Why Credit Suisse Was a Magnet for Scandals
From one perspective, the Swiss bank’s succession of crises started when it was formed almost 170 years ago.
In 2023, Credit Suisse collapsed, shaking the foundations of the global banking establishment. But for onlookers who were aware of the lender’s numerous afflictions, it’s sudden demise was no surprise at all. From one perspective, the bank’s succession of scandals arguably started as early as its founding some 167 years ago.
One of those observers who saw it coming was Bloomberg editor Duncan Mavin, author of Meltdown: Greed, Scandal, and the Collapse of Credit Suisse. Mavin has covered banking malfeasance for more than a decade, which in Europe involved Credit Suisse on an almost-regular basis. In this episode of In The City, Mavin sits down with hosts Francine Lacqua and David Merritt to discuss his book and some of the lesser-known crises at the Swiss bank that led to its downfall.
“A lot of banks have scandals. The difference with Credit Suisse is that they’re relentless,” said Mavin. He also explains why he thinks the culture within the bank made it almost inevitable it would eventually fail, despite the best efforts of countless C-Suite executives.