The Jamie Dimon Interview

Jul 16, 2025 66m

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Episode Description

We sit down with Jamie Dimon for a live conversation at Radio City Music Hall, covering the incredible journey from his 1998 firing at Citgroup (where he was widely expected to become CEO) to building the most powerful bank in the world. Today JPMorgan Chase is a juggernaut — the most systemically important non-governmental financial institution in the world, with over twice the market capitalization of its nearest competitor. But it certainly wasn’t always this way! Jamie takes us from his career restart at the struggling Chicago-based Bank One through how he transformed that platform into the foundation for the modern JPMorgan Chase. We dive into the “fortress balance sheet” strategy that has defined his tenure, and cover blow-by-blow Jamie’s approach to the Great Financial Crisis, Bear Stearns, WaMu, First Republic and more. Tune in for an incredible conversation, live from New York City’s most iconic venue!

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Episode image photo credit: Rockefeller Center

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‍Note: Acquired hosts and guests may hold assets discussed in this episode. This podcast is not investment advice, and is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should do your own research and make your own independent decisions when considering any financial transactions.

AI-Generated Summary

The Rise of Jamie Dimon

In this engaging conversation, Jamie Dimon shares the journey from his unexpected firing at Citigroup in 1998 to leading JP Morgan Chase, one of the largest and most influential banks in the world. Dimon discusses the challenges he faced, including a significant career reset at Bank One and how he transformed it into a powerful financial institution. Today, JPMorgan Chase not only commands a market cap of over $800 billion but is also widely regarded as a stabilizing force in the U.S. financial system.

Building the Fortress Balance Sheet

Dimon delves into the 'fortress balance sheet' strategy that has been instrumental in the success of JP Morgan Chase. He emphasizes the importance of conservatively managing risk, ensuring strong liquidity, and maintaining high levels of capital. Jamie highlights how this foresight allowed the bank to weather financial crises, including the events of 2008.

Navigating Financial Crises

Throughout the podcast, Jamie recounts pivotal moments during various financial crises, particularly the handling of Bear Stearns and Washington Mutual (WaMu). He illustrates the strategies employed during these acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of decision-making in turbulent times. Dimon’s proactive approach and willingness to raise capital were critical in bolstering the bank's stability.

Lessons from the Past and Looking Ahead

The conversation wraps up with reflections on lessons learned from past mistakes and Dimon’s outlook for the financial industry amidst evolving challenges. He addresses current economic conditions, the threat of cyber risks, and the importance of risk management in an ever-changing landscape.