JPMorgan Chase aims to finance and facilitate more than $2.5 trillion over 10 years – beginning this year through the end of 2030 - to advance long-term solutions that address climate change and contribute to sustainable development. The firm will bring together its capital and expertise to help clients, customers and communities address these vital issues.
This long-term target complements the firm’s Paris-aligned financing strategy and will help accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy by encouraging actions that set a path for achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The firm will share an update and additional information on its Paris-aligned strategy with the release of its annual ESG Report this May.
Last year, the firm also established the J.P. Morgan Development Finance Institution (DFI) to grow the development finance activities undertaken by J.P. Morgan and attract additional investment to the emerging markets. The new 10-year effort announced today will further the DFI’s objective to promote economic and social development.
“Climate change and inequality are two of the critical issues of our time, and these new efforts will help create sustainable economic development that leads to a greener planet and critical investments in underserved communities,” said Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO, JPMorgan Chase. “Business, government and policy leaders must work together to support long-term solutions that advance economic inclusion, bolster sustainable development and further the transition to a low-carbon economy. We are committed to doing our part."
Supporting Clean Energy and Sustainable Development
The new $2.5 trillion effort will be focused on the following objectives:
- Green: $1 trillion for green initiatives that support climate action, with the goal of accelerating the deployment of solutions for cleaner sources of energy and facilitating the transition to a low-carbon economy.
- Since 2016, the firm has facilitated and financed nearly $210 billion towards green initiatives.
- To help clients navigate the challenges and the long-term benefits of this transition, the firm will continue to provide clients in the Corporate & Investment Bank and Commercial Banking with centralized access to sustainability-focused financing, research and advisory solutions through its Center for Carbon Transition. As part of its efforts, JPMorgan Chase Commercial Banking also recently launched a Green Economy specialized industry team. The team will initially focus on four sectors: Renewable Energy, Efficiency Technology, Sustainable Finance, and Agriculture and Food Technology.
- Development Finance: The firm will finance and facilitate transactions that support socioeconomic development and quality of life in developing countries. By originating and structuring transactions with anticipated development impact, the firm will mobilize capital to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in emerging economies.
- Community Development: JPMorgan Chase will advance economic inclusion in developed markets. The firm will focus its efforts on small business financing, home lending and affordable housing, education and healthcare. This includes the firm’s recent $30 billion commitment to advance racial equity.
“We believe that a contribution at this scale will have a significantly positive impact. As a company we commit to dedicating extensive time, expertise and focus to ongoing analysis and development of the role we play,” said Ashley Bacon, Chief Risk Officer, JPMorgan Chase. “It is necessary, but not sufficient that as financial institutions covering the whole economy, we play our part. We hope broader developments ranging from public policy to technological advancement will move us further towards a sustainable path.”
Impact of Annual 2020 Target
In 2020, JPMorgan Chase exceeded its annual sustainable development target and facilitated more than $220 billion in transactions, including more than $55 billion towards green initiatives. Examples include:
- Raising $230 million for Bloom Energy Corporation, which develops efficient energy generators used to dramatically reduce electricity costs and greenhouse gas emissions.
- Providing financing to support the development of ALLETE Clean Energy’s largest wind farm, which produces enough renewable energy to power about 114,000 homes;
- Helping structure the inaugural $198 million local currency tranche of the Republic of Uzbekistan’s sovereign issuance. Intended use of proceeds includes building 15 schools, constructing three health institutions, developing new transportation and utility infrastructure and funding social welfare programs to support women and children; and
- Committing $24.7 million in equity to the new construction of Old Colony, a 115-unit public housing project in South Boston. All the units will serve families at or below 60% of the Area Median Income (AMI), with 12 of the units reserved for families at or below 30% of the AMI.
The new 10-year goal leverages the firm’s global reach, capital, data and resources across lines of business. The firm will look for opportunities to refine JPMorgan Chase’s methodology, just as it has done between its 2020 achievement and this new 10-year target.
Our Approach to Measurement and Reporting
JPMorgan Chase will share additional information about eligible business activity, how it measures qualified transactions and the results of its efforts. The firm’s 2020 ESG Report, which will be released in May 2021, will include more information on the firm’s 2020 effort. Additional detail will also be shared at that time that lays out criteria for eligible business activity that will count toward the new 10-year target, as well as the process for reviewing qualified transactions. Going forward, the firm intends to provide updates on progress in its annual ESG Report. Examples of eligible business activities may include financing efforts that support renewable energy, clean technology, waste management, conservation, green buildings, sustainable transportation, transactions that advance the United Nations SDGs, affordable housing and small business financing in low-to-moderate income communities.
About JPMorgan Chase & Co.
JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE: JPM) is a leading global financial services firm with assets of $3.7 trillion and operations worldwide. The Firm is a leader in investment banking, financial services for consumers and small businesses, commercial banking, financial transaction processing, and asset management. A component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average, JPMorgan Chase & Co. serves millions of customers in the United States and many of the world’s most prominent corporate, institutional and government clients under its J.P. Morgan and Chase brands. Information about JPMorgan Chase & Co. is available at www.jpmorganchase.com.