Credit Suisse Named 2009 Bank of the Year by Int'l Financing Review

Credit Suisse also Recognized as Structured Equity House and Equity Derivatives House.

Credit Suisse was recognized this week as the “Bank of the Year 2009” by International Financing Review (IFR), a leading investment banking magazine.

In recognizing Credit Suisse, the IFR editors wrote, "Credit Suisse Group can plausibly claim to have come through the biggest downturn in 80 years not just intact, but even with its reputation and its business enhanced."

The editors pointed out the result of our client-focused, capital-efficient strategy, "has been a strong upward trajectory across a host of client-facing businesses." Other areas were also highlighted in granting Credit Suisse this award, including: emerging from the financial crisis with some of the best financial ratios in the industry, including its Tier 1 ratio and high return on equity; its decisive actions dealing with illiquid assets; and its responsible use of the Partner Asset Facility as part of its compensation plan.

Commenting on the awards at the IFR Awards Dinner held at Grosvenor House in Londonon January 12, Brady W. Dougan, CEO of Credit Suisse said, «These awards validate the results of our client-focused, capital efficient strategy. We recognize the changed global economic environment and have sought to cultivate a culture that is more in step with the changes that are impacting our industry across all of our stakeholders. We are grateful for the continued support of our clients, shareholders and employees, without whom these awards would not have been possible."

IFR also recognized Credit Suisse’s Equities franchise with two global product awards: Structured Equities and Equity Derivatives. In naming Credit Suisse the “Structured Equity House of the Year,” the editors wrote, "The fact that Credit Suisse maintained traders, sales and originators for convertibles was reflected in the business it did globally, and its ability to find solutions and price them correctly."

The Bank was also recognized as the “Best Structured Equity House for Asia Pacific” in addition to the global award. In the accolades for the “Equity Derivatives House of the Year”, the editors noted, "At a time of fundamental shift in appetite from those clients, who wanted continued liquidity in simpler, less exotic products, the bank was unique in the way it responded so comprehensively – and rapidly – to the new reality."

In addition, Credit Suisse was pleased to see many of its clients recognized in the awards in the Deals of the Year and Issuer of the Year categories.