JPMorgan moves more than 30 China quant researchers to Singapore, HK
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Singapore is a key hub for JPMorgan’s quantitative trading and research business.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- JPMorgan moved over 30 quantitative research staff from China to Singapore and Hong Kong to consolidate teams and be closer to business divisions.
- The bank formed its quantitative trading and research group in 2026 to boost electronic trading against rivals like Citadel Securities.
- Singapore serves as a key hub for JPMorgan's trading and research, supporting its regional and global client services and expanding its presence in wealth and commodities trading.
AI generated
SINGAPORE – JPMorgan Chase & Co moved more than 30 quant staff from mainland China to Singapore and Hong Kong in recent months to consolidate the team in regional hubs and have them closer to the business divisions, according to sources familiar with the matter.
The US bank moved about 25 to 30 staff from Beijing and Shanghai to Singapore, the sources said, requesting not to be named because the matter is private.
About six members in its China quantitative trading and research (QTR) unit were also moved to Hong Kong, one of the sources added.
JPMorgan formed the QTR group earlier in 2026 in a bid to speed up its efforts in electronic trading and fend off non-bank rivals. Market-making firms including Citadel Securities and Jane Street Group have expanded fast, capitalising on electronic trading.
“Singapore is a key hub for our quantitative trading and research business and our growing QTR Center of Excellence,” a spokesman for the bank said, adding that the team operates under a global model and the centre allows the bank to better serve clients across the region and globally.
JPMorgan’s trading business in the city-state includes foreign exchange and commodities. The US bank has been bolstering its presence in Singapore in areas including private wealth. It is also set to participate in the city-state’s push to become a gold trading hub.
In 2022, it opened its new office at CapitaSpring, and it also operates from a global technology hub in Changi.
JPMorgan has been making a long-term bet on China, expanding its banking franchise in the country as it positions itself for a rebound in initial public offerings and dealmaking. BLOOMBERG
