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UBS Reveals Client Overcharging Claims in Asia

By Sarah ChenChina
1 min read
UOB
UOB
In this article (4)

Wealth management clients in Hong Kong and Singapore may have been overcharged, UBS said, adding that it is working with authorities and intends to reimburse affected customers.

UBS claimed that it had identified and reported instances in which its global wealth management clients in Hong Kong and Singapore «may have been charged inappropriate spreads for bond transactions between 2008 and 2015.

UBS intends to reimburse affected customers on a basis agreed with the relevant authorities,» the bank said in its third quarter report. UBS expects the relevant authorities will subject UBS to reprimands and fines as a result of their investigations.

Despite the regulatory worries, Asia continues to be a primary growth driver for the bank, as evidenced by the latest figures. UBS’s global wealth management business posted net new asset of $10.9 billion in Asia, boosting the region’s total invested assets to $420 billion.

Questions & Answers

Q.

Which specific clients may have been overcharged by UBS?

A.

Global wealth management clients in Hong Kong and Singapore may have been overcharged. This involved inappropriate spreads for bond transactions, specifically identified between 2008 and 2015.

Q.

What is UBS's plan for clients affected by the overcharging?

A.

UBS intends to reimburse affected customers on a basis agreed with the relevant authorities. The bank is currently working with these authorities regarding the identified instances.

Q.

What consequences does UBS anticipate from regulatory investigations?

A.

UBS expects the relevant authorities to subject the bank to reprimands and fines. This is a direct result of the investigations into the overcharging claims.

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