A leading executive at JPMorgan Chase has indicated the American banking giant would be willing to meet with France’s far-right National Rally party as the group prepares for the 2027 presidential race.
Matthieu Wiltz, who serves as co-chief executive for JPMorgan’s operations across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, made the comments during a conference in Paris on Tuesday when reporters asked about potential engagement with the National Rally.
“We try to have dialogue with all of (the political parties). I’m happy to talk to anyone,” Wiltz stated. “I really want to explain why it’s important to have strong banks and strong European corporates, and why that would benefit France in the long term — and the European Union as well.”
The statement represents a notable shift in corporate strategy toward the National Rally, which major French businesses have historically kept at arm’s length. However, with polling data indicating the party could potentially secure victory in 2027, companies are now attempting to better understand and potentially shape its economic policies.
This corporate outreach has already begun in earnest. National Rally president Jordan Bardella held discussions with France’s top employer organization last month. Additionally, sources report that Marine Le Pen, the party’s longtime figurehead and three-time presidential contender, attended a Paris dinner gathering in April that included executives from major French companies such as oil giant TotalEnergies and luxury conglomerate LVMH.
Nevertheless, the National Rally has not yet secured widespread support from France’s business community, where leaders remain wary of the party’s evolving economic positions.
Current polling shows the party as a serious competitor for power, though questions persist about Le Pen’s eligibility to run. She faces a 2025 embezzlement conviction that bars her from seeking office for five years, with an appeal decision expected in July.
Wiltz’s comments also addressed JPMorgan’s European strategy following Britain’s departure from the European Union. The bank has been working to maintain operations in both London and Paris since Brexit took effect.
“Brexit happened. We live in a world now where we have to be balanced between the UK and what we have here in France and the EU,” he explained.
“As it stands today, honestly, there is nothing that would push us to move outside of France. France is still very appealing.”
JPMorgan currently maintains a workforce of more than 1,000 employees in Paris and has been expanding its French operations in recent years, including developing plans for additional office space to accommodate growth.
