GENEVA, July 26, 2012 /PRNewswire-Asia/ --
"The first half of 2012 saw business activity slow in tough markets, with steps being taken to keep costs on a tight rein and the Bank staying solid in the face of the uncertain times in which the economic and financial world finds itself,” said Guy de Picciotto, UBP's CEO. "Our proactive attitude puts us in a good position to meet challenges and to offset the pressures bearing down on the Swiss financial centre."
Increase in assets under management; profitability steady
During the first half of the year, the Bank concentrated on integrating ABN AMRO Bank (Switzerland) AG into UBP Group, with the process being completed in June 2012. At the same time, UBP acquired Nexar Capital Group, a global player in alternative investments. Despite the crisis, the Bank maintained its profitability, booking a consolidated net profit of CHF 70 million in the first half of 2012. This result was in line with expectations, being down 34% compared with the first half of 2011 (CHF 105 million), and being mostly affected by the acquisition and integration costs of the two companies mentioned above. Assets under management came to CHF 76 billion as at 30 June 2012, up 6% on the end of 2011 (CHF 72 billion).
Income stood at CHF 344.5 million for the first half of 2012 (USD 364 million), compared with CHF 383.2 million for the same period in 2011. UBP's operating expenses continue to be kept under control, with the Group's cost/income ratio standing at 76%, despite the integration costs of the two companies mentioned above.
Sound financial base
The balance sheet total was CHF 17 billion as at 30 June 2012, with the annualised return on shareholders' equity standing at 9%. By pursuing a conservative approach to risk-management, UBP has maintained a solid financial base: its Tier 1 capital ratio of 23.5% ensures that UBP is one of Switzerland's best-capitalised banks.
Adapting and developing its activities
During the first half of the year, UBP has continued to adapt to a new economic and regulatory environment. Net inflows have allowed the Bank to consolidate its position in the field of wealth management. The Bank also continued to develop its activity in the alternative asset management industry, confirming its commitment to this sector with the acquisition of the renowned Nexar Capital Group. In an uncertain economic and financial environment, the Bank's investment strategy priorities are preserving its clients' capital and providing investment solutions tailored to the new market environment.
Note to editors
UBP is a leading private bank in Switzerland and is one of the country's best-capitalised banks, with a Tier 1 ratio of 23.5%. The Bank specialises in wealth management for both private and institutional clients. It is based in Geneva and employs around 1,400 staff in some twenty locations worldwide. The Bank had CHF 76 billion (USD 80 billion) in assets under management as at 30 June 2012.
Linkedin - http://www.linkedin.com/company/ubp
RSS - http://www.ubp.com/cms/lang/en/template/feed.jsp
For any further information, please contact:
Jerome Koechlin - Head of Corporate Communications
tel.:+41-58-819-26-40
e-mail: jko@ubp.ch
