Introduction
Credit Suisse, one of the oldest and most significant banksin the world, has experienced substantial challenges recently. As of mid-2024,the bank's share price has significantly declined, with a drop of around 70%since the beginning of 2023. Over the last three quarters, Credit Suisse hasreported losses amounting to approximately 5 billion Swiss francs ($5.6billion), and its borrowing costs have increased due to multiple ratingdowngrades. The cost of insuring its debt has also soared to the highest levelin 16 years, surpassing levels seen during the 2008 global financial crisis.
Reasons for Its Crisis
Credit Suisse is under increased scrutiny due to a series oflosses, poor risk management, and changes in its senior leadership.
Low Deal-Making Fees
Over the past two years, Credit Suisse has faced numerouscrises and continues to strategize for recovery. The bank made $2 billion inthe first nine months of 2023, a 52% decrease from the same period in theprevious year. The new strategy likely involves further cutting back itsinvestment bank, which has caused problems, including significant losses fromthe collapse of Archegos Capital.
Failures in Risk Management
The bank has made several poor decisions in recent years. Itencouraged clients to invest $10 billion, leading to significant losses whenGreensill went bankrupt. This has increased the cost of borrowing for CreditSuisse and severely impacted its financial health.
Increasing Cost of Capital
Credit Suisse is facing higher borrowing costs, which isstraining its finances further.
Changes in Senior Leadership
The bank has had many leadership changes since 2020. CEOTidjane Thiam resigned in 2020 due to a spying scandal. His successor, ThomasGottstein, was CEO until July 2022, when restructuring expert Ulrich Koernertook over. These changes have raised investor concerns and added to the bank'sinstability.
What Options Does It Have?
Credit Suisse plans to expand its wealth managementbusiness, transform its investment bank into a "capital-light, advisory-led"business, and review options for its Securitized Products division. It may needto raise between 4-6 billion Swiss francs to reorganize and sustain growth.This could come from selling assets or issuing new shares, which might dilutecurrent shares. Another option is to seek a significant investor for a tailoredcapital raise or, as a last resort, apply for public aid.
Credit Suisse Financials
Credit Suisse has a market cap of around $8 billion andmanages $1.4 trillion in assets as of the end of Q2 2024. Its shares havedeclined by 65% over the past year. The bank operates in wealth management,investment banking, and asset management. It has reported around $5 billion inlosses and faces higher borrowing costs due to rating downgrades. In India,Credit Suisse has Rs 19,500 crore on its balance sheet as of the end of FY23.
Impact
Any new strategic plan might fail. Widening credit spreadscould increase market anxiety, lower confidence among business partners, andtemporarily raise financing costs. Over time, the decline in share price willmake it harder for Credit Suisse to raise money and reorganize its investmentbanking operations. Even in the worst-case scenario, any fallout from apossible Credit Suisse collapse would likely only have a temporary effect onIndia's financial markets, with little impact on Indian banks.
.webp)
.png)
.png)
