Swiss stock exchange opens probe into UBS statements

The operator of the Swiss stock exchange said today it had opened an investigation into the country's largest bank, UBS, which is suspected of violating financial reporting rules.
The exchange operator and regulation authority SIX Swiss Exchange said UBS issued two statements late last year that may have breached rules on how listed companies should release potentially price-sensitive facts that could significantly sway their share price.
A bank statement on October 30, 2012 titled "UBS announces strategic acceleration from a position of strength", which was released alongside its third quarter results, was being examined, the regulator said in a statement.

Another release, issued on December 19, 2012 with the title "UBS Board of Directors authorises settlements of LIBOR-related claims with US and UK authorities; Swiss regulator to issue order", was also under investigation, it said.
That statement came amid the unfolding rigging scandal related to the Libor, a rate for lending between banks that also determines numerous financial and interest rate contracts around the world.
UBS was fined 1.4 billion Swiss francs USD 1.5 billion by US, British and Swiss authorities for its role in that market manipulation.

Today's probe, the regulator said, had been launched "on the grounds of possible breaches of the rules governing ad hoc publicity," which aim to ensure transparency and equal access to information for all actual and potential investors.

UBS reacted swiftly, insisting in a statement that "there is no basis for this investigation."
"We take our disclosure responsibilities very seriously," it said, insisting that in the two statements in question "we complied with all legal requirements."
"Our disclosures to the market were also consistent with our own high standards for disclosure quality and timeliness," it added.
Following the probe announcement, UBS saw its share price slip 0.63 percent in mid-morning trading to 18.81 Swiss francs a piece, as the Swiss stock exchange's main index remained flat.