UBS CEO warns stricter rules could require $20 billion more capital

  • Sergio Ermotti and Colm Kelleher urged lawmakers to avoid excessively strict capital rules for UBS.
  • The government’s package could require UBS to hold another $20 billion in capital.
  • Business groups backed a compromise using 50% CET1 and 50% AT1 bonds.

UBS Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti and Chairman Colm Kelleher have urged Swiss lawmakers to reject excessively strict capital rules as business groups lobby for a compromise on the bank’s post-Credit Suisse requirements. The government’s proposal would require UBS to hold an additional $20 billion in capital, including 100% Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) backing for foreign subsidiaries. Lawmakers are weighing that approach against a 90% CET1 option and a compromise allowing 50% CET1 and 50% Additional Tier 1 (AT1) bonds, which UBS estimates would require $13 billion in additional capital. Economiesuisse and associations representing small and medium-sized businesses, manufacturers, multinational companies and pharmaceutical firms said the stricter options could increase financing costs and reduce credit and capital-market services for companies. The upper house is preparing to vote on the reform proposals on Wednesday. The measures follow Credit Suisse’s 2023 collapse and are intended to protect taxpayers and strengthen Switzerland’s banking system.

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