JPMorgan buys college financial-planning platform Frank

JPMorgan buys college financial-planning platform Frank
The platform offers a streamlined financial aid application process as well as online courses. The bank said the acquisition will help it build relationships with college students.
SEP 23, 2021

JPMorgan Chase & Co. bought college financial-planning platform Frank, the latest in a string of acquisitions the largest U.S. bank has made this year to compete with both big technology firms and fintech upstarts. 

Frank will help JPMorgan bolster its relationships with college students, the New York-based bank said in a statement Tuesday. The platform, which offers a streamlined financial-aid application process as well as online courses, serves more than 5 million students at more than 6,000 higher-education institutions. Financial terms of the deal weren’t disclosed.

“We want to build lifelong relationships with our customers,” Jennifer Piepszak, co-head of consumer and community banking at JPMorgan, said in the statement. “Frank offers a unique opportunity for deeper engagement with students.” 

JPMorgan Chief Executive Jamie Dimon warned shareholders earlier this year that the banking industry’s disruption by technology has arrived. He pledged to “get faster and be more creative,” with the firm since announcing a series of related acquisitions.

Earlier this month, JPMorgan said it reached a deal to acquire restaurant-guide company the Infatuation.

Frank was founded in 2017 by Charlie Javice, who was 24 at the time, with the goal of making college more affordable for millions of Americans. She will continue to lead Frank and become head of student solutions on JPMorgan’s digital products team.

Diverse individuals challenged by cultural differences when entering advice industry

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.