Get to know Max Lane, Head of Military and Veteran Wealth Strategies

Q&A

Tell us about your background.

I served over nine years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard, both on the enlisted and commissioned officer sides. During that time, I had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles and locations, including a deployment to Iraq with the combat engineers. In 2012, I came off active duty orders to serve part-time in the Guard, and in 2016, I fully left the service. I’ve spent more than 13 years in financial services, and for over a decade at J.P. Morgan, I’ve looked for every opportunity to support the military and veteran community—whether through volunteering, mentoring or building initiatives inside the firm. I have a wonderful family, and spend my free time chasing after my two kids, Ben and Cece. 

What is your current role? How did you get here?

I lead Military and Veteran Wealth Strategies for the J.P. Morgan Private Bank, serving veterans, their families, their supporters and those connected to national defense. I took a unique path to this role, beginning my career as a Branch Manager through the first class of our Military Pathways program. Since then, I’ve worked all across the firm in a variety of roles, such as financial crimes, operations, and in our Office of Military and Veteran Affairs. The firm has always been incredibly supportive, giving me opportunities to stretch, take on new challenges, and align my work with both our culture of supporting the veteran community and my passion for helping others.

What makes you proud to work at J.P. Morgan Private Bank?

The Private Bank shares the same culture of service and commitment to helping others that I experienced in the military. We genuinely care about supporting veterans and understanding their experiences, and we bring that same dedication to every client we serve. Everything we do is advisory focused and built around what is best for clients and their families, creating an experience that helps them reach their goals while knowing we are fully in their corner.

How does the firm’s commitment to the space impact how we serve Private Bank clients?

The firm has been supporting the military and veteran community for decades, and that commitment starts at the top. Because we invest in understanding this space, we can meet clients where they are—with empathy, precision and solutions tailored to their circumstances. We truly care about helping the military and veteran community at every stage of their journeys, from active service to transition, to building their wealth and beyond. That means we’re not just offering financial strategies, we’re offering them in a way that aligns with the values and lived experiences of those we serve.

What do you want clients to know that they don’t know?

Having an advisor who understands your service and is working to help you meet your goals is incredibly important. Veterans are motivated and hardworking by nature, and are often so focused on accomplishing their missions that they don’t always see the breadth of things we can advise them on. I once spoke with a veteran who had built and sold three companies, and when I asked who advised him along the way, he said he figured it out on his own. He admitted it was difficult and that he wished he had help, but was so focused on getting it done that seeking advice wasn’t a priority at the time. I meet with veterans every day who are founders of incredible companies or have excelled in their careers, and who could benefit from having a partner alongside them. Veterans often have a “I’ll figure it out” mentality, and we can be the trusted advisor in their corner, providing guidance along the way so they don’t have to navigate it alone.

What makes J.P. Morgan Private Bank an optimal partner for military veterans, their families and supporters?

We understand their service, their values, and the unique opportunities and challenges that come with military life. Veterans, their families, their supporters and those connected to national defense deserve a partner who is in their corner and committed to helping them reach their goals. The Private Bank brings world-class resources, deep expertise and a network that can open doors—combined with a genuine commitment to supporting the military and veteran community. It’s that blend of capability and care that makes us the best partner to help them preserve and grow their wealth, plan for the future and build the legacies they want to leave behind.

What makes collaborating with military veterans different from working with other clients?

Military service is a family business that permeates every part of your life while you’re serving, and continues to shape who you become long after. That experience creates a deep sense of mission, discipline and commitment, along with a strong value for trust, authenticity and straightforward conversations. Many veterans approach their finances with the same focus and determination they brought to their service, and our conversations often go beyond numbers—they’re about impact, community and building a legacy that reflects their values. Recognizing how deeply service influences their goals allows us to give advice that truly fits who they are and what they want to achieve.

What are the unique financial challenges military veterans face, and how do we guide them at the Private Bank?

Transitioning from military service to civilian life often means navigating an entirely new financial landscape. Income structures, tax considerations and VA benefits can be complex, especially when combined with business ownership, entrepreneurship or careers in industries tied to national defense. Service also shapes priorities—many veterans focus on their missions and communities first, sometimes putting long-term planning on the backburner. At the Private Bank, we bring the right expertise at the right time, helping them to organize their financial worlds, create strategies that reflect their values, and build a path toward their goals with a trusted advisor in their corner every step of the way.