UBS and Credit Suisse Merger
Introduction
For decades, Switzerland has been viewed as a safe haven for investors. With a high GDP per capita, price stability, and encouragement of foreign investment, Switzerland’s economy has flourished. However, in March 2023, Credit Suisse, the country’s second-largest bank, risked collapse. Fearing the possibility of devastating consequences rippling through the financial system, the Swiss Federal Council issued an emergency ordinance. This resulted in the forced merger of UBS (the largest bank in Switzerland) and Credit Suisse, which bypassed the consent of the shareholders at both banks. Controversy and public skepticism flooded Switzerland’s financial system, undermining the country’s image of stability.
What caused the collapse?
For the last four years, Credit Suisse has faced a series of frequent leadership changes and scandals. It began in 2019 when Mr. Pierre-Oliver Bouée, the chief operating officer at the time, ordered an investigation into the head of wealth management, Iqbal Khan, who had previously resigned due to a personal issue with the CEO. Bouée was accused again later that year of ordering surveillance on another top employee, Peter Goerke, the head of human resources. The uncovering of these events led to Bouée’s resignation. Tidjan Thiam, the CEO during that time, initially accepted the position to bring success to the bank, but instead, he tainted its reputation. Hence, he stepped down from his position, and Thomas Gottstein took on those responsibilities. Months later, the bank was exposed to major financial crises in the U.S. and Britain, resulting in significant losses. Again, leadership was shifted. The new CEO, Horta-Osorio, was determined to redefine Credit Suisse’s image and proposed a strategy, but he was forced to resign shortly after for breaking coronavirus quarantine regulations in early 2022. After years of the bank’s reputation being dragged through the mud, clients feared bank failure and pulled $119 billion. To boost investor confidence, the bank planned to borrow a maximum of $54 billion. Unable to overcome regulatory barriers, the Saudi National Bank could not provide any more financial assistance. Moreover, Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank collapsed, reinforcing investors' fears and accumulating to lead to the inevitable end of Credit Suisse.
The Aftermath
With the rescue merger in place—costing UBS $3.3 billion—UBS expects more than $5 trillion in total invested assets, concentrating the risk on one single financial giant. Although the merger may take four years or more to complete, approval of this process has begun internationally. Earlier in April, the European Union’s antitrust regulators granted temporary approval but are still in the process of reviewing the EU’s merger laws. As of April 14th, the U.S. Federal Reserve completed its lengthy review and approved the acquisition. UBS plans on dissolving various parts of Credit Suisse, focusing on “growth in America and APAC,” and granting Credit Suisse shareholders 1 UBS share for every 22.48 Credit Suisse shares that they may have.