A Tumultuous Time for Switzerland’s Second-Largest Bank
In a flurry of activity, UBS, Switzerland’s premier banking institution, has entered high-stakes discussions to acquire either the entirety or a portion of its beleaguered rival, Credit Suisse. With a crisis of faith surrounding Credit Suisse, its shares have plummeted, causing unease to reverberate through global financial markets.
The Financial Times has reported that UBS could be willing to part with a staggering $1 billion (£820 million) in their bid for Credit Suisse. Regulators are scrambling to finalize the agreement before the markets reopen on Monday.
An Unsteady Global Financial Landscape
The distress at Credit Suisse, coupled with the recent collapse of two smaller American banks, has cast a shadow of doubt over the stability of the international financial system. Credit Suisse belongs to a select group of approximately 30 banks worldwide considered “too big to fail” due to their critical role within the banking sector.
However, the 167-year-old financial institution has been mired in losses and beset by a series of challenges in recent years, including accusations of money laundering. An emergency infusion of $54 billion (£44.5 billion) from the Swiss National Bank did little to assuage market fears, as Credit Suisse’s shares fell by 24%, triggering a broader sell-off in European markets.
An Expedited Deal on the Horizon?
The Financial Times, the original source of the report, suggests that a deal could be inked as early as Sunday evening, with regulators and the Swiss National Bank playing a crucial role in the negotiations between the two Swiss banking powerhouses. The current offer on the table undervalues Credit Suisse shares by a significant margin, but it is worth noting that the terms of the deal could change and nothing has been finalized yet.
In a break from tradition, Swiss authorities are said to be planning an alteration to the country’s laws to circumvent a shareholder vote on the transaction, which would typically require a six-week consideration period for UBS shareholders.
Global Implications and Reactions
Officials from the Bank of England have confirmed their communication with the Swiss National Bank, as regulators and management grapple with Credit Suisse’s precarious future. The UK Treasury is also keeping a watchful eye on the situation.
According to Mohammed El-Erian, Chief Economic Advisor to German financial services firm Allianz, this potential deal represents a significant intervention by the Swiss authorities. “This is not a voluntary action, this is a shotgun wedding and it’s being done in order to restore financial stability,” Mr. El-Erian told the BBC.
El-Erian went on to express concerns that the current upheaval could prompt banks to become more “risk-averse,” potentially leading to a decline in credit availability. However, he noted that the present situation is not akin to the 2008 financial crisis, which he described as “in a completely different league.”
The Financial Stakes
UBS has reportedly requested that the Swiss government cover an estimated $6 billion (£4.9 billion) in costs if the acquisition of Credit Suisse proceeds. Credit Suisse posted a loss of 7.3 billion Swiss francs ($7.9 billion; £6.5 billion) in 2022, marking its most challenging year since the 2008 financial crisis. The bank has warned that it does not anticipate turning a profit until 2024.
In contrast, UBS reported profits of $7.6 billion in 2022.
The Human Cost
Any potential deal between UBS and Credit Suisse may have far-reaching consequences, including substantial job losses. In addition to its domestic presence with 95 branches, Credit Suisse operates a global investment banking division and manages the assets of affluent clientele.
As of the end of last year, Credit Suisse employed a global workforce of 50,480, including 16,700 in Switzerland. Swiss broadcaster SRF has reported that 9,000 jobs are already slated for elimination. The acquisition by UBS could lead to further job reductions as the two banking giants attempt to consolidate their operations and regain stability in an uncertain financial landscape.
