Credit Suisse, founded in 1856, offers investment banking, private banking, and asset management services. It played a significant role in funding Switzerland's rail system and electrical grid. The bank faced challenges post-global financial crisis, including international investigations for tax avoidance. In 2023, UBS acquired Credit Suisse to prevent its collapse.
In 1848, Alfred Escher founded Credit Suisse, a prominent Swiss financial institution.
On July 5, 1856, Alfred Escher established Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (SKA) with the aim of financing Switzerland's railroad network expansion and industrialization.
Alfred Escher founded Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (SKA), which later became Credit Suisse, on July 16, 1856. He served as the first Chairman of the Board of Directors during two separate periods.
Credit Suisse experienced its first and only loss in 1867.
In 1869, Credit Suisse opened its first foreign representative office in New York, marking its initial international expansion.
In 1870, Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (SKA) opened its first foreign representative office in New York, marking its expansion into international markets.
By the end of the Franco-Prussian War in 1871, Credit Suisse had become the largest bank in Switzerland.
In 1880, Credit Suisse introduced the telephone as an innovative tool, marking a significant advancement in communication technology.
Credit Suisse invested in the Gotthard railway, connecting Switzerland to the European rail system in 1882, contributing to the economic development of Switzerland.
In 1904, the Swiss bank SKA introduced a calculating machine, which revolutionized the way financial calculations were done within the bank.
In 1905, Credit Suisse expanded its presence by opening its first branch outside Zurich in Basel after acquiring Oberrheinische Bank.
In 1906, SKA established an information office, enhancing communication and customer service within the bank.
During the Great Depression of 1931, SKA (Schweizerische Kreditanstalt) defied the storm of the financial markets while many other Swiss banks faced precarious situations. SKA emerged stronger from the crisis, benefiting from significant open and hidden reserves on its balance sheet.
In 1939, SKA created Swiss American Corporation in New York, focusing on underwriting and investment business, showcasing its international reach.
In 1951, Credit Suisse became the first large Swiss bank to establish a direct telex connection with New York, showcasing its commitment to innovation and technological advancement.
In 1962, Credit Suisse opened the first drive-in bank in Switzerland, further solidifying its position as a pioneer in the banking industry by introducing convenient banking services.
The Chiasso scandal of 1977 involved illegal banking transactions and losses in the billions, leading to the biggest crisis of confidence in SKA's history. The scandal resulted in SKA adopting a new strategy, mobilizing for a change in its image, and appointing new executives.
After White, Weld & Company ended its partnership with Credit Suisse in 1978, Credit Suisse partnered with First Boston to create Credit Suisse First Boston in Europe and acquired a stake in First Boston's US operations.
Credit Suisse is implicated in helping to store some of the estimated $5bn-$10bn that the Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos and his wife, Imelda, stole from the country during his three terms as president. Credit Suisse opened accounts for the couple under fake names to shield their funds from scrutiny.
In 1987, Credit Suisse Group acquired the blue chip London stockbrokers Buckmaster & Moore, expanding its operations and client base.
In 1988, Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (SKA) changed its name to Credit Suisse and shifted its focus to becoming an international banking group based in Switzerland. This transformation marked a significant milestone in the bank's history, paving the way for global expansion.
In 1990, Credit Suisse merged with the US investment bank CS First Boston, marking a significant milestone in its growth through acquisitions.
In 1994, the Credit Suisse Communication Center 'Bocken' is established to serve as a platform for idea exchange and group interaction.
In 1996, Credit Suisse Group acquired Neue Aargauer Bank (NAB), expanding its presence in the banking sector.
In 1997, Credit Suisse Group merged with Winterthur Group, forming a strategic alliance that led to the creation of a stronger financial entity.
Credit Suisse establishes Fund Lab, an online platform for investment funds, providing clients with a range of fund products from various providers to choose from.
Credit Suisse pioneers the offering of discount brokerage services through 'youtrade,' becoming the first Swiss bank to provide this service online or via telephone.
Switzerland’s Federal Banking Commission reprimanded Credit Suisse for accepting about $214m-worth of funds linked to corruption by the Nigerian military dictator Sani Abacha in the 1990s. Credit Suisse was criticized for failing to recognize the political exposure of Abacha's sons.
In June 2002, the first internet magazine for a European bank, providing weekly stories on business, society, culture, and sports, was launched. The magazine aimed to offer up-to-the-minute content in various areas.
A Credit Suisse banker was arrested for allegedly helping launder at least 5bn yen linked to Japan’s largest yakuza gang. The banker was acquitted on the basis that he was unaware of the source of the funds.
Credit Suisse merges its Swiss bank legal entities, Credit Suisse and Credit Suisse First Boston, as part of its One Bank strategy.
Credit Suisse celebrates its 150th anniversary and divests Winterthur insurance company to AXA. It transforms into an integrated global bank and introduces a new logo.
In 2007, Credit Suisse merged four independent private banks, Clariden Bank, Bank Leu, Bank Hofmann, and Banca di Gestione Patrimoniale, along with the securities trading company Credit Suisse Fides to create Clariden Leu.
During the 2008 financial crisis, Credit Suisse fared comparatively well compared to other banks. While some banks downsized their investment departments, Credit Suisse expanded its risky business under investment banker Brady Dougan, positioning itself for growth amidst the crisis.
Credit Suisse was fined $536m for deliberately circumventing US sanctions against countries including Iran and Sudan between 1995 and 2007. The bank stated that it had enhanced its procedures and was taking internal action.
In July 2011, Credit Suisse announced a significant job cut of 2,000 positions in response to a weaker economic recovery. The bank later merged its asset management with the private bank group to further reduce costs.
In November 2012, Credit Suisse merged its asset management division with the private banking arm.
In 2013, Credit Suisse acquired Morgan Stanley's wealth management businesses in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, strengthening its presence in these regions.
In February 2014, Credit Suisse agreed to pay a fine of $197 million for serving 8,500 US clients without registering its activities, raising suspicions of aiding tax evasion.
In May 2014, Credit Suisse pleaded guilty to conspiring to aid tax evasion, becoming the most prominent bank to do so in the United States since 1989.
In March 2015, Tidjane Thiam, the CEO of Prudential, left to become the next CEO of Credit Suisse.
In September 2015, Hong Kong police initiated investigations into $250 million in Credit Suisse branch deposits in Hong Kong connected to former Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak and Malaysian sovereign wealth fund 1MDB.
In September 2016, Brian Chin was appointed Chief Executive of Global Markets at Credit Suisse.
The Credit Suisse Asian Investment Conference took place at Hong Kong Conrad Hotel on March 29 and March 30, 2017.
In May 2017, Reuters reported that the Swiss financial watchdog FINMA conducted extensive investigations into Credit Suisse's activities related to 1MDB.
In 2018, former Credit Suisse star banker Patrice Lescaudron was sentenced to five years in prison for committing a long-running fraud by abusing the trust of clients and implementing a fraudulent scheme that earned him tens of millions of francs.
In March 2019, Credit Suisse closed and liquidated supply-chain investment funds linked to Greensill Capital's activities, showcasing the bank's involvement in high-risk financial ventures.
The 22nd annual Asian Investment Conference hosted by Credit Suisse at Conrad Hotel in Hong Kong.
In August 2019, Credit Suisse announced the formation of a new 'direct banking' business unit under their Switzerland division, focusing on digital retail products.
Tidjane Thiam's five-year tenure as Credit Suisse's Chief Executive ended abruptly after an investigation revealed the bank hired private detectives to spy on its former head of wealth management. The spying scandal led to Thiam's resignation.
Credit Suisse announces the discontinuation of support for TLS versions 1.0 and 1.1 starting from March 1, 2021, due to security concerns. Users are advised to upgrade their browsers to newer, more secure versions to access the website.
On January 17, 2022, Axel Lehmann was appointed as the new Chairman of Credit Suisse. This appointment followed the resignation of Antonio Horta Osorio.
On February 7, 2022, Credit Suisse faced a criminal trial in Switzerland for allowing a Bulgarian cocaine trafficking gang to launder millions of Euros. The bank and a former employee were found guilty by the Federal Criminal Court.
On March 8, 2022, Credit Suisse postponed the release of its annual report after receiving inquiries from the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding revisions to cash flow statements from 2019 and 2020, as well as related controls.
Credit Suisse released its annual report admitting to 'material weaknesses' in financial controls and announced the end of board bonuses. This news exacerbated existing market fragility due to failures in American regional lenders.
Bloomberg TV asked the chairman of Saudi National Bank about offering additional financial support to Credit Suisse, to which he responded with a firm 'absolutely not,' leading to a panic sale and a 24% drop in Credit Suisse shares.
Credit Suisse shares rebounded after the Swiss National Bank provided a CHF50 billion liquidity lifeline. While addressing short-term capital concerns, the question of retaining clients remained unanswered.
Credit Suisse experiences daily outflows of about $10 billion, leading to concerns about its financial stability.
UBS, along with the Swiss National Bank and Finma, facilitates a takeover of Credit Suisse to stabilize Switzerland's financial system after confidence in the bank wanes.
UBS agrees to acquire Credit Suisse for CHF3 billion in stock and takes on up to CHF5 billion in losses, leading to the dissolution of Credit Suisse's 167-year history.
As of January 25, 2023, Saudi National Bank held a 10% stake, Qatar Investment Authority boosted its stake to 6.87%, and Harris Associates reported a holding of below 3%. Harris Associates later exited all its Credit Suisse positions by March 2023.
On 9 February 2023, Credit Suisse reported an annual loss of CHF 7.3 billion, the biggest loss since the 2008 global financial crisis.
On 14 March 2023, Credit Suisse published its annual report for 2022 stating it had identified 'material weaknesses' in controls over financial reporting.
On March 15, 2023, Credit Suisse's share price plummeted by nearly 25% following the Saudi National Bank's announcement that it could not provide further financial assistance.
Credit Suisse received a liquidity lifeline from the Swiss National Bank after its share price plunged to an all-time low. The bank borrowed up to 50 billion Swiss francs from the central bank, becoming the first major bank to receive such an intervention since the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.
On March 19, 2023, UBS revealed its plan to acquire Credit Suisse for $3.25 billion to prevent the bank's collapse, with the acquisition being completed in June 2023.
Credit Suisse experiences a collapse in March 2023, with discussions pointing back to 2021 and the Gamestop trading restrictions as precursors to the event.
Credit Suisse, after a century-and-a-half of existence, faced a series of scandals and failures leading to its dissolution into UBS.
Credit Suisse started with a profitable gamble but eventually faced a failed one. This event showcases the history of a remarkable bank during a tumultuous period.
On May 5, 2023, Credit Suisse announced the purchase of Ecuadorian bonds worth $1.6 billion in a debt-for-nature swap. This strategic investment not only benefited the Swiss bank financially but also contributed to conservation efforts in the Galapagos islands.
On May 9, 2023, Credit Suisse announced that it would continue its banking operations under the hospice of UBS to fulfill financial obligations towards existing clients and employees of both banks. CEO Ulrich Körner will join UBS's executive board.
Cash-strapped Credit Suisse has faced liquidity issues due to scandals, risky investments, and losses. UBS and the Swiss Government recently bought out Credit Suisse to prevent further turmoil in the financial markets.
On June 27, 2023, UBS revealed plans to cut more than half of Credit Suisse's workforce post-acquisition, signaling significant changes in the bank's operations.
An investigation into the collapse of the hedge fund Credit Suisse will keep its files closed for the next 50 years. There have been rumors linking this hedge fund to the manipulation of GameStop stock, with discussions and speculations dating back to July 2021.