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JPMorgan Appoints New Head of North American Leveraged Finance

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  Published in Business and Finance on Wednesday, February 18th 2026 at 19:45 GMT by KELO
      Locales: New York, South Dakota, UNITED STATES

NEW YORK - JPMorgan Chase & Co. solidified its commitment to the North American leveraged finance sector Tuesday with the announcement of Catherine O'Donnell's appointment as Head of North America Leveraged Finance. O'Donnell steps into the role following the transition of Jim Quigley, a veteran of the firm, into a new advisory capacity.

This leadership change isn't merely a reshuffling of personnel; it signals JPMorgan's strategic prioritization of a market segment currently experiencing robust activity and projected continued growth. Leveraged finance, encompassing loans and bonds used to fund acquisitions or recapitalizations - often involving companies with significant debt - has become a critical engine for corporate activity. JPMorgan's decision to place a seasoned professional like O'Donnell at the helm underscores the bank's ambition to maintain, and expand, its leading position in this space.

Catherine O'Donnell boasts over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of leveraged finance and capital markets. Her recent tenure as a Managing Director within JPMorgan Chase's Global Investment Banking division provided her with a comprehensive understanding of the firm's operations and the broader market landscape. While details of her previous deals remain largely confidential, sources within the bank suggest she's been instrumental in structuring several high-profile leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations over the past five years. Her ascent is viewed internally as a reward for consistent performance and a testament to her ability to forge strong client relationships.

"Catherine is a proven leader with a deep understanding of the leveraged finance market," a JPMorgan spokesperson stated. "Her experience and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to serve our clients and grow our business in this important sector."

Jim Quigley's transition to an advisory role is equally noteworthy. After years of leading the North America Leveraged Finance team, Quigley's deep industry knowledge and established relationships remain a valuable asset to JPMorgan. This strategic move allows the firm to leverage his expertise without burdening him with the day-to-day operational demands of the role. He's expected to focus on cultivating key client relationships and providing strategic guidance on complex transactions. This handover period is crucial; a smooth transition will ensure continuity of service for JPMorgan's clients and mitigate any potential disruptions.

The North American leveraged finance market has experienced significant ups and downs in recent years, heavily influenced by macroeconomic factors like interest rate fluctuations, inflation, and overall economic growth. 2023 and 2024 saw a slowdown in deal volume as higher interest rates increased the cost of borrowing, making leveraged transactions less attractive. However, with expectations of interest rate stabilization and potential cuts in late 2025 and 2026, analysts predict a resurgence in activity. Private equity firms, flush with capital, are eager to deploy funds into attractive acquisition targets, driving demand for leveraged financing.

JPMorgan's focus on leveraged finance is not limited to traditional lending. The bank is also actively involved in arranging high-yield bond offerings and providing advisory services related to debt restructuring and refinancing. The firm's comprehensive suite of services positions it as a one-stop shop for companies seeking to raise capital or manage their debt obligations. The competition in this sector is fierce, with rivals like Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and Bank of America all vying for market share. JPMorgan's appointment of O'Donnell is a clear indication that it intends to remain a dominant force.

Looking ahead, several trends are expected to shape the future of leveraged finance. ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) considerations are increasingly influencing investment decisions, with lenders and investors demanding greater transparency and accountability from borrowers. Technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, are also transforming the industry, enabling more efficient risk assessment and transaction processing. Catherine O'Donnell will undoubtedly play a key role in navigating these evolving dynamics and ensuring that JPMorgan remains at the forefront of innovation. The specific details of her strategy are yet to be unveiled, but industry observers anticipate a focus on strengthening client relationships, expanding the bank's digital capabilities, and proactively addressing emerging risks.