UBS navigates a legal labyrinth as French courts demand a new trial over a €1.8 billion tax fraud case. The financial drama unfolds with a recalibrated penalty in a complex legal tussle.

Swiss bank, UBS finds itself back in the spotlight. France's highest court has decreed an encore to the Swiss giant's legal drama, after striking down fines of €1.8 billion imposed by a lower court.

Whilst the guilty verdict has remained, the final fine for the Swiss bank is still uncertain after it helped wealthy French clients hide undeclared funds in Swiss bank accounts between 2004 and 2012.

What’s It All About?

In 2019, the Swiss bank was found guilty of illegal solicitation and laundering the proceeds of tax fraud. It was hit with a €3.7 billion fine and €800 million in damage compensation to the French state.

UBS immediately appealed and, in 2021, the Paris court of appeal reduced the penalty to €1.8bn. UBS appealed again.

So here we are. The courts have decided on another round.

A Judicial Encore

In a big move, the French Cour de Cassation, the country’s highest court, has upheld UBS's guilty status but has signaled that a new trial must be held. The iconic Swiss bank faces a reevaluation of its €1.8 billion penalty, with the Paris appeal court taking center stage.

UBS is steadfast in its denial of any wrongdoing, saying “UBS always acted in compliance with existing laws and regulations,” in a statement.

UBS France Stays out of It

As UBS awaits the next go around, the plot thickens. While the Swiss mother is in the courts again, its French subsidiary is not, having chosen not to appeal a separate €1.875 million fine. Four former UBS France executives received suspended prison sentences ranging from six months to one year and fines of up to €300,000. Perhaps they’re wise to just keep quiet.

This one ought to get juicier still.