This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/business/7673159.stm
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Switzerland unveils UBS bail-out | |
(about 2 hours later) | |
Switzerland is taking steps to strengthen its largest bank, UBS, becoming the latest European government to unveil a banking rescue plan. | |
UBS is raising 6bn Swiss francs ($5.3bn; £3.1bn) from the government. | |
It will also be able to transfer up to $60bn of distressed assets to a fund supported by the Swiss central bank. | |
Credit Suisse was also offered government assistance but was instead able to raise 10bn Swiss francs from major global investors. | |
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) said its moves would help to stabilise the financial system and was favourable for the development of the Swiss economy. | |
In these turbulent times, we want to ensure that we do everything possible to safeguard the solidity of our bank Peter Kurer, UBS chairman | |
"The SNB is convinced that it will result in a sustainable reduction of the strains in the Swiss financial system," it said. | |
The government also said it would moderately increase the guarantee on bank deposits, echoing steps taken by other European countries. | |
Thankful | |
UBS has been one of the heaviest losers from the sub-prime crisis. | |
It will transfer its exposure to the US mortgage market and other assets to a fund controlled by the central bank. | |
The fund will be financed by $6bn from UBS and a $54bn loan from the central bank. | |
The SNB will receive interest on the loans and is entitled to a share in any profits the fund makes. | |
The Swiss National Bank said it was a "highly unusual" and "unprecedented" operation. | |
However, it said the risk of losses was limited because UBS had already made aggressive write-downs on its risky positions. | |
The additional $6bn capital injection means the Swiss government will emerge with a temporary 9.3% stake in UBS. | |
UBS thanked the Swiss government and central bank authorities for finding a "commercial solution". | |
"In these turbulent times, we want to ensure that we do everything possible to safeguard the solidity of our bank," said Peter Kurer, chairman at UBS. | |
"Their efforts and decisiveness to act swiftly demonstrates the professionalism of the Swiss financial centre." | |
Profit | |
UBS also announced that it made a small net profit of 296m Swiss francs in third quarter, mainly due to its wealth management business. Its investment banking arm made a loss of 2.8bn francs. | UBS also announced that it made a small net profit of 296m Swiss francs in third quarter, mainly due to its wealth management business. Its investment banking arm made a loss of 2.8bn francs. |
Credit Suisse said it expected to make a loss of 1.3bn Swiss francs in the three months to September. | Credit Suisse said it expected to make a loss of 1.3bn Swiss francs in the three months to September. |
The bank said that the Qatar Investment Authority was among the group of global investors that had helped the bank to shore up its finances. | |
Credit Suisse had been required by the SNB to strengthen its capital base. | |
"Over the past few months we have had a constructive and close dialogue with regulators about future capital requirements," said Brady W. Dougan, the bank's chief executive. |
Previous version
1
Next version