UBS Has $6 Billion Question; French Judges Will Give Answer

  • Judge skeptical of testimony in tax trial of bank, executives
  • UBS lawyers see no incriminating evidence; ruling on Feb. 20
Photographer: Alex Kraus/Bloomberg
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In the middle of UBS Group AG’s six-week tax trial in Paris, Presiding Judge Christine Mee’s tone changed. And that may have given a sign of what the bank can expect in a case that could cost it as much as $6 billion.

The hearings, which ended Thursday, started well for the Zurich-based bank. A team of 20 high-powered French attorneys, executives and communications staff hammered on the weaknessesBloomberg Terminal in the case and denied the bank ever helped French citizens hide funds from tax authorities in Swiss accounts.