For all its heft, JPMorgan has been a Johnny-come-lately to the algorithmic big leagues.

Advanced Trading notes that in Tabb Group's recent U.S. Equity Trading Report, JPMorgan ranked tenth based on frequency of mention as a top-five algo provider. It's fair to say it has a ways to go before it will ascend to the top tier and rival the likes of Credit Suisse and others. But JPMorgan has been making a big push.

"The firm has beefed up its quant team, hiring about two dozen quantitative analysts, and is building a laboratory to work on applied science projects. New hires range from doctoral graduates straight from academia to experienced personnel from the buy and sell sides who bring practical cross-asset-class experience."

 JPMorgan has also made great strides in re-engineering its internal order flow in order to make sure all of it is well aggregated. The firm has also refreshed its algo offerings. All this seems somewhat dated, as other banks have moved down this path already. But it would be wrong to say there is no opportunity here for the bank. All the sell-side players are wooing the buy-side with enhanced offers and better technology solutions.

JPMorgan, with its solid brand, might as well get in the mix.  Good solutions and solid support--which cannot be discounted in terms of importance--will hopefully find an audience. The firm is optimistic and executives tell Advanced Trading that the recent volume spike proved that it is on the right track. Of course, other sell-side outfits can say that as well.

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