The recent investigation into the collapse of Credit Suisse has revealed that the primary cause of the crisis was long-term mismanagement by the bank's board of directors and management.
The inquiry found that regulatory authorities were not responsible for the collapse. The investigation examined events from 2015 onwards and highlighted that the loss of confidence in Credit Suisse was a result of management failures, particularly after the collapse of three US regional banks in March 2023. This led to a significant drop in the bank's share price and ultimately resulted in a $3.25 billion takeover by UBS to prevent a global banking crisis.
The emergency merger of Credit Suisse with UBS has raised concerns about job security, competition, and the size of the newly formed entity in relation to the Swiss economy.
While Swiss authorities were praised for their actions in averting a broader financial disaster, the effectiveness of regulatory oversight was criticized. The inquiry expressed disappointment with the supervisory activities of the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and noted that granting "vast capital relief" to Credit Suisse in 2017 allowed the bank to meet regulatory requirements it would have otherwise struggled with. The inquiry also found that the bank's management had been uncooperative with regulators despite warnings and procedures initiated against them. However, the inquiry concluded that there was no misconduct by the authorities that directly caused the collapse of the bank.
The inquiry's findings have led to calls for a reevaluation of regulations governing banks classified as "too big to fail." The commission made 20 recommendations to enhance the regulatory framework and advocated for the establishment of an international framework to clarify the rules governing cooperation among authorities responsible for financial stability in Switzerland.
UBS Chairman Colm Kelleher has expressed concerns about potential tightening of regulations following Credit Suisse's collapse, emphasizing that the crisis was a loss of trust that cannot be easily regulated. This reflects broader concerns within the banking sector about the balance between regulatory oversight and the operational autonomy of financial institutions.
In response to the inquiry's findings, the Swiss Bank Employees Association has called for increased resources dedicated to the supervision of banks. They argue that the collapse of Credit Suisse was due to the actions of a few senior managers, with junior staff bearing the consequences. This highlights the need for a more robust regulatory framework that holds senior management accountable and safeguards the interests of all employees.
The recommendations from the inquiry and the discussions surrounding regulatory reforms are significant for the Swiss banking sector. Lessons learned from the Credit Suisse crisis may shape future regulatory practices and the approach to managing systemic risks in the banking industry. Accountability, transparency, and effective oversight will be crucial in restoring confidence in the financial system and preventing similar crises in the future.