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Credit Suisse Launches Radical Overhaul to Stabilize Bank

A sign of Switzerland's second largest bank Credit Suisse on a branch's building in downtown Geneva in a file photo from November 4, 2020. Fabrice Coffrini, AFP
A sign of Switzerland's second largest bank Credit Suisse on a branch's building in downtown Geneva in a file photo from November 4, 2020. Fabrice Coffrini, AFP
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Credit Suisse Launches Radical Overhaul to Stabilize Bank

A sign of Switzerland's second largest bank Credit Suisse on a branch's building in downtown Geneva in a file photo from November 4, 2020. Fabrice Coffrini, AFP
A sign of Switzerland's second largest bank Credit Suisse on a branch's building in downtown Geneva in a file photo from November 4, 2020. Fabrice Coffrini, AFP

Credit Suisse announced a radical series of measures Thursday aimed at turning around the beleaguered bank following huge third quarter losses, including revamping its investment banking unit, 9,000 job layoffs and raising fresh capital.

Switzerland's second-biggest bank launched a strategic review aimed at putting an end to a series of scandals that have shaken the institution, saying the results were intended to create "a simpler, more focused and more stable bank".

The Zurich-based bank said it was going for a "radical restructuring" of its investment bank, an accelerated cost-cutting effort, and strengthened and reallocated capital, "all of which are designed to create a new Credit Suisse".

The bank intends to raise capital worth four billion Swiss francs ($4 billion) through the issuance of new shares to qualified investors, AFP reported.

"Over 166 years, Credit Suisse has built a powerful and respected franchise but we recognize that in recent years we have become unfocused," chairman Axel Lehmann said in a statement.

He said the reassessment of the bank's future direction included "a radical strategy and a clear execution plan to create a stronger, more resilient and more efficient bank with a firm foundation, focused on our clients and their needs".

Lehmann said the bank will also work on further improving risk management and control processes across the entire bank, after a series of investments turned sour.

"I am convinced that this is the blueprint for success, helping rebuild trust and pride in the new Credit Suisse."

Credit Suisse also said expects to run the bank with approximately 43,000 staff by the end of 2025 compared to 52,000 at the end of September, "reflecting natural attrition and targeted headcount reductions".

The announcement came as the bank unveiled a third quarter net loss of $4.034 billion Swiss francs.

"This is a historic moment for Credit Suisse. We are radically restructuring the investment bank to help create a new bank that is simpler, more stable and with a more focused business model built around client needs," new chief executive Ulrich Koerner said in a statement.

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Saudi Arabia Looks to Cambodia to Diversify Rice Imports

A night view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (SPA)
A night view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Looks to Cambodia to Diversify Rice Imports

A night view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (SPA)
A night view of the Saudi capital Riyadh. (SPA)

In a strategic move to diversify its food import sources and stabilize domestic markets, Saudi Arabia is encouraging the private sector to begin importing rice from Cambodia.

The initiative, Asharq Al-Awsat has learned, is part of broader government efforts to expand the availability of high-quality rice alongside existing imports from countries like India, Pakistan, the United States, Egypt, and others.

Rice is a staple food in Saudi households and across the Gulf region. Rising demand, coupled with global challenges such as high shipping costs and climate-related disruptions, has led to fluctuations in supply and pricing. In response, the Kingdom is now looking to Phnom Penh to ensure consistent supply and greater price stability of this essential commodity.

Cambodia has built a strong reputation for producing premium-grade rice. It has been named the producer of the “World’s Best Rice” six times, most recently at the International Rice Conference held in Manila.

The country exports around 63 percent of its rice production, which totals nearly 12 million tons annually. Agriculture remains a top priority for the Cambodian government, which is actively working to increase production and expand access to global markets.

Following the visit by Cambodia’s Minister of Commerce to Riyadh in February, Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Foreign Trade has begun coordinating with the private sector to facilitate Cambodian rice imports. Discussions include inviting Saudi companies to visit Cambodian farms to explore supply chain opportunities and assess product quality.

Currently, per capita rice consumption in Saudi Arabia stands at approximately 45.8 kilograms annually and is projected to rise to 50 kilograms in the coming years. Rice plays a vital role in the national diet and is central to many traditional dishes.

Saudi Arabia’s broader food security strategy includes the establishment of a dedicated General Food Security Authority and the rollout of national strategies targeting agriculture, water, and environmental sustainability.

Over the past five years, agricultural investment financing has grown by 1,000 percent, and loans to the sector reached nearly 7 billion riyals ($1.8 billion) in 2022.