JPMorgan relabels DEI program 'DOI' amid political backlash

JPMorgan relabels DEI program 'DOI' amid political backlash
Banking giant stresses commitment to merit-based hiring, compensation, and promotion as anti-DEI orders from Trump reverberate across federal agencies and corporations.
MAR 21, 2025
By  Bloomberg

JPMorgan Chase & Co. is changing the name of its diversity, equity and inclusion program at a time when DEI has been attacked by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The largest US bank will now call the initiative Diversity, Opportunity & Inclusion, or DOI, Chief Operating Officer Jenn Piepzak said in a memo to staff Friday, “because the ‘e’ always meant equal opportunity to us, not equal outcomes, and we believe this more accurately reflects our ongoing approach to reach the most customers and clients to grow our business.”

Since taking office in January, Trump has signed an array of executive orders that aim to remove DEI from the government, federal contractors and beyond, spurring agencies and corporations to erase mentions of such programs from websites and eliminate their DEI teams.

“We’ve always been committed to hiring, compensation and promotion that are merit-based; we do not have illegal quotas or pay incentives, and we would never turn someone away because of their political or religious beliefs, or because of who they are,” Piepzak said in the memo. “We’re not perfect, but we take pride in constantly challenging ourselves and raising the bar.”

The New York-based bank said that its employee groups will continue to focus on engagement, cultural celebrations, education and historical observances. JPMorgan plans to “reduce trainings while maintaining a focus on high quality offerings,” according to the memo.

The memo was reported earlier Friday by Reuters.

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.