Key Stats
UBS Group AG operates as one of the world’s largest wealth management firms and investment banks. The company provides financial services to private, institutional, and corporate clients across more than 50 markets globally.
Headquartered in Zurich and Basel, Switzerland, UBS Group AG delivers comprehensive banking solutions through five business divisions. These include Global Wealth Management, Personal & Corporate Banking, Asset Management, Investment Bank, and Non-core and Legacy operations.
The firm completed the acquisition of Credit Suisse Group in 2023, creating a banking powerhouse with expanded capabilities. This merger strengthened the company’s position as a global systemically important bank and enhanced its service offerings across wealth management and investment banking segments.
UBS Group AG History
- 1862 Bank in Winterthur established in Switzerland, focusing on industry financing and railroad connections
- 1872 Six private banking firms in Basel pooled resources to form Bankverein, the predecessor to Swiss Bank Corporation
- 1912 Union Bank of Switzerland formed through merger of Bank in Winterthur and Toggenburger Bank
- 1937 Swiss Bank Corporation adopted the three-keys logo symbolizing confidence, security, and discretion
- 1995 Swiss Bank Corporation acquired S.G. Warburg & Co. for $1.4 billion, marking major expansion into investment banking
- 1997 Acquisition of Dillon, Read & Co. for $600 million strengthened Wall Street presence
- 1998 Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation merged to create UBS Group AG with $590 billion in total assets
- 2000 UBS Group AG merged with Paine Webber, becoming the top wealth and asset management firm globally
- 2008 Financial crisis impacted the company severely, requiring Swiss government support and major restructuring
- 2012 Company fined $1.5 billion for involvement in Libor scandal, leading to significant reforms
- 2014 UBS Group AG became the largest private banker in the world with $1.7 trillion in assets
- 2023 Completed acquisition of Credit Suisse Group for $3.25 billion in emergency rescue deal
- 2024 Merged UBS Switzerland AG with Credit Suisse (Schweiz) AG, advancing integration process
UBS Group AG Co-founders
UBS Group AG Revenue
UBS Group AG generated $84.56 billion in revenue during 2024. The company’s revenue streams include net interest income, fee-based services, trading income, and asset management fees across its diversified business model.
UBS Group AG Competitors
UBS Group AG competes with leading global financial institutions across wealth management, investment banking, and asset management sectors. The company faces competition from both American and European banking giants in serving high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients.
| Competitor | Headquarters | Primary Strengths |
|---|---|---|
| JPMorgan Chase | United States | Investment banking, commercial banking |
| Goldman Sachs | United States | Investment banking, trading |
| Morgan Stanley | United States | Wealth management, institutional securities |
| Bank of America | United States | Commercial banking, wealth management |
| Citigroup | United States | Global banking, investment banking |
| Deutsche Bank | Germany | Investment banking, European markets |
| HSBC | United Kingdom | Global banking, Asia Pacific presence |
| BNP Paribas | France | European banking, investment solutions |
| Barclays | United Kingdom | Investment banking, wealth management |
| Credit Agricole | France | Retail banking, asset management |
UBS Group AG Acquisitions
UBS Group AG built its global presence through strategic acquisitions spanning more than two decades. The company acquired S.G. Warburg & Co. in 1995 for $1.4 billion, establishing a strong foothold in British investment banking. This purchase gave the firm access to European capital markets and enhanced its advisory capabilities.
In 1997, the acquisition of Dillon, Read & Co. for $600 million strengthened the company’s Wall Street presence. Dillon Read brought a powerful mergers and acquisitions practice and deep relationships with corporate clients. The firm merged these capabilities with existing operations to create SBC Warburg Dillon Read.
The transformative 1998 merger between Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation created the modern entity. This deal combined the second and third largest Swiss banks, producing total assets exceeding $590 billion. The merger united complementary strengths in retail banking, wealth management, and investment banking.
UBS Group AG acquired Paine Webber in 2000, adding 385 offices and 8,554 brokers to become the world’s largest wealth management firm. The purchase strengthened the American retail client business and expanded the private banking network. Earlier strategic buys included O’Connor & Associates in 1992 and Brinson Partners in 1994.
The 2023 acquisition of Credit Suisse Group marked the largest banking consolidation in recent history. UBS Group AG paid $3.25 billion in an emergency rescue orchestrated by Swiss authorities. This deal created a combined entity managing over $5 trillion in invested assets and significantly expanded capabilities across Asian markets.
The Credit Suisse integration progressed through 2024 with legal entity mergers completing in mid-year. Management expects the integration to finish by 2026, targeting $13 billion in annual cost savings. The acquisition strengthened the company’s position as the global leader in wealth management while expanding investment banking operations.
UBS Group AG Market Cap
UBS Group AG maintains a market capitalization of approximately $122 billion as of late 2024. The valuation reflects investor confidence in the successful integration of Credit Suisse and the company’s position as the world’s largest private wealth manager.
FAQs
What services does UBS Group AG provide?
UBS Group AG offers wealth management, investment banking, asset management, and personal and corporate banking services to clients worldwide through comprehensive financial solutions.
When was UBS Group AG founded?
UBS Group AG was established in 1998 through the merger of Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation, though predecessor banks date to 1862.
Where is UBS Group AG headquartered?
The company maintains dual headquarters in Zurich and Basel, Switzerland, with operations spanning more than 50 markets globally serving diverse client needs.
How many employees work at UBS Group AG?
UBS Group AG employs 110,323 people worldwide as of December 2024, providing expertise across wealth management, investment banking, and asset management divisions.
What was the Credit Suisse acquisition value?
UBS Group AG acquired Credit Suisse for $3.25 billion in March 2023 through an emergency rescue deal coordinated by Swiss government authorities.