JP Morgan Chase 2015 Annual Report Download - page 153

JPMorgan Chase & Co./2015 Annual Report 143
PRINCIPAL RISK MANAGEMENT
Principal investments are predominantly privately-held
financial assets and instruments, typically representing an
ownership or junior capital position, that have unique risks
due to their illiquidity or for which there is less observable
market or valuation data. Such investing activities are
typically intended to be held over extended investment
periods and, accordingly, the Firm has no expectation for
short-term gain with respect to these investments. Principal
investments cover multiple asset classes and are made
either in stand-alone investing businesses or as part of a
broader business platform. Asset classes include tax-
oriented investments (e.g., affordable housing and
alternative energy investments), private equity and various
debt investments.
The Firm’s principal investments are managed under
various lines of business and are captured within the
respective LOB’s financial results. The Firm’s approach to
managing principal risk is consistent with the Firm’s general
risk governance structure. A Firmwide risk policy framework
exists for all principal investing activities. All investments
are approved by investment committees that include
executives who are independent from the investing
businesses. The Firm’s independent control functions are
responsible for reviewing the appropriateness of the
carrying value of principal investments in accordance with
relevant policies. Approved levels for such investments are
established for each relevant business in order to manage
the overall size of the portfolios. Industry, geographic, and
position level concentration limits are in place and are
intended to ensure diversification of the portfolios. The
Firm also conducts stress testing on these portfolios using
specific scenarios that estimate losses based on significant
market moves and/or other risk events.