UBS to buy back $19.4 billion of ARS

UBS AG has agreed to buy back $19.4 billion in auction rate securities on which the value collapsed in February.
AUG 08, 2008
By  Bloomberg
UBS AG has agreed to buy back $19.4 billion in auction rate securities on which the value collapsed in February, during the global credit crunch. In a deal with federal and state regulators, UBS agreed to repurchase the securities from retail and institutional clients. The agreement comes a day after the Securities and Exchange Commission announced a preliminary settlement with New York-based Citigroup Inc. to immediately buy back, at par value, the $7.5 billion in auction rate securities it sold to investors (InvestmentNews Aug. 7). UBS agreed to pay Massachusetts $750,000 on July 31, after the state sued the Zurich, Switzerland-based company on behalf of municipalities affected by the sale of the auction rate securities (InvestmentNews July 31). UBS also faces lawsuits from New York and Texas over the sale of auction rate securities, which are debt instruments on which interest rates are periodically reset through monthly auctions A UBS spokesman declined to discuss the settlement but said in a statement, “We are consistently working with regulators toward a comprehensive solution for all ARS investors.”

Latest News

The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed
The 2025 InvestmentNews Awards Excellence Awardees revealed

From outstanding individuals to innovative organizations, find out who made the final shortlist for top honors at the IN awards, now in its second year.

Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty
Top RIA Cresset warns of 'inevitable' recession amid tariff uncertainty

Cresset's Susie Cranston is expecting an economic recession, but says her $65 billion RIA sees "great opportunity" to keep investing in a down market.

Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments
Edward Jones joins the crowd to sell more alternative investments

“There’s a big pull to alternative investments right now because of volatility of the stock market,” Kevin Gannon, CEO of Robert A. Stanger & Co., said.

Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025
Record RIA M&A activity marks strong start to 2025

Sellers shift focus: It's not about succession anymore.

IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients
IB+ Data Hub offers strategic edge for U.S. wealth advisors and RIAs advising business clients

Platform being adopted by independent-minded advisors who see insurance as a core pillar of their business.

SPONSORED Compliance in real time: Technology's expanding role in RIA oversight

RIAs face rising regulatory pressure in 2025. Forward-looking firms are responding with embedded technology, not more paperwork.

SPONSORED Advisory firms confront crossroads amid historic wealth transfer

As inheritances are set to reshape client portfolios and next-gen heirs demand digital-first experiences, firms are retooling their wealth tech stacks and succession models in real time.