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UBS Group is a Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services company, with a rich history that spans over 150 years. It was founded in 1862 by a group of Swiss bankers.
The company's name, UBS, stands for Union Bank of Switzerland, and it was originally established as a merger between two Swiss banks. Over the years, UBS has grown significantly, expanding its operations globally and diversifying its services.
Today, UBS is one of the largest financial institutions in the world, with a presence in over 50 countries and a client base that includes individuals, corporations, and institutions. Its headquarters is still located in Zurich, Switzerland.
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History of UBS
UBS has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century. The company was formed through the combination of dozens of individual firms, with some dating back to the 1800s.
One of the earliest predecessors of UBS was the Bank in Winterthur, established in 1862. This bank merged with the Toggenburger Bank in 1912 to form the Union Bank of Switzerland.
UBS's growth was fueled by a series of mergers and acquisitions, including the acquisition of Aargauische Kreditanstalt in 1919 and Eidgenössische Bank in 1945. The company also acquired Interhandel in 1967 and Phillips & Drew in 1986.
In 1998, UBS merged with Swiss Bank Corporation to form the second-largest bank in the world at the time. This merger created UBS AG, a bank with total assets of over $590 billion.
Here's a brief timeline of UBS's major mergers and acquisitions:
The merger with Swiss Bank Corporation brought together the banks' various asset management businesses to create the world's largest money manager, with approximately $910 billion in assets under management.
Origins and Structure
UBS Group AG has its roots dating back to 1992 when UBS Asset Management (Hong Kong) Ltd. was founded, making it one of the oldest subsidiaries of the company.
The company's structure is complex, with multiple subsidiaries operating across different sectors. UBS Group AG is a multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in Switzerland.
Here are some of the key subsidiaries under UBS Group AG:
- UBS Asset Management (Hong Kong) Ltd. - provides investment management services for institutional and wholesale intermediaries primarily located in Greater China.
- UBS Bank USA - engages in the provision of banking services, including insured deposit accounts, securities backed lending services, and credit cards.
- UBS Third Party Management Co. SA - is a Luxembourger company located in Luxembourg, part of UBS Group AG.
Group Companies:
UBS Group AG has a significant presence in the financial sector, with several notable group companies. UBS Group AG is a multinational investment bank and financial services company headquartered in Switzerland.
Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, a regional bank, provides a variety of capital raising and advisory services to governments, financial institutions, and corporate clients. It is also a primary dealer in U.S. government securities.
UBS Asset Management (Hong Kong) Ltd. is the wholly-owned, Hong Kong-based investment management subsidiary of UBS Asset Management AG. Founded in 1992, it provides investment management services for institutional and wholesale intermediaries primarily located in Greater China.
The company has a diverse range of products and services, including insured deposit accounts, securities backed lending services, and residential mortgages.
Here is a list of some of the notable group companies under UBS Group AG:
UBS Third Party Management Co. SA is a Luxembourger company located in Luxembourg.
Origins of the Union Bank
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The Union Bank has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. It was founded in 1817 by a group of entrepreneurs who wanted to create a bank that would cater to the needs of the local community.
The bank's first office was located in a small building on Main Street, where it operated for several years before moving to a larger location. The bank's founders were successful in establishing a reputation for trust and reliability.
The bank's early years were marked by a focus on providing financial services to the local population, including farmers, merchants, and artisans. It offered a range of services, including loans, deposits, and currency exchange.
One of the bank's early successes was its ability to provide financing for local businesses, which helped to stimulate economic growth in the area. This was a key factor in the bank's early success.
The bank's founders were committed to serving the community, and they worked hard to establish a reputation for integrity and fairness. This commitment to the community helped to build trust and loyalty among the bank's customers.
Global Wealth Management
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Global Wealth Management is a significant division of UBS, offering high-net-worth individuals a range of advisory and investment products and services. As of the end of 2016, UBS Wealth Management's invested assets totalled CHF 977 billion.
UBS Wealth Management manages the largest amount of private wealth in the world, counting approximately half of The World's Billionaires among its clients. The company has a strong presence in Europe and Switzerland, with two-thirds of its total invested assets coming from these regions.
In 2018, UBS managed around 23,600 people worldwide, with approximately 190 offices in over 40 countries. Its headquarters is in Switzerland, where UBS Swiss Bank provides a complete set of retail banking services.
UBS's global wealth management advisory operations in the Americas consist of U.S. and Canadian wealth management businesses, as well as international business booked in the U.S. The company was named "Best Bank for Wealth Management in North America" at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2017.
UBS's main competitors in this division are Bank of America, Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan Chase, Wells Fargo, and Charles Schwab.
Overview and Expansion
UBS has a rich history dating back to 1862 in Basel, Switzerland. The company has undergone significant strategic mergers, including one in 1998 with the Swiss Bank Corporation, which greatly expanded its reach.
Founded in 1862, UBS is the largest Swiss banking institution and a leading private bank globally. Its reputation for strict client confidentiality and comprehensive financial services has made it a trusted name in the industry.
UBS manages a vast array of assets, including traditional investments and alternative investments like hedge funds and real estate. This robust asset management service allows the company to offer informed investment strategies that meet diverse investor goals.
With a global presence, UBS has extensive research capabilities that enable it to provide tailored investment solutions.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What bank is UBS affiliated with?
UBS is affiliated with the merged entities of Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation. It was formed through their merger in 1998.
Who owns UBS?
UBS is primarily owned by institutional investors, who hold around 54% of its shares, with the general public owning approximately 45.7%. The remaining shares are held by individual insiders and private companies.
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