UBS, a major Swiss banking institution, is facing regulatory pressure from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) to revise its emergency restructuring and liquidation plans following its recent integration of Credit Suisse (CS).
Finma has suspended the annual approval of UBS's stabilization and emergency plans, stating that the bank needs to expand its options in the event of insolvency. The regulator has emphasized the need for UBS to prepare additional options for action, including the ability to exit the market by selling or shutting down business units, as well as the potential sale of the entire bank. This is in response to lessons learned from the Credit Suisse crisis and the challenges faced by globally systemically important banks.
UBS is subject to stringent regulatory requirements, including the development of a stabilization plan and an emergency plan, which are assessed annually. The bank currently possesses sufficient "bail-in" capital, but the integration of Credit Suisse has introduced complexities that require UBS to standardize its group structures, processes, and IT platforms. UBS must also revise its liquidity planning and refinancing strategies, particularly for its Swiss unit, as it prepares to activate its emergency plan. The bank must adapt to meet the evolving regulatory landscape and maintain transparency with stakeholders.
Overall, UBS is working to align its emergency and stabilization plans with regulatory expectations, ensuring preparedness and financial stability.