The story of Credit Suisse's downfall is characterized by a series of mistakes and leadership failures, with Thomas Gottstein playing a significant role in the bank's decline.
Gottstein's opposition to a proposed merger with UBS, known as "Project Signal," was a crucial factor in the bank's inability to recover from financial crises. The merger plan, which would have made CS a junior partner, was initially meant to save the bank but was ultimately canceled due to Gottstein's resistance. This decision left Credit Suisse vulnerable during subsequent financial turmoil.
In March 2020, Gottstein and Swiss Finance Minister Ueli Maurer orchestrated a financial support package for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the bank's precarious position was already evident as it had sought emergency liquidity from the Federal Reserve earlier.
The proposed merger with UBS faced insurmountable challenges, particularly from competition authorities, making it unrealistic. The premature disclosure of the merger plans in September 2020 led to their swift abandonment by Urs Rohner and Axel Weber, who had initially supported the idea.
Gottstein's leadership was marked by significant financial setbacks, including losses from the Greensill and Archegos Capital scandals in March 2021, which cost CS over $7 billion. Despite mounting pressure, he remained in charge for an additional 16 months, during which the bank's situation continued to deteriorate.
The lack of accountability from Rohner and Schwan, who failed to hold Gottstein responsible for the bank's failing strategy, allowed him to stay in power despite the evident decline.
The failure of Project Signal and the subsequent financial crises exposed the weaknesses in CS's leadership structure. Gottstein's belief that he could independently lead the bank to recovery, supported by Schwan's conviction that CS still had viable options, proved to be a miscalculation.
The inability to adapt to the changing financial landscape ultimately led to CS's acquisition by UBS for $3 billion in March 2023.
The events surrounding Credit Suisse's decline serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of leadership failures in the financial sector. Investors have expressed outrage over the handling of the situation, particularly regarding the controversial capital injection through the wiping out of CS's AT-1 bonds.
The fallout from these events raises questions about the stability of the Swiss banking system and the potential for state liability as the nation grapples with the consequences of the failure of a once-prestigious institution.
In hindsight, the failure of Project Signal may have worked in UBS's favor, allowing them to acquire their rival at a fraction of its value. However, the broader implications of Credit Suisse's decline serve as a reminder of the importance of effective leadership and strategic decision-making in the financial industry.
The lessons learned from this chapter in banking history will undoubtedly shape the future of financial institutions and their governance structures.