In March 2023, UBS acquired Credit Suisse in an emergency takeover, which has since sparked significant scrutiny and debate within the financial sector.
The merger was authorized by the Federal Council of Switzerland under emergency provisions, bypassing the usual parliamentary approval process. Credit Suisse's decline was attributed to management missteps, resulting in a loss of confidence among international banks, a plummeting share price, and a mass withdrawal of customer assets.
The takeover was facilitated by a package of measures adopted by the Federal Council, including a financial safety net. UBS acquired Credit Suisse for three billion francs, with the Swiss Confederation pledging to cover any losses exceeding five billion francs. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) provided liquidity support amounting to several hundred billion francs.
The speed and lack of transparency in executing this arrangement have drawn criticism, raising questions about the role of regulatory bodies. In response to the controversy, the Parliamentary Investigation Committee (PUK) was established to investigate the actions of the Federal Council and other relevant authorities.
The PUK aims to assess whether the Federal Council acted appropriately during the takeover and explore potential alternatives. The report from the PUK, set to be released at the end of the year, is expected to have significant implications for UBS and the broader financial landscape in Switzerland. It could lead to substantial changes in the regulatory framework governing large financial institutions.
Critics have expressed concerns about consolidating power within a single institution and the potential for regulatory adjustments. The report may also address how regulatory bodies can better manage systemic risks in the financial sector. The outcome of this investigation could influence UBS's future and set a precedent for financial institution regulation in Switzerland and beyond.