JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon has revealed his half-century of investment experience into a simple but powerful mantra: “Don’t blow up.” Speaking on an episode of Acquired Podcast, Dimon shared how this investment philosophy has helped him. Dimon reveals that born from his first stock purchase at age 14 — has shaped not only his personal approach to investing but also the risk culture at one of the world’s largest banks.

A lesson learned early

Dimon’s first foray into the stock market came in 1972, which was guided by his father. After two years, the market crashed by 45%, giving the teenage investor a harsh but formative lesson in volatility. “Don’t blow up,” Dimon said, referring to the importance of avoiding catastrophic losses, especially during periods of market euphoria.This early experience helped Dimon in laying a strong foundation for a career which is defined by caution, discipline and resilience. He mentioned that these qualities have helped JPMorgan and Chase in navigating through financial crisis and emerge as a global banking leader.

The “Fortress Balance Sheet” strategy

Dimon’s investment mantra is more than just personal wisdom— it’s an institutional policy. Under his leadership, JPMorgan has has embraced a “fortress balance sheet” strategy, prioritizing:

Dimon’s disciplined and calculative approach has helped the bank in standing strong during economic downturns such as COVID-19 pandemic, the financial crisis of 2008. The strategy helped the bank in maintaining stability without comprising on the reputation.

A blueprint for long-term success

Dimon’s investment policy highlights the importance of risk management in both personal investing and corporate finance. While many people run behind short-term gains, Dimon advocates for a disciplined strategy that avoids overexposure and protects against worst-case scenarios. “It’s not about avoiding risk entirely,” Dimon explained. “It’s about managing it intelligently so you can survive and thrive over time.”