Leading banks in the U.S. 2024, by Tier 1 capital

As of June 2024, JPMorgan Chase Bank led U.S. financial institutions with the highest Tier 1 capital, a key measure of a bank's financial strength. Tier 1 capital, comprising core capital including equity and disclosed reserves, is a crucial indicator of a bank's ability to absorb potential losses. JPMorgan Chase's Tier 1 capital surpassed 277 billion U.S. dollars in the second quarter of 2024, cementing its position as the most well-capitalized bank in the United States. Additionally, the banking giant boasted the highest Tier 1 capital ratio among its American peers, further underscoring its robust financial health.

What is the Tier 1 capital ratio?

The Tier 1 capital ratio is a critical metric for assessing a bank's resilience to financial stress. It's calculated by dividing a bank's core capital by its total risk-weighted assets, with regulatory requirements mandating a minimum ratio of six percent. As of 2023, the largest U.S. banks significantly exceeded this threshold. JPMorgan Chase led with a ratio of 16.6 percent, closely followed by Citibank at 15.02 percent, while Bank of America maintained a strong position at 13.5 percent. These ratios demonstrate the robust capital positions of major American financial institutions, indicating their strong capacity to withstand potential economic downturns or financial shocks.

The leading banks in the U.S.

The U.S. banking sector is dominated by four major institutions, commonly known as "the big four": JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citigroup. JPMorgan Chase stands out as the leader among these financial giants. It holds the top position across several key metrics, including market capitalization, total assets, investment banking revenue, and net income. This comprehensive leadership underscores JPMorgan Chase's dominant role in the American financial landscape and its significant influence on the global banking industry.