Key facts
- UBS aims to be among the top three investment banks in Asia following its acquisition of Credit Suisse.
- The Credit Suisse takeover has enhanced UBS's depth and breadth in the Asia-Pacific region.
- UBS re-entered the Indian market and expanded its operations across six Southeast Asian markets.
- The bank achieved the top spot in South Korea's investment banking revenue league table in 2024.
- UBS led the Asia ex-Japan M&A revenue league table in 2024 with a 9.8% market share.
- Key deals advised on include Malaysia Airport Holdings ($5.3 billion) and Gulf Energy Development ($17.2 billion).
UBS is strategically positioning itself to become one of the top three investment banks in Asia following its acquisition of Credit Suisse. The merger, orchestrated by the Swiss government, has significantly enhanced UBS's capabilities and market presence across the Asia-Pacific region.
The integration has proven complementary, allowing UBS to re-enter markets like India and expand its footprint in Southeast Asia, where it now operates across all six markets. In South Korea, the successful integration propelled UBS to the top of the investment banking revenue league table for 2024, a significant jump from fourth place in 2023, according to Dealogic.
Gaetano Bassolino, co-head of Asia Pacific global banking at UBS, noted that clients are now witnessing the tangible results of the acquisition. Even prior to the merger, UBS had been focusing on regional growth and product specialization, particularly in its advisory business.
In 2024, UBS maintained its leading position in the Asia ex-Japan M&A revenue league table, earning $145 million and capturing a 9.8% market share. The bank also led in M&A advisory volumes in Southeast Asia. Notable deals include advising Cemex on the sale of its Philippines arm and Eu Yan Sang International on a stake sale. UBS also served as financial adviser for the $5.3 billion takeover of Malaysia Airport Holdings and the $17.2 billion amalgamation of Gulf Energy Development with Intouch Holding.
The bank's equity capital markets business has also shown strength, with deals such as a $1.6 billion convertible bond for Anta Sports and a $2 billion convertible bond for JD.com. UBS also acted as a bookrunner for Hyundai Marine Solution's $540 million Korea IPO and placed $290 million worth of shares in Thailand's CPN Reit. UBS's extensive on-the-ground presence, coupled with robust banking, research, and equity sales teams, provides a competitive advantage.