Key facts
- Former JPMorgan Chase executive Jes Staley admitted to sharing confidential bank information with U.S. lawmakers.
- The shared information included details of JPMorgan's communications with the Federal Reserve during the 2008 financial crisis.
- Staley also disclosed $44 billion in private bank inflows and information on pending deals to Epstein.
- He confirmed he was appointed as a trustee of Epstein's estate.
- Staley denied allegations of sexual encounters related to an email exchange about a Snow White costume.
Former JPMorgan Chase executive Jes Staley admitted to U.S. lawmakers that he repeatedly shared confidential and market-sensitive information with Jeffrey Epstein, according to transcripts released by the House Oversight Committee. Staley, who ran JPMorgan's private bank and asset-management business while Epstein was a client, testified as part of the committee's investigation into Epstein's connections with political and business elites.
During his voluntary, closed-door interview, Staley stated he divulged details of the bank's communications with the Federal Reserve during the 2008 financial crisis, a figure of $44 billion in private bank inflows over two weeks, his own compensation, and information on pending deals to Epstein. He also shared other confidential JPMorgan information and discussed client relationships and developments related to his eventual move to Barclays.
Staley defended these exchanges, asserting he believed he had the authority to share information when deemed appropriate. He maintained a close professional relationship with Epstein but claimed ignorance of his crimes. Staley also testified that he informed Epstein about the bank's concerns regarding his large cash withdrawals and designated him a high-risk client.
Further scrutiny of Staley's relationship with the disgraced financier, who died in jail in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges, has emerged. Staley confirmed he was appointed as a trustee of Epstein's estate, signing relevant documents in 2014 and 2015, though he later declined to serve. The oversight committee has also interviewed other prominent figures as part of its ongoing probe.
Separately, Staley denied having sex with a woman dressed as Snow White, after being questioned about an email exchange with Epstein referencing Disney princesses. In the exchange, Staley told Epstein, “That was fun. Say hi to Snow White.” Epstein then asked, “What character would you like next?” to which Staley replied, “Beauty and the Beast.” Epstein responded, “Well one side is availble [sic].” Staley denied that Disney princesses were used as code names for selecting women for sexual encounters.