UBS AG CH Company Profile and Financial Insights

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UBS AG CH is a Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services company. It was founded in 1862 in Zurich, Switzerland.

The company's history dates back to 1862, making it one of the oldest financial institutions in Switzerland. UBS AG CH has undergone significant transformations over the years, expanding its services and operations globally.

UBS AG CH is headquartered in Zürich, Switzerland, with a presence in over 50 countries worldwide. The company employs over 70,000 people across the globe, making it one of the largest financial institutions in the world.

As a leading financial services company, UBS AG CH offers a wide range of services, including wealth management, investment banking, and asset management.

History

UBS AG CH has a rich history dating back to 1862 when the Bank in Winterthur was founded. This marked the beginning of a series of mergers and acquisitions that would eventually form the bank as we know it today.

Credit: youtube.com, Why Wealthy Americans Love UBS, The Secretive Swiss Banking Giant

The bank's name was derived from the town of Winterthur, which served as Switzerland's industrial hub in the 19th century. By 1854, six private bankers in Basel founded the Swiss Bank Corporation (SBC) to cater to the increasing credit needs of Swiss railroad and manufacturing companies.

UBS was formed in 1912 when Bank of Winterthur and Toggenburger Bank merged to create the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS). This merger was a significant milestone in the bank's history, marking the beginning of a new era of growth and expansion.

Here's a brief timeline of UBS's major predecessors:

Throughout its history, UBS has undergone significant transformations, including a major reorientation in 2012 to focus on wealth management advisory services and limited sell-side operations. Today, UBS is one of the largest and most respected financial institutions in the world.

Union of Switzerland

The Union of Switzerland is a fascinating topic. UBS, or Union Bank of Switzerland, was formed in 1912 when Bank of Winterthur and Toggenburger Bank merged. This merger was a significant step in the bank's history, creating a strong foundation for the company's future growth.

Credit: youtube.com, How was Switzerland Formed? -The History of Switzerland

The Bank of Winterthur was founded in 1862 and established itself as a business lender with strong international connections. It participated in the founding of the Basler Bankverein, the forerunner of Swiss Bank Corporation, in 1872.

Toggenburger Bank, on the other hand, was founded in 1863 and became a general-service regional bank. It initially operated from Lichtensteig, a small town in eastern Switzerland, before shifting its operations to St. Gall in 1882.

The merger between Bank of Winterthur and Toggenburger Bank created an institution with nine branch offices and SFr 202 million in assets. This was a significant milestone in the bank's history, marking the beginning of a new era for UBS.

The bank's operations were initially confined to its regional strongholds in the east and northeast of the country. However, it eventually expanded its operations to other parts of the country, including the cantons of Aaragau, Bern, and Ticino.

By the end of the 1920s, UBS possessed assets worth SFr 992 million, a testament to the bank's growth and success during this period.

A Period of Weakening: 1990-97

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The period from 1990 to 1997 was marked by a significant weakening of the global economy. This was largely due to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, which led to a sharp decline in oil prices.

The Soviet Union's collapse had a ripple effect on the global economy, causing a recession in many countries. The United States, for example, experienced a recession from 1990 to 1991.

The decline in oil prices also led to a decrease in government revenue for oil-producing countries. This had a knock-on effect on their economies, causing a decline in their GDP.

The global economy continued to struggle throughout the 1990s, with many countries experiencing high levels of unemployment. In the United States, for example, the unemployment rate peaked at 7.8% in 1992.

The period from 1990 to 1997 was also marked by a significant increase in global debt. This was largely due to the increased borrowing by governments and corporations to try and stimulate their economies.

The high levels of debt accumulated during this period would go on to contribute to the global financial crisis of 2008.

2007–2009

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In 2007, the company's revenue reached $1.1 billion, a significant increase from the previous year.

The company's focus on innovation led to the development of the iPhone, which was released in 2007 and revolutionized the smartphone industry.

In 2008, the company's revenue continued to grow, reaching $1.5 billion.

The iPhone's popularity led to a significant increase in the company's stock price, making it one of the most valuable companies in the world.

By 2009, the company's revenue had reached $2.2 billion, a 53% increase from the previous year.

Corporate Structure

UBS is a joint-stock company, listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Its shares are traded globally, with a significant presence in the United States.

As of 2014, UBS's capital ownership is distributed across various countries, with the majority being from Switzerland. The bank has a significant presence in all major financial centers worldwide, with offices in 50 countries.

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UBS's global business groups include Global Wealth Management, Personal & Corporate Bank, Asset Management, and Investment Bank. These divisions make up the bank's corporate structure, which has undergone changes over the years to become a unified global entity.

Here's a breakdown of UBS's corporate structure:

UBS's corporate structure has undergone significant changes since its inception, with the bank rebranding its business groups under the UBS moniker in 2003.

Senior Leadership

The senior leadership of UBS AG has undergone significant changes over the years. As of April 2022, Colm Kelleher is the current chairman.

The chief executive position has also had several leaders. Since April 2023, Sergio Ermotti has taken on the role of chief executive, marking his second term.

Here is a list of former chief executives of UBS AG:

  • Marcel Ospel (1998–2001)
  • Peter Wuffli (2001–2007)
  • Marcel Rohner (2007–2009)
  • Oswald Grübel (2009–2011)
  • Sergio Ermotti (2011–2020)
  • Ralph Hamers (2020–2023)

List of Former Chairmen

The corporate structure of an organization is often shaped by the leaders who have come before. Mathis Cabiallavetta was the first chairman in 1998.

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One of the most notable chairmen was Alex Krauer, who served from 1998 to 2001. This was a significant period of growth and change for the organization.

Marcel Ospel took the reins from 2001 to 2008, leading the organization through a period of expansion. He played a key role in shaping the company's future direction.

A new era began with Peter Kurer's appointment as chairman from 2008 to 2009. He brought a fresh perspective to the role.

Kaspar Villiger succeeded Kurer from 2009 to 2012, continuing the organization's trajectory. He oversaw significant developments during his tenure.

Axel Weber has been the chairman since 2012, providing stability and leadership to the organization. He has been instrumental in guiding the company through various challenges.

Here's a list of the former chairmen:

  1. Mathis Cabiallavetta (1998)
  2. Alex Krauer (1998–2001)
  3. Marcel Ospel (2001–2008)
  4. Peter Kurer (2008–2009)
  5. Kaspar Villiger (2009–2012)
  6. Axel Weber (2012–2022)

Shareholders

As of 2017, the largest shareholders of UBS are GIC Private Limited with 7.07% and BlackRock Inc with 4.98% of total share capital.

GIC Private Limited's significant investment in 2008 helped bail out UBS during the subprime mortgage crisis, making it the largest single shareholder.

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In 2019, individual shareholders held 97.8% of the shares registered, with a total of 220,172 shareholders.

Legal entities, including major investors like MFS Investment Management and Capital Group Companies, held 2.1% of the shares registered.

Nominees, fiduciaries, and other institutional investors held a significant portion of UBS shares, with 217 nominees and fiduciaries holding 1.16 billion shares, accounting for 30.2% of the total share capital.

Here's a breakdown of the shareholdings as of 2019:

Paine Webber International Expansion: 2000–2006

Paine Webber's international expansion began in 2000 with the acquisition of a majority stake in a Japanese securities firm, Nikko Securities. This move marked a significant step into the Asian market.

The firm continued to expand globally, establishing a presence in key financial hubs, including London and Hong Kong. In 2002, Paine Webber acquired a minority stake in a UK-based investment firm, providing a foothold in the European market.

By 2004, Paine Webber had established a significant presence in Asia, with operations in Japan, China, and other countries. This expansion allowed the firm to tap into the growing demand for financial services in the region.

Colleagues in White Long Sleeve Shirts Sitting and Reading a Financial Report on a Conference Room
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In 2005, Paine Webber acquired a majority stake in a Hong Kong-based securities firm, further solidifying its position in the Asian market. This acquisition brought new products and services to the firm's global offerings.

Paine Webber's international expansion efforts culminated in 2006 with the establishment of a global wealth management platform, providing clients with access to a range of financial services worldwide.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is UBS AG?

UBS AG is a leading global financial services company operating in Switzerland and worldwide. As a universal bank, UBS offers a wide range of financial services across personal banking, wealth management, corporate finance, and more.

What does AG stand for in UBS?

AG stands for Aktiengesellschaft, a German term for a public limited company. This type of company offers shares to the public and limits shareholders' liability to their investment.

Are UBS and UBS AG the same company?

No, UBS and UBS AG are not the same company, as UBS AG is the holding company of the UBS Group, which owns 100% of UBS AG's outstanding shares.

What is the meaning of the UBS logo?

The UBS logo features three keys representing trust, security, and discretion, inherited from the Swiss Bank Corporation's symbol. This iconic design embodies the bank's core values.

What is the UBS three keys logo?

The UBS three keys logo was first introduced in 1938 and features a design created by Warja Lavater, a Zurich-based artist and graphic designer. The iconic logo consists of three crossed keys and the founding year, 1872.

Emily Hilll

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Emily Hill is a versatile writer with a passion for creating engaging content on a wide range of topics. Her expertise spans across various categories, including finance and investing. Emily's writing career has taken off with the publication of her informative articles on investing in Indian ETFs, showcasing her ability to break down complex subjects into accessible and easy-to-understand pieces.

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