UBS boss resigns after fraud case
The case of the fraudulent trader at UBS will ultimately cost his position to the Director General of the Swiss bank. The institution announced in a statement Saturday that the departure of Oswald Grübel. "Today, the UBS Board of Directors has accepted the decision of Oswald Grübel, Group Chief Executive, to retire from office. The Board asked Sergio Ermotti to assume this interim position. This appointment is effective immediately, "said UBS.
The board of directors of the group was convened in plenary session Friday in Singapore. Initially, Oswald Grübel had yet to defend him. According to press Helvetic, he had to enjoy a visit to the Singapore sovereign fund GIC, which holds 6.41% of UBS, to ask the Board of Directors of the bank vote of confidence.He wanted to get his approval to remain in power until early 2013 and to complete the restructuring of the banking and wealth management at UBS.
The extent of the fraud trader in London, Kweku Adoboli, has had because of this determination. "The Board regrets the decision of Oswald Grübel. The latter considers it his duty to take responsibility for the recent case involving unauthorized trading operations. " This case was discovered on September 15, caused a stir in the world of finance. Rating agencies Standard & Poor's and Moody's immediately placed under review with negative implications the debt rating long-term 'A +' the Swiss bank.
Reputation under pressure
First estimated at $ 2 billion, losses due to fraudulent transactions conducted by Kweku Adoboli were revised upwards three days later business card.They eventually reach $ 2.3 billion (1.66 billion euros). An internal investigation was opened. UBS tracking the failures of its system of risk control. The gendarmes of financial markets in Switzerland and the UK have also launched independent investigations into the circumstances of the losses suffered by the bank. "The board is deeply disappointed by the loss from unauthorized transactions and fully support the independent investigation. Furthermore, it will ensure that support measures are in place to prevent such cases could occur again in the future, "promises UBS.
It must be said that the bank is under pressure, as he tried in recent years to restore its reputation tarnished by the crisis "subprime" in 2008.The Federal Housing Finance Agency, the U.S. federal agency to oversee the mortgage market, accuses him of having sold $ 4.5 billion of toxic assets to mortgage refinancing agencies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, and is seeking to return $ 900 million. The Swiss bank is also under investigation in France on suspicion of using tax evasion. Anxious to maintain the confidence of its customers, it manages the fortunes, the bank sent them a letter last Saturday. "Your assets are safe with us," she assured.
For its part, Kweku Adoboli, the trader, 31, was detained, following his appearance before a London court Thursday. The boy will remain jailed at least until his next hearing on October 20, announced the judge.
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