The most stunning chart from today's plethora of JPMorgan investor day presentations was this one derived from the expense chart on page 22 [5], listing the firm's various non-corporate and corporate legal expenses, as well as foreclosure related matters: in other words, the amount of money the company pays to continue operations as an implicit criminal enterprise, however without ever having to admit or deny guilt to the US department of justice, and without the resulting incarcerations. Think of it as racketeering money by Uncle Sam to allow JPM to continue operations. The number: since 2010 JPM has paid a mindblowing $29.8 billion in "one-time, non-recurring" legal fees, charges, settlements, and otherwise expenses that in theory at least should not be part of its ongoing business operations.... but are.
[6]
If nothing else, this chart explains why Jamie Dimon's bonus was hiked by 74% in 2013 to $20 million, and why, on the one year anniversary of his legendary quote explaining why he is richer than you, he is, well, just that.
One other thing the chart explains is this news from the WSJ [7]:
J.P. Morgan's Chief Compliance Officer Leaves Firm
JPMorgan's chief compliance officer has left the nation's largest bank as J.P. Morgan grapples with a variety of regulatory headaches, lawsuits and investigations, according to a memo reviewed by The Wall Street Journal and people familiar with the move.
Cindy Armine, who was in the post for roughly one year, exited for a position with another company, according to the company memo. The new company wasn't named in the memo, but people familiar with the move expect her to take a job with First Data Corp., the Atlanta payment processor run by former J.P. Morgan executive Frank Bisignano. A First Data spokeswoman couldn't be reached immediately for comment.
Mr. Bisignano has recruited several former colleagues since leaving J.P. Morgan last April, angering some old counterparts at J.P. Morgan. First Data agreed last month to pay millions of dollars to J.P. Morgan in exchange for a pledge from the bank that it wouldn't challenge any new hires, said people familiar with the deal.
The exit of Ms. Armine is the latest in a string of high-profile departures as the bank works to improve controls and satisfy regulators. Her role involved direct dealings with U.S. regulators and monitoring of J.P. Morgan's compliance with all laws and regulations.
At least no nail guns were involved in this termination after just one year.