JPMorgan Chase Announces Investment In Academy Securities

Academy Securities, a registered broker-dealer and certified Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise, today announced that it has secured a $4 million subordinated loan from JPMorgan Chase to expand its business operations and hire and train military veterans in areas like trading, investment banking and municipal finance. In addition to the loan, JPMorgan Chase entered into a four year Mentor Protégé agreement with the firm under the U.S. Department of the Treasury Mentor-Protégé program. Through this agreement, JPMorgan Chase will provide mentorship to Academy Securities, offering training and consultation on overall business and organizational management.

“Our relationship with JPMorgan Chase greatly enhances our firm’s capabilities and ability to hire more military veterans,” said Chance Mims, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at Academy Securities. “We are honored to be mentored by such a respected firm that shares our mission to employ veterans.”

Academy Securities employs veterans and service-disabled veterans, including those returning from post-9/11 service, in areas including investment banking, public finance, trading, and funds placement. Already 38 percent of the growing broker-dealer’s workforce is military veterans and the firm expects that number to rise to 50 percent in the coming year. Academy Securities will continue to hire and train vets for all positions – from administration to technology to trading - using the investment from JPMorgan Chase. Over one million servicemembers are expected to leave the military and transition to civilian life between 2011 and 2016.

“We are excited for the opportunity to work side-by-side with JPMorgan Chase and build a first class financial services firm owned and operated by military veterans,” said Phil McConkey, President of Academy Securities. “The leadership, discipline, and integrity of our returning veterans will play a vital role in the execution of both our business plan and social mission.”

“Academy Securities offers the client services and opportunities for veterans that this market needs. Talented men and women are returning from overseas to face a difficult job market, especially on Wall Street,” said Matt Zames, JPMorgan Chase co-Chief Operating Officer and Operating Committee member. “We are proud to invest in Academy Securities and to support their employees with JPMorgan Chase’s premier training programs and infrastructure. JPMorgan Chase stands by our veterans and our commitment to recruit, hire and train those who have fought for our country.”

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