Swiss Watchdog to Regularly Review UBS Oversight

The Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (Finma) has announced plans to regularly review and strengthen its oversight of UBS Group AG, Switzerland's sole remaining globally-systemic bank. Following the collapse of Credit Suisse and its subsequent merger with UBS, Finma aims to prevent another crisis and maintain the stability of the Swiss financial system.

Finma's enhanced scrutiny will focus on UBS's integration process and operational stability, capital and liquidity planning, and business conduct. The watchdog plans to conduct two stress tests and 40 on-site supervisions at UBS, ensuring the bank's resilience and compliance with regulations.

Finma's expanded authority, including the ability to impose fines and influence bonus decisions, will significantly enhance UBS's risk management and governance. The introduction of a senior managers regime will directly link individual responsibility to decision-making, fostering a culture of risk awareness and accountability. Fines will serve as a deterrent, encouraging UBS to comply with regulations and maintain robust internal controls.

Finma's increased focus on UBS is expected to have a ripple effect on the broader Swiss banking sector. With UBS now over twice the size of the domestic economy and the sole remaining globally-systemic bank, its stability is crucial for Switzerland's financial reputation. Finma's enhanced oversight, including stress tests and on-site supervisions, will likely set a new standard for the entire sector. Other banks may face increased scrutiny, particularly in areas such as capital and liquidity planning, governance, and risk management.



The increased focus on UBS by the Swiss financial watchdog, Finma, is a strategic move to address the lessons learned from the Credit Suisse collapse. By strengthening its oversight of UBS, Finma aims to maintain public confidence in the Swiss financial system and prevent future crises. The watchdog's proactive approach will not only protect Switzerland's historical reputation for financial stability but also set a positive example for global banking regulators, fostering a more resilient and secure financial landscape.

In conclusion, Finma's decision to regularly review and strengthen its oversight of UBS is a crucial step in maintaining the stability of the Swiss financial system. By addressing the lessons learned from the Credit Suisse collapse, Finma is committed to ensuring the resilience of UBS and the broader banking sector, ultimately benefiting both the bank and the Swiss financial sector.