Credit Suisse's stock price rose 4% after the Swiss National Bank (SNB) said it was ready to act in the case of a takeover. The statement was seen as an effort to calm the markets, which had been jittery since reports emerged that Credit Suisse was exploring a potential merger with UBS. However, Credit Suisse's CEO Thomas Gottstein has denied that any merger talks are currently underway.
The SNB's statement comes amid concerns that a merger between the two largest Swiss banks could create a too-big-to-fail institution and undermine Switzerland's financial stability. Some analysts believe that a merger could be beneficial for the Swiss banking sector, which is facing increased competition from international players.
Credit Suisse has been under pressure since it was hit by the Greensill and Archegos scandals last year, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. The bank has been trying to rebuild its reputation and shore up its balance sheet by cutting costs and restructuring its business. However, investors remain skeptical about the bank's ability to turn its fortunes around.
In summary, Credit Suisse's stock price rose after the Swiss National Bank reassured the market that it was ready to take action in the event of a merger. Although Credit Suisse has denied that any talks are currently underway, there are concerns that a potential merger with UBS could undermine Switzerland's financial stability. Credit Suisse has been struggling since the Greensill and Archegos scandals and is attempting to rebuild its reputation and balance sheet.