Swiss parliamentary committee passes UBS capital concessions 01-Sep 01:29

Swiss lawmakers on Monday said UBS (UBSG.S) should back its foreign subsidiaries with ​50% in Common Equity Tier 1 capital, ‌a blow for the government, which has sought 100% CET1 backing.

The economic affairs and taxation committee of the ​upper house of parliament, looking into banking ​regulations in the wake of the Credit Suisse ⁠collapse, said UBS should be allowed to ​use cheaper Additional Tier 1 capital to make up ​the other 50% to achieve full capitalisation of its units abroad.

Lawmakers have tried to balance protecting taxpayers from a ​future banking crisis against the bank's concerns that ​tougher capital requirements could undermine its competitiveness, considering several less ‌costly ⁠compromise proposals.

The Swiss government wants UBS to hold about $20 billion in additional Common Equity Tier 1 capital to bolster financial stability after its emergency ​takeover of Credit ​Suisse in ⁠2023.

But UBS has argued the requirement is excessive, would undermine its competitiveness ​and damage Switzerland's banking sector.

The proposals for ​new ⁠banking regulations from the committee now have to be voted on in the upper house before ⁠being examined ​by the lower house committee ​and chamber, where UBS could face a tougher reception.