UBS Group AG’s chief executive, Sergio Ermotti, has indicated that he would like the next CEO to come from within the bank. The comment was made in an interview with the Swiss daily Tages‑Anzeiger on January 15, 2026, and follows the bank’s ongoing integration of Credit Suisse, which is expected to be substantially finished by the end of 2026.
Ermotti, who returned to the helm in April 2023 to steer the Credit Suisse acquisition, said he plans to remain CEO until at least the end of 2026 or spring 2027. His stated goal is to ensure continuity during the complex merger, which involved the legal unification of the parent banks in May 2024 and the consolidation of Swiss operations slated for Q3 2024. By keeping leadership stable, UBS aims to preserve the culture and strategic momentum that have guided the bank through the post‑2008 recovery and the recent market turbulence.
The bank has identified several internal candidates who could step into the role. Aleksandar Ivanovic, head of asset management, brings deep experience in wealth‑management product development; Iqbal Khan and Robert Karofsky, co‑heads of wealth management, have overseen significant client growth and fee‑generation; and Beatriz Martin, chief operating officer, has led operational integration efforts across the merged entities. Each candidate’s track record in scaling client services and managing cross‑border operations positions them as strong contenders to navigate the post‑integration landscape.
Regulatory discussions add another layer to the succession conversation. UBS is in talks with the Swiss government about proposed capital‑requirement changes that could impose new capital burdens. Ermotti noted that the dialogue is becoming more objective, suggesting a potential easing of regulatory pressure. A new CEO would need to balance the bank’s capital strategy with the need to maintain competitive fee income, especially in wealth management, which accounts for roughly half of UBS’s revenue.
The preference for an internal successor reflects UBS’s focus on continuity and risk management. By selecting someone familiar with the bank’s culture and ongoing integration projects, UBS seeks to avoid the disruption that can accompany an external hire. The decision also signals to regulators and investors that the bank is committed to a stable leadership path during a period of significant operational and regulatory change.
The announcement is expected to influence UBS’s strategic trajectory, particularly in how it manages the integration of Credit Suisse’s operations, addresses capital‑requirement negotiations, and sustains growth in wealth management while navigating a more complex regulatory environment.
revised_sentiment_rating
importance
The content on BeyondSPX is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. We are not financial advisors. Consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Any actions you take based on information from this site are solely at your own risk.