Case Details
The Demise of Credit Suisse – A Case Study in Risk Management Failure
This case describes the basic issues that led to the downfall of Credit Suisse, the first global, systemically important bank (G-SIB), that had to be wound up. Its downfall was ultimately caused by the loss of confidence of its clients in the management and in the bank's business conduct. The crisis at a number of specialist and regional banks in the US in the first few months of 2023 further accelerated the loss of confidence in Credit Suisse. The bank ultimately suffered a classic bank run and was no longer able to stabilize on its own.
This case can be used in courses on commercial bank management, financial risk management, and financial market supervision and regulation at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The case can also be used in specialized courses for financial auditors, board members of financial institutions, or supervisory authorities.
It can be used to illustrate the following concepts:
- The role of risk culture in a financial institution.
- Risk governance and strategy in financial institutions.
Learning Objective:
- Management, its role and importance in setting strategies and managing the risks involved.
- Risk governance and strategy in financial institutions.
- Highlight the importance of the risk culture and risk expertise in managing financial institutions.