UBS, one of the largest banks in Switzerland, announced a 10% cut in bonuses to its employees after a dealmaking slump in the last quarter of 2022. According to the company’s annual report, the bonus pool shared by 47,600 bankers fell 17% to SFr2.9bn. This reduction in bonuses follows the bank’s move to overhaul its bonus structure to align pay more closely with profitability and sustainability. UBS has been focusing on retooling its broker pay grid and bonuses, increasing pressure on low producers while driving its brokers further up-market.
UBS has had a difficult past few years. In 2008, the bank received a $5.2 billion capital injection from the Swiss government after suffering $49 billion in losses on subprime mortgage securities and other assets. In addition, in July 2022, UBS announced job cuts, and while it was not clear which area of the bank the jobs disappeared from, it was noted that the investment bank could benefit from some trimming.
The decrease in bonuses by UBS is a reflection of the challenging economic environment faced by the bank. The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant headwinds for the banking industry, including UBS. A combination of lower interest rates, market volatility, and an uncertain economic outlook has made it difficult for the bank to generate the same level of revenue as in previous years.
The decision to cut bonuses is an attempt to address the issue of profitability. The bank needs to ensure that it is generating sustainable profits and that it is rewarding its employees in a way that reflects this. By aligning bonuses with profitability, UBS can encourage its employees to work towards generating sustainable profits, rather than simply chasing revenue.
However, it is worth noting that reducing bonuses can have negative consequences. Employees may feel demotivated and undervalued, leading to a decline in morale and productivity. To counter this, UBS needs to communicate clearly with its employees and explain the reasons for the bonus cuts. It should also consider alternative methods of recognition and rewards that can help to maintain morale and motivation among its workforce.
In addition to the bonus cuts, UBS has also been trimming its workforce. The bank has cut more than 1,000 jobs, and it is not clear which area of the bank these jobs disappeared from. UBS stopped breaking out headcount by division a few years ago, but the investment bank could probably benefit from some trimming.
UBS is not alone in cutting bonuses, as many other banks have also had to adjust their compensation plans due to various factors such as economic downturns, increased competition, and regulatory pressures. In the end, UBS is making changes to ensure its long-term success and to remain competitive in the ever-changing landscape of investment banking.
In conclusion, UBS’s decision to cut bonuses by 10% after a dealmaking slump reflects the challenging economic environment faced by the bank. By aligning bonuses with profitability, the bank can encourage its employees to work towards generating sustainable profits. However, UBS needs to communicate effectively with its employees and consider alternative methods of recognition and rewards to maintain morale and motivation. While the bank’s focus on retooling its broker pay grid and bonuses, increasing pressure on low producers while driving its brokers further up-market, may help generate sustainable profits, it is also important for the bank to ensure that it is treating its employees fairly and maintaining a positive work culture.
