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Finma defends AT1 bond writedown in Credit Suisse-UBS deal as legal action looms

$17bn in bonds held by firms including Fidelity International, Invesco, Lazard, Pimco and GAM were wiped out but Credit Suisse shareholders still stood to receive $3.2bn as part of the rescue deal

Finma's statement comes as lawyers hold talks with investors to gauge potential legal action against the markets regulator
Finma's statement comes as lawyers hold talks with investors to gauge potential legal action against the markets regulator Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images

Swiss market regulator Finma has issued an explanation for its decision to wipe out $17bn in Credit Suisse AT1 bonds as part of the UBS rescue deal.

Finma said on 23 March the AT1 instruments issued by Credit Suisse “contractually provide that they will be completely written down in a ‘Viability Event’” particularly if extraordinary government support is granted. 

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