investment ... would likely not have proceeded if this financial plan had been perceived as hostile to financial services."
Development Information
On recently, the banking giant announced plans to construct a 3 million square foot tower in the docklands area, which will serve as its main London office and accommodate more than half of its British workforce.
The bank stressed that the project would rely on "supportive government policies in the UK".
Financial Benefits
The financial institution has stated that the development could bring nearly ten billion pounds to the British economy over the following six-year period.
The Treasury chief stated she was thrilled about the development, calling it a "significant demonstration of faith in the UK economy".
Broader Perspective
A representative aware of JP Morgan's building plans noted that the investment choice was "based on multiple factors" and that "it was impossible to predict whether financial institutions were going to be taxed before the budget".
Jamie Dimon remarked that the "British authorities' focus of business expansion has been a critical factor in influencing our this choice".
Parallel Announcements
A second financial institution revealed that it would enlarge its Birmingham office and recruit new employees, in a strategy that would more than double its workforce in the Britain's second largest metropolitan area.
The authorities had reviewed increasing the banking charge in the UK, as it considered methods to increase income after deciding against additional income levies, but eventually determined not to do so.
Financial institutions in the UK face a increased business taxation, being higher than the normal rate, as well as a distinct tax on their domestic financial positions.