JPMorgan names Jerry Lee global chair of investment banking, memo shows

Wall Street giant JPMorgan Chase has named industry veteran Jerry Lee as global chair of investment banking, according to an internal memo seen by Reuters on Friday.

The appointment comes as bankers worldwide anticipate a rebound in dealmaking in the second half of the year despite tariff disputes and regulatory hurdles.

Analysts expect 2026 to be a bumper year for investment banking as easing rates, recovering markets and renewed corporate confidence fuel a pickup in mergers and capital raising.

Lee will start at the largest U.S. bank by assets in the first quarter of next year, after 19 years at rival Goldman Sachs.

He recently served as Goldman's global head of biopharma banking and healthcare investment banking services.

Investment banking remains a key profit-driver for lenders, with fees from advising on mergers and underwriting capital raises often among their most lucrative revenue streams during periods of strong deal activity.

Lee, who was promoted to partner at Goldman in 2020, has advised on more than $300 billion worth of announced mergers and acquisitions, the memo said.