Five Questions With: Christopher Stevens

Christopher Stevens is vice president of commercial banking at JPMorgan Chase & Co., focused on serving the middle market in New England. The bank recently entered Rhode Island and opened an office in Providence. Stevens, who heads the office, talks with Providence Business News about why the bank decided to enter the local market and what services it will provide.

PBN: Congratulations on setting up an office in Providence and welcome to the Ocean State. Can you tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your professional background?

STEVENS: I’ll start by saying I’m really excited about our new office in Providence and physically being closer to both our existing and prospective clients in the Rhode Island market. I’ve been with Chase since 2014 and currently serve as a vice president in our commercial-banking business, working with businesses in Providence and throughout southeastern New England with more than $20 million in annual revenue. Previously, I was based in Boston and responsible for structuring and underwriting credit for clients in New England. Prior to that, I held several roles at Brown Brothers Harriman, a privately held financial institution.

PBN: What led JPMorgan Chase to Rhode Island?

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STEVENS: We feel great about the vibrant market and the potential for growth here. The opening of our office on Dorrance Street really underscores our longstanding commitment to the Rhode Island market. We want to be closer to our clients, providing a local convenient experience while also connecting them to the firm’s extensive global resources and incredible people. The new location also marked a key milestone for the firm as we now have a local presence in all 50 of the top metropolitan statistical areas.

PBN: Can you tell our readers about the services the bank will provide out of its new Providence office?

STEVENS: Our goal is to connect clients to the right people and services to help them grow their business. We offer a comprehensive set of financial solutions and services including credit, equipment finance, real estate finance, treasury services and provide access to the international banking, investment-banking and asset-management services of J.P. Morgan.

PBN: What about the middle market is attractive in Rhode Island? Why?

STEVENS: As Rhode Island’s economy grows stronger and more diverse, it’s an exciting time to build our team here and partner with local businesses and provide them with customized solutions and resources that will help them achieve their goals. There is an opportunity to work hand in hand as the state diversifies from its more-traditional industry categories. Innovative companies are calling Rhode Island home and our bankers have specific expertise and experience in such industries such as technology, health care and life sciences.

PBN: Are there any plans to grow, or expand to offer other such services as retail banking?

STEVENS: We are always looking at opportunities to grow and provide the services our clients are requesting.

Eli Sherman is a PBN staff writer. Email him at Sherman@PBN.com, or you can follow him on Twitter @Eli_Sherman.