Edward Jones Advances Compliance Culture at 25th Symposium to Promote Ethical Leadership

Edward Jones Advances Compliance Culture at 25th Symposium

Edward Jones, a leading North American financial services firm, marked a significant milestone by hosting its 25th Compliance Symposium, dedicated to fostering a culture of compliance and ethical decision-making throughout the organization. The event, held on December 11, 2024, was opened to all 54,000 associates, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to integrity and excellence in compliance.

The theme of this year’s symposium, "Lead with Courage," aimed to inspire associates at all levels to align their work with the company's strategic goals, encouraging thoughtful decision-making and adaptability in a rapidly changing regulatory environment.

One of the highlights of the symposium was the address by Jennifer Grego, the firm’s newly appointed Chief Compliance Officer. Coming from a distinguished career at Morgan Stanley, where she held the same position as well as heading Operational Risk for Wealth Management, Grego’s expertise significantly enriches Edward Jones' compliance framework. She emphasized the importance of safeguarding retail investors against fraud and abuse and shared her enthusiasm for fostering accountability within the company.

"During my initial months at Edward Jones, I have been truly inspired by the commitment to integrity and transparency that flows through the organization," Grego remarked. "Our focus not only lies in meeting compliance standards but also in ensuring that we protect those we serve. I look forward to working closely across the organization to enhance our compliance processes and bolster the trust our clients and associates place in us."

This year’s symposium featured an impressive roster of speakers, including Edward Jones Managing Partner Penny Pennington, alongside prominent figures like Justin Ross (Chief Compliance Officer at Sysco) and Anne Flannery (Partner at Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP), among others. These individuals participated in various panel discussions and lectures, greatly contributing to the educational experience of the attendees.

A significant topic of discussion was the recently implemented Code of Ethical Conduct, which aligns with the firm’s core values. This code serves as a guiding framework for behaviors and decision-making processes throughout Edward Jones. It applies uniformly to all employees, including financial advisors and other support teams across the United States and Canada, ensuring that everyone adheres to the same high ethical standards.

The Compliance Symposium is an essential component of the firm's governance and ethics program. It culminated with a dialogue among the Enterprise Leadership Team which highlighted the firm’s ongoing transformational journey in compliance and ethics. Such initiatives underscore the wider importance Edward Jones places on building a culture of ethical leadership and responsibility.

Edward Jones currently employs around 20,000 financial advisors and caters to over 8 million clients, managing over $2.2 trillion in client assets. Their mission resonates throughout the firm: to partner for positive impacts that enrich the lives of clients, colleagues, and the community. With a dedicated workforce and expansive branch presence across North America, Edward Jones continues to prioritize client protection and ethical conduct within the financial services sector.

With strong leadership and a commitment to compliance, Edward Jones not only elevates its reputation but also instills confidence in the financial advice it provides, aligning with its mission to help clients achieve their financial goals.