JPMorgan Chase is aiming to settle accusations it devised “manipulative schemes†that transformed “money-losing power plants into powerful profit centers,†according to people briefed on the matter, a deal that is expected to cost the bank, the nation’s largest, about $500 million.
The bank and the regulator of the nation’s energy markets are still negotiating a potential fine, the people said, though the most recent talks have indicated that the bank will pay about $500 million. That figure could shift as the two sides inch closer to a settlement, a potential record for the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, or FERC.
The accusations against JPMorgan surfaced in a confidential government document, reviewed by The New York Times, that outlined a pattern of illegal trading in trading in California and Michigan electric markets. The document also claimed one of JPMorgan’s most senior executives gave “false and misleading statements†under oath.
Investigators for the regulator sent the document to the bank in March, warning that they intended to recommend that the agency pursue an action against JPMorgan and the executive, Blythe Masters. The bank replied to the accusations in mid-May, the people briefed on the matter said, ultimately leading to settlement talks in recent weeks.
A settlement could be welcome news for the bank as it faces a swirl of regulatory investigations. After suffering a $6 billion trading loss last year, the bank became the subject of several federal investigations. Banking regulators are also weighing new enforcement actions against the bank for the way it collected credit card debt.
It is unclear whether the energy regulator will pursue a separate action against Ms. Masters, known for developing complex financial instruments like derivatives that played a role in the financial crisis.
A spokeswoman for the bank declined to comment. FERC also declined to comment.
For the energy regulator, it would be the latest in a string of actions against big banks. On Tuesday, FERC ordered Barclays to pay a $470 million penalty for suspected manipulation of energy markets in California and other Western states by some of its traders. The bank is fighting the charges.
The prospect of a deal with JPMorgan Chase was reported earlier by The Wall Street Journal.
