Credit Suisse Bank Profile

The Credit Suisse Group (SIX: CSGN, NYSE: CS) is a financial services company, headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Credit Suisse was founded by Alfred Escher in 1856 under the name Schweizerische Kreditanstalt (SKA, Swiss Credit Institution). The bank is organized into three divisions, Investment Banking, Private Banking, and Asset Management. Shared Services, which includes functions such as IT, marketing and legal/compliance, encompasses all three major areas.

In 1942, it opened its first branch outside of Switzerland, in New York City. In 1988, it gained a controlling stake in The First Boston Corporation, hence the long-time name of its investment banking unit Credit Suisse First Boston. In 1993, Credit Suisse Group bought Schweizerische Volksbank (People's Bank of Switzerland). In 1996 the two retail banks were merged and renamed Credit Suisse. In 2000, it acquired the investment bank Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) and, with it, an e-commerce software portfolio, including DLJ Direct, that it later sold to the Bank of Montreal.

Structure, The Credit Suisse Group is structured in three divisions, Investment Banking, Private Banking and Asset Management . On January 16, 2006, Credit Suisse First Boston (CSFB), now the Investment Banking division, Credit Suisse Asset Management (CSAM), and Credit Suisse Private Banking (CSPB), re-branded themselves, becoming collectively known as Credit Suisse. This move was initiated to better leverage each others' resources and capabilities to create a "One Bank" brand and effort.

Credit Suisse, The Credit Suisse business unit is a provider of wide-ranging financial services in Europe and other selected markets. It offers investment products, private banking and financial advisory services for private and corporate clients. Credit Suisse was founded by Alfred Escher.

Private Banking - Credit Suisse is one of the world’s largest private banking organizations with branches in Switzerland and numerous international markets. Private Banking specializes in providing personal investment counseling and professional asset management to affluent individuals.

Corporate & Retail Banking - In Corporate & Retail Banking, Credit Suisse occupies a leading position in the Swiss market. It provides a wide range of banking services for private and corporate clients in Switzerland. In addition, it offers online banking services.

Financial Institutions - Advice and solutions for banks and financial institutions all around the world.

Credit Suisse First Boston (Renamed Credit Suisse, Investment Banking Division)

Credit Suisse First Boston (Renamed Credit Suisse) is active in investment banking, capital markets and financial services. It is a member of the prestigious bulge bracket of securities firms.

Institutional Securities - Securities serves the broad needs of institutional clients with expertise in Equities, Fixed Income, Prime Services and Research. Investment Banking serves corporate clients' needs through Mergers and Acquisitions, Equity Capital Markets, Debt Capital Markets, Private Placements and Leveraged Finance services.