Question 1

What is UBS?

Accepted Answer

UBS is a Swiss multinational investment bank and financial services firm that operates as a licensed bank in Hong Kong. As the world's largest private bank, UBS manages over US$7 trillion in assets globally and serves approximately half of the world's billionaires.

In Hong Kong, UBS operates as a major international financial institution, providing comprehensive wealth management, investment banking, and asset management services. The bank is registered with the Hong Kong Monetary Authority as a licensed bank and maintains its principal Hong Kong office at the 52nd floor of Two International Finance Centre in Central.

Question 2

When was UBS founded?

Accepted Answer

UBS traces its origins to 1862, when the Bank in Winterthur was founded in Switzerland. The bank that would become known as UBS was formed in 1912 through the merger of the Bank in Winterthur and Toggenburger Bank, creating the Union Bank of Switzerland.

The modern UBS Group AG was created in 1998 through the merger of Union Bank of Switzerland and Swiss Bank Corporation, forming what was then the second largest bank in the world. This merger combined over 160 years of Swiss banking heritage and expertise.

UBS has maintained a presence in the Asia Pacific region for over 60 years, establishing Hong Kong as one of its key regional hubs alongside Singapore, Tokyo, and Sydney.

Question 3

Where is UBS headquartered?

Accepted Answer

UBS Group AG is headquartered in Switzerland, with dual headquarters in both Zurich and Basel. The bank's principal place of business outside Hong Kong is located at Aeschenvorstadt 1, 4002 Basel, Switzerland.

In Hong Kong, UBS's principal place of business is located at 52/F, Two International Finance Centre, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong. Additionally, UBS has chosen Hong Kong as its Asia Pacific regional headquarters location, occupying an entire tower with approximately 460,000 square feet of office space at the High Speed Rail West Kowloon Terminus Development.

Question 4

Where does UBS operate?

Accepted Answer

In Hong Kong, UBS operates primarily from its Central district offices at Two International Finance Centre, serving as a major hub for the bank's Asia Pacific operations. The bank maintains a significant presence in Hong Kong's key financial districts, with offices strategically located to serve high-net-worth individuals and institutional clients.

UBS's Hong Kong operations serve as a gateway to the Greater Bay Area and mainland China, leveraging Hong Kong's position as an international financial centre. The bank provides services across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, with specialized offices for wealth management, investment banking, and asset management activities.

Question 5

What services does UBS offer?

Accepted Answer

UBS Hong Kong offers comprehensive financial services across four main divisions:

Global Wealth Management: Private banking services for high-net-worth individuals with over USD 2 million in investible assets. Services include portfolio management, financial planning through the UBS Wealth Way approach, and access to exclusive investment products.

Investment Banking: Advisory and capital markets services including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt offerings, structured finance, and access to global securities trading across equities, fixed income, foreign exchange, and derivatives.

Asset Management: Comprehensive investment capabilities in equities, fixed income, hedge funds, global real estate, infrastructure, and private equity, with offices managing substantial assets across multiple strategies.

Digital Banking Services: UBS offers advanced digital banking through the UBS Mobile Banking App and UBS Access App, providing secure login with biometric authentication, real-time portfolio monitoring, securities trading, foreign exchange services, and direct messaging with client advisors via WeChat and WhatsApp. The platform includes Circle One by UBS, a digital ecosystem connecting clients to experts and investment insights.

Question 6

What makes UBS unique?

Accepted Answer

UBS distinguishes itself in Hong Kong through several key features:

Global Scale with Local Expertise: As the world's largest wealth manager, UBS combines over 160 years of Swiss banking tradition with more than 60 years of experience in Asia, offering locally relevant insights backed by global resources.

Integrated Platform: UBS provides clients in Hong Kong with seamless access to all business divisions, including world-class research from its award-winning Chief Investment Office, which was named "Best Chief Investment Office in Private Banking" by PWM/The Banker Global Private Banking Awards 2025.

Strategic Regional Commitment: UBS has demonstrated long-term confidence in Hong Kong by establishing its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in the city, occupying an entire office tower that connects directly to the Greater Bay Area via the High Speed Rail West Kowloon Terminus.

Swiss Banking Heritage: UBS maintains strict bank-client confidentiality standards rooted in Swiss banking culture, combined with the financial stability of one of the world's best-capitalized major banks.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is UBS?

Accepted Answer

UBS operates in Hong Kong as a Licensed Bank under the Hong Kong Banking Ordinance, supervised by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority. This is the highest category of authorized institution in Hong Kong's three-tier banking system, permitting UBS to conduct the full range of banking activities.

As a universal bank, UBS combines retail banking, private banking, wealth management, investment banking, and asset management services under one institution. This universal banking model allows UBS to serve the complete financial needs of high-net-worth individuals, institutional clients, corporations, and governments.

UBS's structure as a Swiss multinational bank with licensed operations in Hong Kong reflects its position as one of the globally systemically important banks, subject to enhanced regulatory standards both in Switzerland and Hong Kong.

Question 8

What is UBS's relationship with Credit Suisse?

Accepted Answer

In 2023, UBS acquired rival Swiss bank Credit Suisse in an emergency rescue deal brokered by the Swiss government and central bank. Following this acquisition, UBS's assets under management increased to over $5 trillion with an expanded balance sheet of $1.6 trillion.

UBS completed the merger of UBS AG and Credit Suisse AG on May 31, 2024, by way of a merger by absorption under Swiss law, with UBS AG as the surviving entity. In Hong Kong, this has resulted in the integration of Credit Suisse (Hong Kong) Limited and Credit Suisse Securities (Hong Kong) Limited operations into UBS's existing infrastructure.

The merger has created an even larger global financial institution, further strengthening UBS's position as the world's leading wealth manager and enhancing its capabilities across all business divisions in Hong Kong and globally.

UBS

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About UBS in Hong Kong