The Swiss voice in the world since 1935

Credit Suisse sued by US shareholders amid banking turmoil

Credit Suisse
Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

Switzerland’s second-biggest bank has been hit by its first lawsuit from US investors over its recent difficulties. They allege that Credit Suisse defrauded them by concealing problems with its finances.

Credit Suisse suffered a 30% drop in its share price on Wednesday, prompting the Swiss National Bank to offer it a CHF50 billion ($54 billion) lifeline. 

+ Credit Suisse rescue: What does it mean for Switzerland?

The proposed class action lawsuit filed in a federal court in Camden, New Jersey, on Thursday accuses Credit Suisse of deceiving investors by failing to disclose that it was suffering from “significant” customer outflows, and that it had material weaknesses in its internal controls over financial reporting.

Shareholders led by Braden Turner said that as the truth became known, and Credit Suisse’s largest shareholder said it would not put more money into the bank, investors fled, causing losses as Credit Suisse’s stock price sank to a record low.

+ Where did it all go wrong for Credit Suisse?

Credit Suisse is to borrow up to CHF50 billion from the Swiss central bank to bolster liquidity and reassure investors after its shares slumped on fears of contagion from a banking crisis in the United States.

The Zurich-based bank, with deep roots in Swiss business and society, is in the middle of a restructuring to rebuild after a string of scandals, losses and management upheavals.

+ Credit Suisse to borrow up to CHF50 billion from Swiss National Bank

Credit Suisse declined to comment on the US class action suit. 

Turner, the named plaintiff, sued on behalf of holders of Credit Suisse’s American depositary shares from March 10, 2022, to March 15, 2023. The law firm representing Turner was also first to file shareholder lawsuits against US-based banks Silicon Valley Bank parent SVB Financial Group and Signature Bank. US regulators seized both of those banks within the last week.


Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Lakes in Central Switzerland have the best bathing water quality

More

Lakes in Central Switzerland have best water quality for bathing

This content was published on Anyone who swims in a lake in Central Switzerland need have no fear of infection from intestinal bacteria. The water samples taken at 65 bathing sites in 13 lakes all have good to excellent bathing water quality.

Read more: Lakes in Central Switzerland have best water quality for bathing
Historic ring stolen from Basel museum

More

Historic Russian ring stolen from Basel museum

This content was published on Unknown assailants have stolen a historic ring from a Basel museum. The stolen item was a gift from Russian Tsar Alexander I to his host in Basel in 1814.

Read more: Historic Russian ring stolen from Basel museum
Ceasefire drives stock markets higher

More

Ceasefire drives stock markets higher

This content was published on The ceasefire in the Iran-Israel war has visibly eased tensions on the financial markets. The SMI, Switzerland's leading stock market index, has risen above the 12,000 point mark again.

Read more: Ceasefire drives stock markets higher
Swiss stick to tipping in cash

More

Swiss stick to tipping in cash

This content was published on The vast majority of Swiss people tip in restaurants – and preferably in cash. However, there are regional differences.

Read more: Swiss stick to tipping in cash

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!

If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR