Credit Suisse

The main activity of Credit Suisse, now integrated into UBS, is the provision of financial and banking services. The company offers a wide range of products and services, including:

• Accounts and cards: current accounts, savings accounts, credit and debit cards.
• Payment services: domestic and international payments, treasury management.
• Mortgages and financing: mortgage loans, personal loans, specialized financing for individuals and businesses.
• Pension provision: individual and occupational pension solutions (2nd and 3rd pillar), retirement planning.
• Wealth management (Wealth Management): portfolio management, investment advice, discretionary mandates, investment products.
• Digital banking: e-banking, mobile banking, digital services for financial management.
• Asset Management: asset management for institutional and corporate clients.
• Investment banking: advisory services, financing, capital markets and solutions for companies and institutional investors.

These products and services are aimed at a diverse clientele: private individuals, companies (SMEs and large enterprises), institutional clients and high-net-worth investors, primarily in Switzerland but also internationally.

Credit Suisse was founded in 1856 in Zurich by Alfred Escher under the name "Schweizerische Kreditanstalt" (SKA), with the initial goal of financing the development of the Swiss railway network and the country’s industrialization. Over the decades, the bank established itself as a major player in international finance.

Key development milestones:

• 1856: Founding of the bank in Zurich.
• Late 19th – early 20th century: International expansion, opening branches in London, New York, and other global financial centers.
• 1970s-1980s: Diversification of activities, development of investment banking and wealth management.
• 1990: Acquisition of First Boston, a major American investment bank, leading to the creation of Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB).
• 2000-2010: Strengthening of wealth management, strategic refocusing after the 2008 financial crisis.
• 2015: New strategic reorganization to focus on wealth management and emerging markets.
• 2023: Following financial difficulties and a loss of market confidence, Credit Suisse was acquired by UBS, marking the end of its independence and its gradual integration into the UBS group.

Products and services: Credit Suisse developed a wide range of banking products, including wealth management, investment banking, asset management, and corporate and retail banking services.

Partnerships and acquisitions: In addition to the acquisition of First Boston, the bank multiplied partnerships and acquisitions to strengthen its international presence and diversify its activities.

Strategic changes: Throughout its history, Credit Suisse adapted its strategy to respond to changes in the financial sector, focusing on wealth management and international clients, before being absorbed by UBS in 2023.

Credit Suisse was founded in 1856 by Alfred Escher, a Swiss politician and entrepreneur. Today, the management of Credit Suisse includes several key members:

• Ulrich Körner – Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
• David Mathers – Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Markus Diethelm – General Counsel
• Francesco De Ferrari – CEO Wealth Management
• Michael Rongetti – CEO Asset Management
• André Helfenstein – CEO Credit Suisse (Switzerland) SA

These executives make up the executive team responsible for the management and strategy of the bank.