This website collects cookies to deliver better user experience. Cookie Policy
Accept
Sign In
The Wall Street Publication
  • Home
  • Trending
  • U.S
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Markets
    • Personal Finance
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Style
    • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Reading: Credit Suisse’s New Captain Needs to Show Early Turnaround Progress
Share
The Wall Street PublicationThe Wall Street Publication
Font ResizerAa
Search
  • Home
  • Trending
  • U.S
  • World
  • Politics
  • Business
    • Business
    • Economy
    • Real Estate
    • Markets
    • Personal Finance
  • Tech
  • Lifestyle
    • Lifestyle
    • Style
    • Arts
  • Health
  • Sports
  • Entertainment
Have an existing account? Sign In
Follow US
© 2024 The Wall Street Publication. All Rights Reserved.
The Wall Street Publication > Blog > Markets > Credit Suisse’s New Captain Needs to Show Early Turnaround Progress
Markets

Credit Suisse’s New Captain Needs to Show Early Turnaround Progress

Editorial Board Published January 17, 2022
Share
Credit Suisse’s New Captain Needs to Show Early Turnaround Progress
SHARE

Chairman António Horta-Osório had promised to deliver a much-needed shake-up of Credit Suisse’s culture

Photo: Jason Alden/Bloomberg News

By

Rochelle Toplensky

Jan. 17, 2022 10:29 am ET

Credit Suisse’s CS 0.38% New Year’s resolution for a steady, boring 2022 has already fallen by the wayside.

António Horta-Osório’s surprise resignation late Sunday from the helm of the beleaguered lender raises the suspicion that his departure might be due to more than the chairman’s stated coronavirus infractions. The outsider had promised to deliver a much-needed shake-up of the Swiss bank’s culture. His exit puts pressure on successor Axel Lehmann to show that the transformation will continue.

Many investors expected Mr. Horta-Osório to weather his two breaches of Covid-19 quarantine rules with an apology and possibly a fine or some other small sanctions. His departure could mean that the board wants to demonstrate that rule breaking won’t be tolerated, but there is a more worrisome interpretation: that the incidents presented an opportunity to get rid of someone who was making life uncomfortable.

The Portuguese banker built a reputation as a hands-on leader during his cleanup of Britain’s Lloyds Banking Group after the 2008 financial crisis. He arrived last April at Credit Suisse tasked with overhauling a company hit hard by a spying scandal and big financial losses from the Archegos and Greensill affairs. Mr. Horta-Osório took the lead and made a number of senior personnel changes, including bringing Axel Lehman onto the board.

In November, the departing chairman outlined a new strategy for the bank with the primary objective of strengthening its risk culture while maintaining its “entrepreneurial spirit.” He also warned that there were no quick fixes, just a lot of work to do. Some had hoped for a more dramatic overhaul. The new leader said he plans to stay the current course.

Unfortunately for international investors, Mr. Lehmann is a lesser-known quantity than his predecessor. He has held senior positions for over a decade at crosstown rival UBS and he spent nearly twice that long at Zurich Insurance Group, but lacks direct experience leading the overhaul of a bank. The current strategy comes with few ways of objectively measuring its future progress, beyond an absence of crises.

This week’s resignation may not count as a crisis, but it raises awkward questions that are hard for the bank to answer. The shares fell by roughly 2% in the European morning Monday, and continue to trade for about half of their book value. Investors could glean some early insight into Mr. Lehmann from how he deals with the findings of a new report into the Greensill affair, though his options might be limited by the continuing legal battle to recover money. If so, he needs to find other convincing ways to show that the bank is still on the wagon.

Write to Rochelle Toplensky at [email protected]

Copyright ©2022 Dow Jones & Company, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 87990cbe856818d5eddac44c7b1cdeb8

Appeared in the January 18, 2022, print edition as ‘Credit Suisse Pressed to Show Change.’

Contents
Chairman António Horta-Osório had promised to deliver a much-needed shake-up of Credit Suisse’s cultureRochelle Toplensky
TAGGED:MarketsPAIDWall Street Publication
Share This Article
Twitter Email Copy Link Print
Previous Article Learning to live with COVID-19: World attempts to make the virus a manageable nuisance Learning to live with COVID-19: World attempts to make the virus a manageable nuisance
Next Article Iran Demands Legal Pledge That U.S. Won’t Quit Nuclear Deal Again Iran Demands Legal Pledge That U.S. Won’t Quit Nuclear Deal Again

Editor's Pick

Alyssa Farah Griffin: ‘The View’ Co-Host is Pregnant With Child #1!

Alyssa Farah Griffin: ‘The View’ Co-Host is Pregnant With Child #1!

Studying Time: 3 minutes The View co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin is pregnant! On ‘The View,’ Alyssa Farah Griffin breaks the…

By Editorial Board 3 Min Read
Melissa Rycroft Admits to Actually “Struggling” in Wake of DUI Arrest
Melissa Rycroft Admits to Actually “Struggling” in Wake of DUI Arrest

Studying Time: 3 minutes Melissa Rycroft is in a darkish place proper…

4 Min Read
Man fatally shot throughout argument over lady at gathering at Tuscaloosa storage unit; suspect jailed
Man fatally shot throughout argument over lady at gathering at Tuscaloosa storage unit; suspect jailed

One individual was killed and a number of other others injured in…

2 Min Read

Oponion

Hong Kong Expands Vaccine Mandate Amid Record Covid-19 Outbreak

Hong Kong Expands Vaccine Mandate Amid Record Covid-19 Outbreak

HONG KONG—Unvaccinated residents will be barred from Hong Kong’s supermarkets…

February 8, 2022

Christina Haack Teases Extra Seasons Regardless of Cancelation Frenzy

Studying Time: 3 minutes Christina Haack…

July 10, 2025

Bay Space Information Group boys athlete of the week: Colin Wright, Serra water polo

Serra water polo participant Colin Wright…

September 27, 2024

Apple iPhone Output in China Ramps Up Despite Covid Woes

TechMain Foxconn facility recovers to about…

December 29, 2022

Introducing: COOFANDY’s Spectacular Prime Day Occasion | Fashion

We independently consider all advisable services.…

August 27, 2025

You Might Also Like

Jamie Dimon warns of main market threat in subsequent few years
Markets

Jamie Dimon warns of main market threat in subsequent few years

CPA and market analyst Dan Geltrude joins ‘Mornings with Maria’ to interrupt down the record-setting rally fueled by synthetic intelligence,…

4 Min Read
Meme inventory mania 2.0
Markets

Meme inventory mania 2.0

Pacer ETFs President Sean O’Hara discusses the advantages of ETFs and lays out his favourite investments on ‘The Claman Countdown.’…

4 Min Read
Traders have fun Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ election win
Markets

Traders have fun Japan’s ‘Iron Lady’ election win

Federated Hermes CIO Stephen Auth weighs in on Japan's first elected feminine prime minister and provides an concept on what…

3 Min Read
Tesla teases Tuesday announcement with social media movies
Markets

Tesla teases Tuesday announcement with social media movies

Niles Funding Administration founder and portfolio Dan Niles discusses Tesla’s potential $1 trillion compensation plan for Elon Musk on ‘The…

5 Min Read
The Wall Street Publication

About Us

The Wall Street Publication, a distinguished part of the Enspirers News Group, stands as a beacon of excellence in journalism. Committed to delivering unfiltered global news, we pride ourselves on our trusted coverage of Politics, Business, Technology, and more.

Company

  • About Us
  • Newsroom Policies & Standards
  • Diversity & Inclusion
  • Careers
  • Media & Community Relations
  • WP Creative Group
  • Accessibility Statement

Contact

  • Contact Us
  • Contact Customer Care
  • Advertise
  • Licensing & Syndication
  • Request a Correction
  • Contact the Newsroom
  • Send a News Tip
  • Report a Vulnerability

Term of Use

  • Digital Products Terms of Sale
  • Terms of Service
  • Privacy Policy
  • Cookie Settings
  • Submissions & Discussion Policy
  • RSS Terms of Service
  • Ad Choices

© 2024 The Wall Street Publication. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?