Credit Suisse achieved a key milestone for its Chinese activities.
The Swiss bank won regulatory approval to take a majority stake in Founders Securities, a joint venture it maintains in China, it said in a statement on Friday. Credit Suisse is the latest bank to rush in following the lifting of restrictions.
«Credit Suisse will work closely with Founder Securities to make the necessary arrangements to complete the planned capital injection and related procedures,» the bank said. With the move, Credit Suisse's holding will increase to 51 percent, from one-third currently.
UBS, Citi Advance
In doing so, Credit Suisse follows rivals like UBS, which is lifting its stake in a joint venture, UBS Securities China, to 100 percent from 50 percent currently. U.S. giant Citi reportedly plans to set up a wholly-owned onshore securities business.
Last year, Chinese authorities said it will remove foreign ownership limits for securities, insurance, and fund management companies next year – one year earlier than planned. For Credit Suisse, this means developing onshore capabilities, the bank said. «We intend to continue to invest in this important market to bring our integrated capabilities and our comprehensive range of financial products and services to both domestic and international clients in China,» Asia head Helman Sitohang added.
Asset Management Tie-Up
The bank established the joint venture with a local partner 12 years ago in Beijing. It provides services like underwriting A-shares, foreign investment shares, and government and corporate bonds, and financial advice to domestic Chinese clients.
In 2016, Credit Suisse established a securities brokerage business in Shenzhen, a bid to expand its trading and execution capabilities in China. The Swiss wealth manager also maintains an asset management joint venture – ICBC Credit Suisse – with roughly $180 billion in assets.
