London Stock Market Faces Largest Exodus Since Financial Crisis

The London stock market is experiencing its largest exodus of companies since the global financial crisis, with firms like Just Eat Takeaway abandoning their listings due to administrative burdens and costs. In 2024, only 18 IPOs were recorded, the lowest since 2010, as companies seek better liquidity abroad. However, a recent £2.6 billion listing by Canal+ offers a glimmer of hope for a rebound in 2025, driven by potential policy stabilization and a robust deal pipeline.

about London Stock Market Faces Largest Exodus Since Financial Crisis

Julius Baer Faces Major IT Crisis Amid Internal Power Struggle

Julius Baer’s ambitious IT project, “Renewal of Operational Core” (ROC), faces turmoil as internal factions clash, particularly between teams in Asia and Zurich. With hundreds of millions at stake, CEO Stefan Bollinger is contemplating abandoning the initiative amid allegations of sabotage and challenges from external consultants. The software provider, Temenos, struggles to meet Swiss standards, complicating the situation further.

about Julius Baer Faces Major IT Crisis Amid Internal Power Struggle

Wirecard shareholders seek damages in landmark legal case against EY

A capital investor test case has commenced in Munich, focusing on claims for damages from Wirecard shareholders who suffered significant losses following the company’s collapse. The Bavarian Supreme State Court is examining whether investors can seek compensation for false or misleading capital market information provided by EY.

about Wirecard shareholders seek damages in landmark legal case against EY

Julius Baer Halts Major IT Project Amid Leadership Transition and Challenges

Julius Baer is undergoing a leadership transition as interim CEO Nic Dreckmann hands over to Stefan Bollinger. Dreckmann has reportedly halted a major IT project aimed at harmonizing mainframes across Switzerland, Luxembourg, and Singapore, citing challenges with the supplier Temenos and customer data protection requirements. Despite the bank’s denial of a project stop, insiders suggest a hiring freeze in IT and a review by McKinsey to assess the situation.

about Julius Baer Halts Major IT Project Amid Leadership Transition and Challenges

Stephan Preiswerk Appointed Head of Private Banking at Basler Kantonalbank

Stephan Preiswerk, son of Basel aristocrat Matthias Preiswerk, is set to become the Head of Private Banking at Basler Kantonalbank (BKB) in January 2025. At just 34, he transitions from Baumann & Cie Privatbank, where he rose quickly through the ranks, to a position with guaranteed pension and taxpayer-backed salary. His career began at EY, followed by a significant role at his father’s bank, showcasing his ascent in the Basel banking elite.

about Stephan Preiswerk Appointed Head of Private Banking at Basler Kantonalbank

Swiss Retail Banks Face Margin Pressure Amid Declining Interest and Sustainability Concerns

Retail banks in Switzerland anticipate declining interest margins due to falling rates and rising competition, yet they remain largely unconcerned, viewing the market as a “comfortable crumple zone.” While innovative technologies may heighten competition, banks do not see fintech or big tech firms as direct threats, citing regulatory barriers. However, sustainability is losing traction, with many banks feeling pressured to act as “sustainability policemen” despite a lack of customer demand and meaningful reporting challenges.

about Swiss Retail Banks Face Margin Pressure Amid Declining Interest and Sustainability Concerns

Exam Disruption at Auditor School Raises Concerns Over Fairness and Preparation

A significant exam failure occurred at a Swiss auditor training school, where 250 candidates faced IT issues during a crucial test, leading to delays and a switch to an alternative exam version. This disparity raised concerns about fairness, as students in French-speaking regions completed the original test without problems. Criticism also emerged regarding the school’s resources and course structure, alongside an investigation into a recent data breach involving stolen exams.

about Exam Disruption at Auditor School Raises Concerns Over Fairness and Preparation

Resignation of Graubündner Kantonalbank Chairman Amid Controversy

A top banker, Peter Fanconi, resigned prematurely amid controversy over his ties to René Benko and questionable financial dealings. Despite attempts to clear his name, including threats of legal action, Fanconi ultimately stepped down from his position at Graubündner Kantonalbank. The resignation marked a bitter end to the career of a once-prominent figure in the banking industry.

about Resignation of Graubündner Kantonalbank Chairman Amid Controversy

Understanding the Shift: Women’s Influence in Private Banking and Wealth Management

Private banks are facing a significant wealth transfer as the Baby Boomer generation passes on their assets to Generation Z and Y. However, they have overlooked the fact that a large portion of this wealth will first go to women, who are increasingly controlling private assets. Banks need to adapt to better serve and understand the financial needs of their female clients to avoid losing their business.

about Understanding the Shift: Women's Influence in Private Banking and Wealth Management

Economic Slowdown Sparks Stock Market Concerns

The shockingly disappointing first-quarter GDP reading has raised concerns of a potential stock market crash, with the U.S. economy growing at its lowest level since 2022. The report suggests a significant slowdown in production, coupled with decelerating consumer spending and persistent inflationary pressures, leading to worries of stagflation. This has put additional pressure on stocks, with Wall Street responding poorly to the GDP print and stock indices closing in the red across the board.

about Economic Slowdown Sparks Stock Market Concerns