About us

Our presence in Belgium dates back to 1919, when a predecessor firm opened a branch in Brussels, and we were the first American bank to be established in the country. We offer products and services across Asset Management and the Corporate and Investment Bank.
 

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 Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) 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.

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 Belgium. The institutions listed in the timeline are several examples of the over 1,200 predecessors that make up today’s JPMorgan Chase.

  • 1919: Guaranty Trust Company opens its doors as the first U.S. bank in Belgium at 156 rue Royale in Brussels.
  • 1919: The Belgian government appoints J.P. Morgan & Co. and Guaranty Trust as the fiscal agents for the Belgian Treasury in the United States.
  • 1925: J.P. Morgan & Co. and Guaranty Trust Company participate in a US$50 million thirty-year 7% external loan sinking fund gold bond to the Kingdom of Belgium.
  • 1965: Morgan Guaranty Trust Company opens an Antwerp office.
  • 1966: Chase Manhattan Bank enters into a 50/50 partnership with Banque de Bruxelles to operate Banque de Commerce, which focuses on the business of foreign subsidiaries operating in Belgium.
  • 1968: Morgan Guaranty in Brussels launches Euroclear, a service that provides for the orderly settlement of transactions in Eurobonds, a new form of international security. The Euroclear System is sold in 1972 to a consortium of more than 120 banks and brokers. Morgan Guaranty retains an interest and is appointed operator of the system.
  • 1970: Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company opens a wholly-owned Belgian subsidiary, Banque d’Escompte et de Travaux. This subsidiary changes its name in 1972 to Manufacturers Hanover Bank/Belgium (MHBB) with locations in Antwerp, Charleroi, Courtrai, Hasselt, Liege, Ostend, and Roulers.
  • 1972: Morgan Guaranty’s Brussels office is involved in the development of the European Currency Unit.
  • 1973: J.P. Morgan & Co. Inc., joins the listing of companies whose shares are traded on the Brussels Bourse, Belgium’s principal stock exchange.
  • 1975: J.P. Morgan Brussels arranges the first syndicated loan for the European Economic Community.
  • 1978: Chase assumes full ownership of Banque de Commerce. In French areas it is known as Chase Banque de Commerce and in Flemish areas it is known as Chase Handelsbank N.V.
  • 1990: The Ministry of Finance appoints J.P. Morgan as primary dealer in Belgian government securities.
  • 1992: J.P. Morgan Brussels arranges the largest-ever private debt restructuring for a Belgian corporation.
  • 1995: J.P. Morgan Securities is named lead underwriter for a US$500 million offering of bonds for the Kingdom of Belgium.