Union Bank of Switzerland ( UBS ) was a Swiss investment bank and financial services company located in Switzerland . The bank, which at the time was the second largest bank in Switzerland, merged with Swiss Bank Corporation in 1998 to become UBS . This merger formed what was then the largest bank in Europe and the second largest bank in the world.
121-546: UBS was formed in 1912 through the merger of the Bank in Winterthur and Toggenburger Bank , both founded in the early 1860s. UBS then continued to grow through acquisitions, including Aargauische Kreditanstalt in 1919, Eidgenössische Bank [ de ] in 1945, Interhandel Basel in 1967, Phillips & Drew in 1986, and Schröder, Münchmeyer, Hengst & Co. in 1997 among others. The historical UBS logo comprises
242-657: A 10 per cent stake, Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) boosted its stake in the Credit Suisse Group to 6.87 per cent and Harris Associates reported a holding of below 3 per cent. Harris Associates reported having exited all its Credit Suisse positions by March 2023. Credit Suisse stock (CS) in the NYSE fell from $ 2.50 to $ 1.88 a share on 15 March 2023. On 19 March 2023, fellow Swiss bank group UBS agreed to buy Credit Suisse for more than US$ 3 billion. The purchase of Credit Suisse by UBS has reportedly averted
363-856: A 44 percent stake in First Boston's US operations. In 1987, the Group acquired the blue chip London stockbrokers Buckmaster & Moore , originally established by aristocrat Charles Armytage-Moore and sportsman Walter Buckmaster , who had met at Repton School . As stockbrokers they were very well connected, had developed a good private client business, which at one time included John Maynard Keynes . Other Credit Suisse First Boston brands were later created in Switzerland, Asia, London, New York and Tokyo. According to an article in The New York Times , First Boston became "the superstar of
484-559: A CHF 2.24bn rights issue and a CHF 1.80bn private placing. On 9 February 2023, the bank reported an annual loss of CHF 7.3 bn, the biggest loss since the 2007–2008 financial crisis . On 14 March of that same year, Credit Suisse published its annual report for 2022 saying it had identified “material weaknesses” in controls over financial reporting. On 15 March 2023, Credit Suisse' share price dropped nearly 25 percent after Saudi National Bank, its largest investor, said it could not provide more financial assistance. The market price of
605-527: A branch office in New York. The bank also established a UK subsidiary in 1975 and a U.S. subsidiary in 1979 to focus on building the bank's presence in the underwriting of debt and equity securities. Nevertheless, UBS, which had traditionally concentrated its efforts on the domestic Swiss market, was the last of the three largest Swiss banks to establish a branch office in the U.S. and its securities operations were overshadowed by those of its two Swiss peers. By
726-473: A controlling share of the bank in 1988. From 1990 to 2000, the company purchased institutions such as Winterthur Group , Swiss Volksbank, Swiss American Securities Inc. (SASI), and Bank Leu . The company was one of the least affected banks during the 2007–2008 financial crisis , but afterwards began shrinking its investment business, executing layoffs and cutting costs. The bank was at the center of multiple international investigations for tax avoidance (such as
847-657: A controlling stake in Switzerland's fifth largest bank, Swiss Volksbank in a $ 1.1 billion deal. It also merged with Winterthur Group in 1997 for about $ 9 billion and acquired the asset management division of Warburg, Pincus & Co. in 1999 for $ 650 million. Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette was purchased for $ 11.5 billion in 2000. In 1996, Credit Suisse restructured as the Credit Suisse Group with four divisions: Credit Suisse Volksbank (later called Credit Suisse Bank) for domestic banking, Credit Suisse Private Banking, Credit Suisse Asset Management, and Credit Suisse First Boston for corporate and investment banking. The restructure
968-464: A global investment banking business, Warburg Dillon Read through its acquisitions of Dillon Read in New York and S.G. Warburg in London. Swiss Bank was generally considered to be further along than UBS in developing its international investment banking business, particularly in the higher margin advisory businesses where Warburg Dillon Read was considered to be the more established platform. UBS, on
1089-411: A global investment banking business, Warburg Dillon Read through its acquisitions of Dillon Read in New York and S.G. Warburg in London. Swiss Bank was generally considered to be further along than UBS in developing its international investment banking business, particularly in the higher margin advisory businesses where Warburg Dillon Read was considered to be the more established platform. UBS, on
1210-542: A group of smaller banks in Switzerland in 1994 and then acquiring the Cantonal Bank of Appenzell-Ausserrhoden in 1996. In its final acquisition, prior to the merger with Swiss Bank Corporation, the bank acquired Schröder, Münchmeyer, Hengst & Co. from Lloyds TSB in 1997 in order to further penetrate the German investment banking market as well as the market for wealthy private clients. Schröder Münchmeyer Hengst
1331-426: A group of smaller banks in Switzerland in 1994 and then acquiring the Cantonal Bank of Appenzell-Ausserrhoden in 1996. In its final acquisition, prior to the merger with Swiss Bank Corporation, the bank acquired Schröder, Münchmeyer, Hengst & Co. from Lloyds TSB in 1997 in order to further penetrate the German investment banking market as well as the market for wealthy private clients. Schröder Münchmeyer Hengst
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#17327930512311452-563: A larger crackdown in Brazil. Four Credit Suisse bankers were accused of fraud by the US Justice Department in 2011 for helping wealthy Americans avoid taxes. In 2012, German authorities found that citizens were using insurance policies of a Bermuda-based Credit Suisse subsidiary to earn tax-free interest. In November 2012, Credit Suisse's asset management division was merged with the private banking arm. In September 2012,
1573-406: A major issue for UBS in the mid-1990s and a series of revelations in 1997 brought the issue to the forefront of national attention in 1996 and 1997. UBS confirmed that a large number of accounts that had gone unclaimed as a result of the bank's policy of requiring death certificates from family members to claim the contents of the account. UBS's handling of these revelations were largely criticized and
1694-576: A number of banks in its first decade as a combined bank and expanded its branch network, establishing representation throughout Switzerland by 1923. UBS acquired a controlling interest in Aargauische Creditanstalt in 1913 and Banque Ch. Masson & Cie. in 1916. Although the bank suffered during World War I and the postwar economic crises in Europe, UBS continued to make acquisitions after the conclusion of World War I. The bank purchased
1815-432: A number of economic analysts, particularly the resulting lack of banking competition in Switzerland's economy. The take-over by UBS had limited the choice of lenders, particularly for smaller and medium sized companies. Credit Suisse's international reach had affected the employment situation in Europe as well as other regions. The Swiss economy as such also relies on a number of heavily capitalised state banks that have been
1936-760: A particularly warm reception from the American Jewish community. In 1997, the World Jewish Congress lawsuit against Swiss banks (WJC) was launched to retrieve deposits made by victims of Nazi persecution during and prior to World War II. Negotiations involving Union Bank of Switzerland, Credit Suisse , the WJC and Stuart Eizenstat , on behalf of the U.S., ultimately resulted in a settlement of US$ 1.25 billion in August 1998. The settlement, which coincided with UBS's merger with Swiss Bank, together with
2057-458: A position as a leading European underwriter of Eurobonds and pulled off a major coup in 1985 by pricing a large bond offering for Nestlé, Rockwell, IBM, and Mobil at below market rates. The bank also made two major acquisitions in 1986, first it purchased Phillips & Drew an established British brokerage and asset management firm, founded in 1895. However, UBS initially had issues integrating Phillips & Drew. The firm lost £15 million when
2178-639: A range of companies and projects. The bank would be involved in funding the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works , the hotel Baur au Lac in Zürich and many other companies. The bank capitalized on its location at an important Swiss railroad junction and its large warehousing facilities allowed the bank to take advantage of the dramatic rise in cotton prices caused by the American Civil War . The Bank in Winterthur saw its share capital double by
2299-573: A rush of orders overwhelmed the firm's settlement system in 1987. Then the bank lost £48 million as a result of Philips & Drew positions in the October 1987 stock market crash . Between April 1987 and February 1988, UBS was required to spend as much as £115 million to shore up Phillips & Drew. Phillips & Drew unit returned to profitability in 1992 after years of losses. UBS also expanded into West Germany, acquiring Deutsche Länderbank in 1986. In 1991, UBS made its first acquisition in
2420-519: A rush of orders overwhelmed the firm's settlement system in 1987. Then the bank lost £48 million as a result of Philips & Drew positions in the October 1987 stock market crash . Between April 1987 and February 1988, UBS was required to spend as much as £115 million to shore up Phillips & Drew. Phillips & Drew unit returned to profitability in 1992 after years of losses. UBS also expanded into West Germany, acquiring Deutsche Länderbank in 1986. In 1991, UBS made its first acquisition in
2541-425: A significant lender to those smaller enterprises, particularly after the demise of CS. On 27 June 2023, UBS announced its intention to cut more than half of Credit Suisse's workforce. In July 2024, Credit Suisse (Schweiz) ceased to exist as a separate legal entity after fully being integrated into UBS Switzerland. Credit Suisse's leadership history unfolds through visionary leaders like Alfred Escher, who founded
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#17327930512312662-508: A substantial portion of Credit Suisse's business was in foreign reconstruction efforts. Banks subsequently acquired by Credit Suisse have been linked to bank accounts used by members of the NSDAP in the 1930s. Holocaust survivors had problems trying to retrieve assets from relatives that died in concentration camps without death certificates. This led to a class action lawsuit in 1996 that settled in 2000 for $ 1.25 billion. The Agreement on
2783-528: Is a global investment bank and financial services firm founded and based in Switzerland as a standalone firm but now a subsidiary of UBS . According to UBS, eventually Credit Suisse will be fully integrated into UBS but while the integration is not complete both banks are operating separately. Headquartered in Zürich , as a standalone firm it maintained offices in all major financial centers around
2904-616: Is a criminal offence in Switzerland. Both proceedings were discontinued by the District Attorney in September 1997. Meili was suspended from his job at the security company that served UBS, following a criminal investigation. Meili and his family left Switzerland for the United States where they were granted political asylum . By contrast, in the U.S., Meili was largely regarded as a hero and whistleblower and received
3025-483: Is changed into Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). The merged bank shows the following figures for 1912: Total assets: CHF202 million. Shareholders' Equity: CHF46 million. Profit: CHF2.4 million. Dr. Rudolf Ernst (1865–1956) First Chairman of the Board of Directors of the merged bank from 1912 until 1941 is Rudolf Ernst, of Winterthur, until 1921 alternating with C. Emil Grob-Halter of Lichtensteig. After
3146-475: Is organised as a joint-stock company registered in Zürich that operates as a holding company. It owns the Credit Suisse bank and other interests in the financial services business. Credit Suisse is governed by a board of directors, its shareholders, and independent auditors. The Board of Directors organise the annual General Meeting of Shareholders while investors with large stakes in the company determine
3267-597: The Baur en Ville hotel in Zürich for sale. However, this intervention did not stop investors and customers from pulling their money out of Credit Suisse, with outflows topping 10 billion Swiss francs during the week, and almost $ 69 billion (approximately 61 billion Swiss francs) in withdrawals during the first calendar quarter. The situation was so compromised that the SNB and the Swiss government started discussions to fast-track
3388-640: The life insurance business in 1993 establishing UBS Life. UBS formed a joint venture with Swiss Life in 1995, known as UBS Swiss Life. UBS took a 25% ownership position in Swiss Life in exchange for a 50% share in the joint venture. UBS entered the 1990s clearly the largest and most conservative of the three large Swiss Banks. Unlike Swiss Bank and Credit Suisse, which had both made aggressive international acquisitions in trading and investment banking, UBS's investments had been more conservative in businesses such as asset management and life insurance while 60% of
3509-581: The life insurance business in 1993 establishing UBS Life. UBS formed a joint venture with Swiss Life in 1995, known as UBS Swiss Life. UBS took a 25% ownership position in Swiss Life in exchange for a 50% share in the joint venture. UBS entered the 1990s clearly the largest and most conservative of the three large Swiss Banks. Unlike Swiss Bank and Credit Suisse, which had both made aggressive international acquisitions in trading and investment banking, UBS's investments had been more conservative in businesses such as asset management and life insurance while 60% of
3630-554: The "Mutual Fund for Swiss Stocks FONSA" and the "South Africa Trust Fund SAFIT". The Bank in Winterthur and the Toggenburger Bank merge to form the Schweizerische Bankgesellschaft. Its French name is Union de Banques Suisses (UBS) and its Italian name is Unione di Banche Svizzere (UBS). The English name of the bank at first is Swiss Banking Association. In 1921 that somewhat inappropriate name
3751-414: The "New UBS" to distinguish itself from the former Union Bank of Switzerland, the combined bank became the second largest in the world, at that time, behind only the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi . Additionally, the merger pulled together the banks' various asset management businesses to create the world's largest money manager, with approximately US$ 910 billion in assets under management. The merger, which
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3872-414: The "New UBS" to distinguish itself from the former Union Bank of Switzerland, the combined bank became the second largest in the world, at that time, behind only the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi . Additionally, the merger pulled together the banks' various asset management businesses to create the world's largest money manager, with approximately US$ 910 billion in assets under management. The merger, which
3993-404: The 1960s punctuated by the acquisition of Interhandel (Industrie- und Handelsbeteiligungen AG) in 1967. Interhandel, originally, was a large Swiss conglomerate that up until the 1960s had both financial as well as industrial holdings. Interhandel was the corporate successor of I.G. Chemie, which the U.S. government had claimed was a front for Germany's I.G. Farben during World War II. During the war,
4114-573: The 1980s, the bank had undertaken a major push into the securities business internationally. The bank established a position as a leading European underwriter of Eurobonds and pulled off a major coup in 1985 by pricing a large bond offering for Nestlé, Rockwell, IBM, and Mobil at below market rates. The bank also made two major acquisitions in 1986, first it purchased Phillips & Drew an established British brokerage and asset management firm, founded in 1895. However, UBS initially had issues integrating Phillips & Drew. The firm lost £15 million when
4235-577: The Crédit Gruyérien (1957), Crédit Sierrois (1957), Bank Cantrade AG (1960) and Volksbank in Visp (1960). In addition to these bank acquisitions, UBS also acquired an 80% stake in Argor SA, a Swiss precious metal refinery founded in 1951, through whom they started to issue UBS branded gold bars. In 1973, the bank increased the stake to full 100% ownership only to withdraw by 1999 with ownership of
4356-683: The Euromarkets" by buying stakes in American companies that wanted to issue bonds. In 1988 First Boston loaned $ 487 million to Gibbons and Green for the purchase of the Ohio Mattress Company , which was purchased at twenty times its annual revenue. Gibbons had also borrowed $ 475 million in junk bonds . When the junk bonds market crashed the following year, Gibbons couldn't repay First Boston. Credit Suisse injected $ 725 million to keep First Boston in business, which ultimately led to
4477-632: The Schweizerische Vereinsbank in Bern establishing representation in the last of the major cities in Switzerland. Through the Great Depression, UBS pared its assets considerably shrinking from CHF993 million in 1929 to CHF441 million at the end of 1935. The bank saw its shareholders' capital decline from CHF100 million in 1929 to CHF80 million in 1933 and then further to CHF40 million by 1936. However,
4598-737: The Swiss Banks' Code of Conduct with Regard to the Exercise of Due Diligence was created in the 1970s, after a Credit Suisse branch in Chiasso was exposed for illegally funneling $ 900 million in Italian deposits to speculative investments. In 1978, White, Weld & Company dropped its partnership with Credit Suisse after it was bought by Merrill Lynch . To replace the partnership with White, Credit Suisse partnered with First Boston to create Credit Suisse First Boston in Europe and bought
4719-747: The Swiss government gave banks like Credit Suisse permission to provide information to the US Justice Department for tax evasion probes. In February 2014, it agreed to pay a fine of $ 197 million after one of its businesses served 8,500 US clients without registering its activities, leading to suspicion as to whether it was helping Americans evade taxes. It was one of 14 Swiss banks under investigation. Separately, in 2013, German authorities began to probe Credit Suisse, its private bank subsidiary Clariden Leu , and its regional subsidiary Neue Aargauer Bank for helping German citizens evade taxes. In 2012,
4840-474: The U.S. government seized General Aniline & Film (later GAF Corporation), an Interhandel subsidiary, and it was not until 1963 that the long-running dispute between Interhandel and the U.S. government was resolved. The shares in GAF Corporation were sold in a highly competitive auction in 1965 and the proceeds were split between Interhandel and the U.S. government. As a result of the sale of GAF, at
4961-580: The United States since Drexel Burnham Lambert in 1989 and the largest to do so since the Bankers Trust in 1999. "Credit Suisse conspired to help US citizens hide assets in offshore accounts in order to evade paying taxes. When a bank engages in misconduct this brazen, it should expect that the Justice Department will pursue criminal prosecution to the fullest extent possible, as has happened here," Attorney General Eric H. Holder said at
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5082-547: The United States, purchasing Chase Investors Management Corporation, the asset management business of Chase Manhattan Bank . Chase Investors, which was established in 1972, was subsequently folded into UBS Asset Management after the acquisition. At the time of the acquisition, which resulted in approximately US$ 100 million for Chase, the business managed in excess of US$ 30 billion in public and private pension plans, as well as various financial assets of corporations, governments, foundations and endowments. UBS also entered
5203-547: The United States, purchasing Chase Investors Management Corporation, the asset management business of Chase Manhattan Bank . Chase Investors, which was established in 1972, was subsequently folded into UBS Asset Management after the acquisition. At the time of the acquisition, which resulted in approximately US$ 100 million for Chase, the business managed in excess of US$ 30 billion in public and private pension plans, as well as various financial assets of corporations, governments, foundations and endowments. UBS also entered
5324-410: The acquisition of a series of Swiss financial businesses in 1969, including Banque Orca, Abri Bank Bern, Aufina Bank and AKO Bank. UBS also began to intensify its overseas expansion. In 1967, UBS opened a full branch office in London, its first such office outside Switzerland. Prior to this, UBS had operated through a series of correspondent banks and representative offices. Three years later, UBS opened
5445-578: The agenda. Shareholders elect auditors for one-year terms, approve the annual report and other financial statements, and have other powers granted by law. Shareholders elect members of the board of directors to serve a three-year term based on candidates nominated by the Chairman's and Governance Committee and the Board of Directors meet six times a year to vote on company resolutions. The Board sets Credit Suisse's business strategies and approves its compensation (remuneration) principles based on guidance from
5566-514: The bank attempted to collect on $ 286 million in loan debt during Yellowstone's bankruptcy proceedings. The debtor had borrowed more than $ 300 million for the business, but used a large portion of it for personal use before eventually filing for bankruptcy. Four lawsuits were filed from other resorts seeking $ 24 billion in damages alleging Credit Suisse created loans with the intention of taking over their properties upon default. According to The Wall Street Journal in 2008, "Credit Suisse survived
5687-475: The bank continued to acquire smaller, weaker competitors, purchasing Banca Unione di Credito in Lugano and Chiasso in 1935 followed by Berner Handelsbank in Bern in 1938. In 1937, UBS established Intrag AG, an asset management business responsible for investment trusts (i.e., mutual funds ) and set up the "America-Canada Trust Fund AMCA". Over the years, Intrag would set up a series of other funds, including
5808-426: The bank eventually entered into a €150 million settlement with the government. In March 2014, Credit Suisse denied claims it had been drawn into a Swiss competition probe investigating potential collusion to manipulate foreign exchange rates ( Forex scandal ) by various Swiss and foreign banks. In May 2014, Credit Suisse pleaded guilty to conspiring to aid tax evasion. It was the most prominent bank to plead guilty in
5929-843: The bank in 1856. Hermann Heller's international focus during 1909–1937 and August Rust's diversification from 1942–1967 laid crucial foundations. Edwin Stopper's strategies in 1979–1990 brought challenges amid expansion into global markets. Lukas Muhlemann's cost-cutting efforts in 1993–2002 faced setbacks, and Oswald Grubel grappled with restructuring post–2008 crisis during 2003–2013. Tidjane Thiam's wealth management focus in 2015–2020 faced external challenges, leading to resignation. Tomas Gottstein, since 2020, tackles geopolitical tensions, emphasizing sustainability while navigating regulatory changes for investor confidence. Understanding Credit Suisse's leadership involves considering broader industry trends and key advisors beyond CEOs. Credit Suisse Group AG,
6050-483: The bank received significant negative attention in the U.S. UBS came under significant pressure, particularly from American politicians, to compensate Holocaust survivors who were making claims against the bank. In January 1997, Christoph Meili , a night watchman at the Union Bank of Switzerland, found employees shredding archives compiled by a subsidiary that had extensive dealings with Nazi Germany . The shredding
6171-408: The bank remained primarily focused on its domestic business. Prior to the end of World War II , the Swiss banking landscape was dominated by Swiss Bank Corporation and Credit Suisse . UBS was among the next group of large banks that included Schweizerische Volksbank (Swiss Volksbank or Swiss Popular Bank) and Bank Leu . Throughout the 1950s and 1960s, the Union Bank of Switzerland, which was at best
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#17327930512316292-415: The bank to take advantage of the dramatic rise in cotton prices caused by the American Civil War . The Bank in Winterthur saw its share capital double by the end of the war. In the mid-1880s, The Bank in Winterthur experienced financial difficulties. The bank's involvement in the financing of the ill-fated private Schweizerische Nationalbahn ( Swiss National Railway ) resulted in the loss of one-fifth of
6413-516: The bank would begin to shift its operations to Zurich from its historical headquarters in the cities of Winterthur and St. Gallen, Switzerland . In 1917, UBS completed construction of a new headquarters in Zurich on Bahnhofstrasse , considered to be the Wall Street of Switzerland. The new bank used different names in its three core languages: German, French and English. In German, the bank
6534-399: The bank would begin to shift its operations to Zürich from its historical headquarters in the cities of Winterthur and St. Gallen, Switzerland. In 1917, UBS completed construction of a new headquarters in Zürich on Bahnhofstrasse , considered to be the Wall Street of Switzerland. The new bank used different names in its three core languages: German, French and English. In German, the bank
6655-442: The bank's ATL debt filed a lawsuit against Switzerland seeking compensation. According to financial analysts, economic sanctions imposed by Switzerland on Russian individuals and businesses had a significant impact on the demise of the bank. According to Bloomberg News , Credit Suisse held about $ 33 billion for Russian clients, 50% more than UBS . In late April 2023, the political and economic fall-out had been evaluated by
6776-483: The bank's acquisition by UBS . On 19 March 2023, UBS announced a deal had been reached to acquire Credit Suisse for US$ 3.25 billion (CHF 3 billion) in an all-stock deal. European regulators have criticized the moral hazard of the AT1 bondholders suffering in the loss of their capital rather than the shareholders of the bank. In June 2024, a group of Credit Suisse bondholders holding $ 82 million worth of
6897-457: The bank's capital reserves in 1887. The Union Bank of Switzerland was formed in 1912 when the Bank in Winterthur merged with the Toggenburger Bank. The combined bank had total assets of 202 million CHF and a total shareholders' equity of 46 million CHF. This combination was part of a larger trend toward concentration in the banking sector in Switzerland at the time. Through the next few years,
7018-710: The bank's collapse. UBS completed the acquisition in June 2023. Credit Suisse's founder, Alfred Escher , was called "the spiritual father of the railway law of 1852", for his work defeating the idea of a state-run railway system in Switzerland in favor of privatization. Escher founded Credit Suisse (originally called the Swiss Credit Institution, i.e., Schweizerische Kreditanstalt ) jointly with Allgemeine Deutsche Credit-Anstalt on 5 July in 1856 primarily to provide domestic funding to railway projects, avoiding French banks that wanted to exert influence over
7139-545: The bank's embarrassment in the Long Term Capital Management collapse in 1998 brought a degree of closure to the issue. Shortly after the end of World War II , UBS completed the acquisition of Eidgenössische Bank, a large Zürich-based bank that became insolvent. As a result of the merger, UBS exceeded CHF1 billion of assets for the first time and completed the transition of its operations to Zürich. Although UBS opened an office in New York in 1946,
7260-434: The bank's profits came from its even more conservative Swiss banking operations. In 1993, Credit Suisse outbid UBS for Switzerland's Swiss Volksbank, the fifth largest bank in Switzerland which had run into financial difficulties in the early 1990s. The acquisition propelled Credit Suisse ahead of UBS as the largest bank in Switzerland for the first time. UBS instead settled on a group of less audacious acquisitions, purchasing
7381-434: The bank's profits came from its even more conservative Swiss banking operations. In 1993, Credit Suisse outbid UBS for Switzerland's Swiss Volksbank, the fifth largest bank in Switzerland which had run into financial difficulties in the early 1990s. The acquisition propelled Credit Suisse ahead of UBS as the largest bank in Switzerland for the first time. UBS instead settled on a group of less audacious acquisitions, purchasing
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#17327930512317502-625: The bank's revenues was from the Swiss Northeastern Railway , which was being built by Bruno Hildebrand and Escher's company, Nordostbahn. Credit Suisse played a substantial role in the economic development of Switzerland, helping the country develop its currency system, funding entrepreneurs and investing in the Gotthard railway , which connected Switzerland to the European rail system in 1882. Credit Suisse helped fund
7623-531: The bank's unsecured bonds set for maturity in 2027 dropped to a low of 33 percent of their par value on that day, down from being valued at 90 percent of their par value at the beginning of the month. Later in the same week, Credit Suisse sought to shore up their finances by taking a loan of 50 billion Swiss francs from the Swiss National Bank (SNB); the bank later proceeded to buy three billion Swiss francs of its own debt and to put
7744-602: The company being taken over by Credit Suisse. This became known as the "burning bed" deal, because the Federal Reserve overlooked the Glass–Steagall Act that requires separation between commercial and investment banks in order to preserve the stability of the financial markets. In the late 1990s, Credit Suisse executed an aggressive acquisition strategy. The bank acquired Bank Leu, known as Switzerland's oldest bank, in 1990. In 1993 Credit Suisse outbid UBS for
7865-585: The compensation committee. It also has the authority to create committees that delegate specific management functions. Credit Suisse has the following operational divisions: Operations are divided into four regions: Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, the Americas, and the Asian Pacific. On 9 May 2023, Credit Suisse announced that it would continue its banking operations but under
7986-411: The cornerstones for the successful merger in 1912 with the Toggenburger Bank to form Union Bank of Switzerland. Rudolf Ernst also held directorships on the boards of various industrial and insurance companies. Between 1912 and his retirement in 1941, he was chairman of the Board of Union Bank of Switzerland, in an alternating capacity with Carl Emil Grob-Halter, who held the chairmanship in 1916 and 1918 as
8107-468: The creation of Switzerland's electrical grid through its participation with Elektrobank (now called Elektrowatt), a coalition of organizations that co-financed Switzerland's electrical grid. According to The Handbook on the History of European Banks , "Switzerland's young electricity industry came to assume the same importance as support for railway construction 40 years earlier." The bank also helped fund
8228-402: The credit crisis better than many competitors." Credit Suisse had $ 902 million in writedowns for subprime holdings and the same amount for leveraged loans, but it did not have to borrow from the government. Along with other banks, Credit Suisse was investigated and sued by US authorities in 2012 for bundling mortgage loans with securities, misrepresenting the risks of underlying mortgages during
8349-653: The derivatives losses prompted UBS to accept the terms proposed by Swiss Bank more readily than they otherwise would have. Prior to its merger with Swiss Bank Corporation, UBS operated as a full-service bank and a provider of wholesale financial services through its retail banking , commercial banking , investment banking , asset management and wealth management businesses. In 1997, prior to its merger with Swiss Bank Corporation, UBS operated 275 branches in Switzerland and 82 branches, subsidiaries and representative offices outside Switzerland. The company had approximately 27,611 employees, of which 19,355 worked in Switzerland and
8470-413: The derivatives losses prompted UBS to accept the terms proposed by Swiss Bank more readily than they otherwise would have. Union Bank of Switzerland, suffering criticism of its conservative business model, was looking for ways to catch up to its key Swiss rivals and viewed LTCM as the type of client that could help accelerate the bank's growth. In 1997, UBS entered into a financing arrangement with LTCM and
8591-495: The early 1900s Credit Suisse began catering to consumers and the middle-class with deposit counters, currency exchanges and savings accounts. The first branch outside of Zürich was opened in 1905 in Basel . The bank helped companies affected by World War I restructuring, and extended loans for reconstruction efforts. During the 1920s depression, net profits and dividends were halved and employees took salary cuts. After World War II,
8712-914: The effort to disarm and imprison French troops that crossed into Swiss borders in the 1870 Franco-Prussian War . By the end of the war, Credit Suisse had become the largest bank in Switzerland. Throughout the late 1800s, Credit Suisse set up banking and insurance companies in Germany, Brussels, Geneva and others (as SKA International) with the bank as a shareholder of each company. It created insurance companies like Swiss RE, Swiss Life (aka Rentenanstalt) and Schweiz. Credit Suisse had its first unprofitable year in 1886, due to losses in agriculture, venture investments, commodities, and international trade. The bank created its own sugar beet factory, bought 25,000 shares in animal breeding ventures and supported an export business, Schweizerische Exportgesellschaft, that experienced heavy losses for over-speculative investing. In
8833-399: The end of the 19th century. The Union Bank of Switzerland was formed in 1912 when the Bank in Winterthur merged with the Toggenburger Bank. The combined bank had total assets of CHF202 million and a total shareholders' equity of CHF46 million. This combination was part of a larger trend toward concentration in the banking sector in Switzerland at the time. Through the next few years,
8954-600: The end of the war. Meanwhile, in 1863, the Toggenburger Bank was founded in Lichtensteig, Switzerland with an initial share capital of CHF1.5 million. The Toggenburger Bank was a savings and mortgage bank for individual customers with a branch office network in Eastern Switzerland. In 1882, Toggenburger Bank opened a branch in St. Gallen in eastern Switzerland and began to shift its operations there through
9075-448: The executive board of the bank. At this time, it was also announced that Eric M. Varvel was appointed president and CEO of Credit Suisse Holdings (USA). The collapse of Lehman Brothers caused a large loss in consumer and market participant trust and confidence in the banking industry. The loss in confidence is reflected in the large loss of share prices across the Swiss banking sector after 2008. In August 2019, Credit Suisse announced
9196-431: The famous "Suisse Secrets" scandal) which culminated in a guilty plea and the forfeiture of US$ 2.6 billion in fines from 2008 to 2012. By the end of 2022, Credit Suisse had approximately CHF 1.3 trillion in assets under management . On 19 March 2023, following negotiations with the Swiss government , UBS announced its intent to acquire Credit Suisse for $ 3.25 billion (CHF 3 billion) in order to prevent
9317-406: The formation of a new "direct banking" business unit under their Switzerland division (Swiss Universal Bank, SUB), focusing on digital retail products. The step is seen as a reaction to the emergence of FinTech competitors such as N26 or Revolut in Switzerland and shall help to better attract young clients. In July 2020, Thomas Gottstein , the new CEO of the company, announced restructuring; it
9438-506: The hedge fund quickly became the bank's largest client, generating US$ 15 million in fees for UBS. Union Bank of Switzerland sold LTCM a 7-year European call option on 1 million shares in LTCM, then valued at about US$ 800 million. It hedged this option by purchasing a US$ 800 million interest in LTCM and invested a further US$ 300 million in the hedge fund. Following the merger, Swiss Bank managers were surprised to discover
9559-539: The hospice of UBS in order to fulfill its financial obligations towards existing clients as well as employees of both banks. CEO Ulrich Körner will join UBS's executive board. In August 2022, it was revealed that the largest shareholder of Credit Suisse was in fact American, namely Harris Associates , holding over 10% of the shares of the group. Harris Associates itself is owned by French bank Natixis . As of 25 January 2023, Saudi National Bank , an anchor investor, held
9680-406: The housing boom. Following the crisis, Credit Suisse cut more than one-trillion in assets and made plans to cut its investment banking arm 37 percent by 2014. It reduced emphasis on investment banking and focused on private banking and wealth management . In July 2011, Credit Suisse cut 2,000 jobs in response to a weaker than expected economic recovery and later merged its asset management with
9801-421: The initials "UBS" horizontally, crossed by vertical "SBG", referring to the name of the bank in German. "UBS" ceased to be considered a representational abbreviation for the Union Bank of Switzerland after the bank's 1998 merger with Swiss Bank Corporation and is today considered a standalone brand. By the 1980s, the bank had undertaken a major push into the securities business internationally. The bank established
9922-405: The largest shareholder in UBS and attempted to force a major restructuring of the bank's operations. The battles between Ebner and UBS management proved a distraction to the bank in the mid-1990s. Looking to take advantage of the situation, Credit Suisse approached UBS about a merger that would have created the second largest bank in the world in 1996. UBS's management and board unanimously rebuffed
10043-405: The largest shareholder in UBS and attempted to force a major restructuring of the bank's operations. The battles between Ebner and UBS management proved a distraction to the bank in the mid-1990s. Looking to take advantage of the situation, Credit Suisse approached UBS about a merger that would have created the second largest bank in the world in 1996. UBS's management and board unanimously rebuffed
10164-567: The massive exposure to LTCM at UBS. Ultimately, UBS was unable to sell or hedge its interest in LTCM as its value declined in the summer of 1998. Bank in Winterthur The Bank in Winterthur is one of the original predecessor banks to the Union Bank of Switzerland and ultimately UBS . Established in 1862, the bank merged with Toggenburger Bank in 1912 to form the Union Bank of Switzerland . The Bank in Winterthur
10285-452: The merger of the Bank in Winterthur and the Toggenburger Bank to form Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS), Dr. Rudolf Ernst became the merged bank's first chairman in 1912. Following his resignation in 1941, he was elected as an Honorary chairman of Union Bank of Switzerland. Rudolf Ernst joined the Bank in Winterthur in 1895. He was also financial director of the City of Winterthur for 16 years. At
10406-447: The merger, Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation were the second and third largest banks in Switzerland, respectively both trailing Credit Suisse . Discussions between the two banks had begun several months earlier, less than a year after rebuffing Credit Suisse 's merger overtures. The all-stock merger resulted in the creation UBS AG , a huge new bank with total assets of more than US$ 590 billion. Also referred to as
10527-447: The merger, Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation were the second and third largest banks in Switzerland, respectively both trailing Credit Suisse . Discussions between the two banks had begun several months earlier, less than a year after rebuffing Credit Suisse 's merger overtures. The all-stock merger resulted in the creation UBS AG , a huge new bank with total assets of more than US$ 590 billion. Also referred to as
10648-482: The number one position in Euromoney's private banking poll. In 2006, Credit Suisse acknowledged misconduct for helping Iran and other countries hide transactions from US authorities and paid a $ 536 million settlement. The same year it merged Bank Leu AG, Clariden Holding AG, Bank Hofmann AG and BGP Banca di Gestione Patrimoniale into a new company called Clariden Leu. The increasing importance of sustainability and
10769-402: The other hand had a stronger retail and commercial banking business in Switzerland and both banks had notably strong asset management capabilities. After the merger was completed, it was widely speculated that a series of losses suffered by UBS on its equity derivative positions in late 1997 was a contributing factor in pushing UBS management to consummate the merger. It would become clear that
10890-402: The other hand had a stronger retail and commercial banking business in Switzerland and both banks had notably strong asset management capabilities. After the merger was completed, it was widely speculated that a series of losses suffered by UBS on its equity derivative positions in late 1997 was a contributing factor in pushing UBS management to consummate the merger. It would become clear that
11011-423: The practice of selling derivatives that are often used by bank clients to hide losses. In the 2000s, Credit Suisse executed a series of restructures. In 2002 the bank was consolidated into two entities: Credit Suisse First Boston for investments and Credit Suisse Financial Services. A third unit was added in 2004 for insurance. Credit Suisse restructured again in 2004 under what it calls the "one bank" model. Under
11132-568: The private bank group to cut additional costs. We sell [bank] safety not bank secrecy . Being a safe haven in a world that is becoming increasingly dangerous and volatile is no bad place to be. A series of international investigations took place in the early 2000s regarding the use banking secrecy in Credit Suisse accounts for tax evasion. In 2008, the Brazilian government investigated 13 former and current Credit Suisse employees. The investigation led to arrests that year and in 2009 as part of
11253-400: The proposed merger. Ebner, who supported the idea of a merger, led a major shareholder revolt that resulted in the replacement of UBS's chairman, Robert Studer. Studer's successor Mathis Cabiallavetta would be one of the key architects of the merger with Swiss Bank Corporation. On 8 December 1997, Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation announced an all-stock merger. At the time of
11374-400: The proposed merger. Ebner, who supported the idea of a merger, led a major shareholder revolt that resulted in the replacement of UBS's chairman, Robert Studer. Studer's successor Mathis Cabiallavetta would be one of the key architects of the merger with Swiss Bank Corporation. On 8 December 1997, Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation announced an all-stock merger. At the time of
11495-480: The railway system. Escher aimed to start the company with three million shares and instead sold 218 million shares in three days. The bank opened on 16 July 1856 and was modeled after Crédit Mobilier , a bank funding railway projects in France that was founded two years prior, except Credit Suisse had a more conservative lending policy focused on short-to-medium term loans. In its first year of operation, 25 percent of
11616-432: The refinery changing to Hereaus & Management. Nevertheless, UBS continues to issue gold bars via Argor-Heraeus which is famous for the unique kinebar holographic technology it uses to provide enhanced protection against bank gold bar counterfeiting. By 1962, UBS reached CHF6.96 billion of assets, narrowly edging ahead of Swiss Bank Corporation to become the largest bank in Switzerland temporarily. Through 1979, SBC
11737-536: The related commitments and liabilities of international standards such as the UNGC, of which the bank is a member, lead to increasingly sophisticated and ambitious risk management over the years. Credit Suisse operates a process which since 2007 uses RepRisk, a Swiss provider of ESG Risk analytics and metrics, to screen and evaluate environmental and social risks of risky transactions and due diligence. In 2009, Yellowstone Club founder Tim Blixseth sued Credit Suisse when
11858-402: The remaining 8,256 employees were outside Switzerland. The bank had total assets of nearly CHF578 billion and shareholders' equity of nearly CHF28 billion as of the end of 1997. In 1862, The Bank in Winterthur was founded in Winterthur, Switzerland, with an initial share capital of CHF5 million. The Bank in Winterthur operated primarily as a commercial bank, providing financing for
11979-586: The remaining stake in Aargauische Creditanstalt in 1919 that it had not acquired in 1913. Also in 1919, the bank acquired Commandit-AG Weibel & Cie. in Fleurier and William Cuénod & Cie. In 1920, UBS acquired Banca Svizzera-Americana with branches in Locarno and Lugano ; Unionbank Geneva and Banque Henry Rieckel & Cie., based in La Chaux-de-Fonds . Three years later, in 1923, UBS acquired
12100-595: The representative of the merger partner Toggenburger Bank. On the eve of World War II , UBS was the recipient of a large influx of foreign funds for safekeeping. During the war, the bank's traditional business fell off and the Swiss government became their largest clients. Still, unlike many of its peers, UBS's business lagged through much of the war. Decades after the war, it was demonstrated that Union Bank of Switzerland likely took active roles in trading stolen gold, securities and other assets during World War II. The issue of "unclaimed property" of Holocaust victims became
12221-444: The restructuring, every board had a mix of executives from all three divisions. It also changed the compensation and commission models to encourage cross-division referrals and created a "solution partners" group that functions between the investment and private banking divisions. Following the restructure Credit Suisse's private banking division grew 19 percent per year despite the economic crisis. The firm bumped long-time rival UBS off
12342-530: The third largest bank in Switzerland would catch up to its larger peers and by the 1970s surpass them in terms of size. UBS opened branches and acquired a series of banks in Switzerland growing from 31 offices in 1950 to 81 offices by the beginning of the 1960s. Throughout the 1950s, UBS was the most acquisitive bank in Switzerland, acquiring Banque Palézieux & Cie. (1948), Volksbank Interlaken (1952), Weck, Aebi & Cie (1954), Banque Tissières fils & Cie. (1956), Banque de Sion (1956), Banque de Brigue (1957),
12463-521: The time of its merger with UBS, Interhandel held substantial amounts of cash. The addition of the Interhandel capital, which propelled UBS into the top spot among Swiss banks in 1968, also made UBS one of the strongest banks in Europe and helped fuel the bank's further expansion in the late 1960s and 1970s. UBS consolidated four affiliated mortgage lenders and assumed their domestic retail operations. The bank further expanded into consumer lending through
12584-483: The time. Holder also said "This case shows that no financial institution, no matter its size or global reach, is above the law." Credit Suisse shares rose 1% on the day the $ 2.6 billion penalty was announced. In March 2015, it was announced that Tidjane Thiam , the CEO of Prudential would leave to become the next CEO of Credit Suisse. In September 2016, Brian Chin was appointed Chief Executive of Global Markets and joined
12705-418: The world and provided services in investment banking , private banking , asset management , and shared services . It was known for strict bank–client confidentiality and banking secrecy . The Financial Stability Board considered it to be a global systemically important bank . Credit Suisse was also a primary dealer and Forex counterparty of the Federal Reserve in the United States. Credit Suisse
12826-463: The young age of 36, he was elected in 1901 to the Board of Directors of the Bank in Winterthur and as its chairman at the same time. During his chairmanship, the bank changed its focus from its original lending business and began to expand its issuing and asset management franchise. With the acquisition of the Bank in Baden in 1906, the bank gained a branch in Zürich and a seat on the stock exchange, one of
12947-788: Was Schweizerische Bankgesellschaft and was known by the initials SBG. The original English name for the combined bank was the Swiss Banking Association, but it was later changed to Union Bank of Switzerland in 1921 to mirror the French form of the name: Union de Banques Suisses. The bank's logo, introduced in 1966, would later reflect both the German SBG and the English and French name UBS. Credit Suisse Credit Suisse Group AG ( French pronunciation: [kʁe.di sɥis] , lit. ' Swiss Credit ' )
13068-409: Was Schweizerische Bankgesellschaft and was known by the initials SBG. The original English name for the combined bank was the Swiss Banking Association, but it was later changed to Union Bank of Switzerland in 1921 to mirror the French form of the name: Union de Banques Suisses. The bank's logo, introduced in 1966, would later reflect both the German SBG and the English and French name UBS. UBS acquired
13189-413: Was billed as a merger of equals, resulted in UBS's shareholders receiving 60% of the combined company and Swiss Bank's shareholders receiving the remaining 40% of the bank's common shares. UBS's Mathis Cabiallavetta became chairman of the new bank while Swiss Bank's Marcel Ospel was named chief executive officer. However, it quickly became evident that from a management perspective, it was Swiss Bank that
13310-413: Was billed as a merger of equals, resulted in UBS's shareholders receiving 60% of the combined company and Swiss Bank's shareholders receiving the remaining 40% of the bank's common shares. UBS's Mathis Cabiallavetta became chairman of the new bank while Swiss Bank's Marcel Ospel was named chief executive officer. However, it quickly became evident that from a management perspective, it was Swiss Bank that
13431-407: Was buying UBS as nearly 80% of the top management positions were filled by legacy Swiss Bank professionals. Additionally, UBS professionals suffered more headcount reductions, particularly in the investment banking unit where there were heavy cuts in the corporate finance and equities businesses. The more severe cuts at UBS were an acknowledgment that prior to the merger Swiss Bank Corporation had built
13552-407: Was buying UBS as nearly 80% of the top management positions were filled by legacy Swiss Bank professionals. Additionally, UBS professionals suffered more headcount reductions, particularly in the investment banking unit where there were heavy cuts in the corporate finance and equities businesses. The more severe cuts at UBS were an acknowledgment that prior to the merger Swiss Bank Corporation had built
13673-490: Was consistently the largest of the three major Swiss banks by assets, except for short periods in 1962 and then again in 1968 when UBS temporarily moved ahead of SBC. After 1979, UBS would firmly establish itself as the largest Swiss bank. UBS would retain this position for the next 15 years until Credit Suisse leapfrogged into the top spot following its 1993 acquisition of Schweizerische Volksbank (Swiss Volksbank) and later Winterthur Group . UBS continued its rapid growth in
13794-464: Was expected to cost the company $ 800 million and result in 7,000 lost jobs, but save $ 560 million a year. While Credit Suisse First Boston had been struggling, Credit Suisse's overall profits had grown 20 percent over the prior year, reaching $ 664 million. In 1999 Japan's Financial Supervisory Agency temporarily suspended the financial-products division's license to operate in Japan for "window dressing",
13915-454: Was formed through the 1969 merger of three German banks: Schroeder Brothers & Co., Muenchmeyer & Co. and Frederick Hengst & Co. (formerly known as Bank Siegmund Merzbach). During the mid-1990s, UBS came under fire from dissident shareholders, critical of bank's relatively conservative management and lower return on equity. Martin Ebner , through his investment trust, BK Vision became
14036-400: Was formed through the 1969 merger of three German banks: Schroeder Brothers & Co., Muenchmeyer & Co. and Frederick Hengst & Co. (formerly known as Bank Siegmund Merzbach). During the mid-1990s, UBS came under fire from dissident shareholders, critical of bank's relatively conservative management and lower return on equity. Martin Ebner, through his investment trust, BK Vision became
14157-460: Was founded in 1856 to fund the development of Switzerland's rail system . It issued loans that helped create Switzerland's electrical grid and the European rail system . In the 1900s, it began shifting to retail banking in response to the elevation of the middle class and competition from fellow Swiss banks UBS and Julius Bär . Credit Suisse partnered with First Boston in 1978 before buying
14278-647: Was founded in 1862 in Winterthur, Switzerland with an initial share capital of 5 million CHF. The bank, which was established by a group of local businessmen, operated primarily as a commercial bank, providing financing for a range of companies and projects. The bank would be involved in funding the Swiss Locomotive and Machine Works , the Hotel Baur au Lac in Zurich and many other companies. The bank capitalized on its location at an important Swiss railroad junction and its large warehousing facilities allowed
14399-557: Was in direct violation of a recent Swiss law adopted in December 1996 protecting such material. UBS acknowledged that it had "made a deplorable mistake", but an internal historian maintained that the destroyed archives were unrelated to the Holocaust . Criminal proceedings then began against the archivist for possible violation of a recent Federal Document Destruction decree and against Meili for possible violation of bank secrecy , which
14520-583: Was influenced as a result of the trading surge in Q2 of 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic . The planned restructuring is set "to reduce costs and improve efficiencies" and features some reverts of alterations brought by the previous CEO, Thiam. According to Gottstein, "These initiatives should also help to provide resilience in uncertain markets and deliver further upside when more positive economic conditions prevail." In November of 2022, Credit Suisse announced that it
14641-510: Was selling the majority of its Securitized Products Group to Apollo Asset Management. Credit Suisse cited a reduction in RWA as the primary factor driving the sale. The deal was expected to close in the first half of 2023. [2] The spin-off was branded Atlas SP and the deal ultimately finalized in March of 2024. [3] In December of 2022, Credit Suisse completed a CHF 4.00bn capital increase by the way of
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