Tag: PostFinance

  • Postfinance Says Goodbye to Yuh: What This Means for the Future of Digital Banking

    Postfinance Says Goodbye to Yuh: What This Means for the Future of Digital Banking

    The finance app Yuh has officially transitioned into the hands of a single owner following the acquisition of Postfinance’s 50 percent stake by Swissquote. This move, four years post-launch of the joint venture, is seen as a strategic step to enhance Yuh’s growth potential and focus.

    With this change, Yuh is poised to implement its expansion plans with greater agility. In turn, Postfinance will redirect its resources toward its fundamental objectives, concentrating on areas that promise the most substantial impact for its customers during a challenging market climate.

    Celebrating Success and Future Growth

    Beat Röthlisberger, CEO of Postfinance, expressed pride in their role in Yuh’s journey, stating, “We are extremely proud to have been part of Yuh’s success story. It underscores our role as an innovator in Switzerland.” Yuh has swiftly emerged as the country’s most popular finance app, a feat that showcases the power of digital finance in today’s landscape.

    Swissquote’s CEO Marc Bürki noted, “We continue to stand by our long-standing, successful partnership with Postfinance. Today’s move allows us to fully integrate Yuh into our overall offering.” This full ownership enables Swissquote to better exploit synergies between the two entities and broaden its service lineup for customers across various demographics.

    Growth Valued at CHF 180 Million

    Yuh’s valuation in this transaction stands at an impressive 180 million francs. Swissquote has opted to pay part of this price through treasury shares, leading to an increase in Postfinance’s previously held 5 percent stake in Swissquote, marking a new chapter in their collaborative history.

    Despite divesting from Yuh, Postfinance remains committed to bolstering its digital services. Röthlisberger reaffirmed the bank’s intention to carve its own path within the digital banking landscape, signaling continued investment in innovation.

    As of June 30, Yuh boasted 342,369 customer accounts, holding a total of 3.2 billion francs in assets. With the acquisition, Swissquote surpasses the impressive milestone of one million customer accounts, now totaling 1,050,762—a testament to its successful expansion strategy.

    Questions & Answers

    What prompted Swissquote’s acquisition of Yuh from Postfinance?
    The acquisition is aimed at enhancing Yuh’s growth efficiency and allowing for greater focus under a single ownership structure, after four years of operating as a joint venture.

    How does this acquisition impact Postfinance’s digital strategy?
    Postfinance plans to sharpen its focus on its core business areas, continuing to strengthen its digital offerings and services, despite selling its stake in Yuh.

    What are Yuh’s performance metrics following the acquisition?
    As of June 30, Yuh reported 342,369 customer accounts with assets totaling 3.2 billion francs, contributing to Swissquote’s overall customer base exceeding one million accounts.

  • PostFinance Welcomes New CFO with Impressive History from Major Banking Institutions

    PostFinance Welcomes New CFO with Impressive History from Major Banking Institutions

    Postfinance has made a significant stride in its leadership by appointing Claudio Gaugler as the new Chief Financial Officer, effective at the start of September. Gaugler is stepping into the role previously held by Kurt Fuchs, who concluded his 13-year tenure at the end of February 2025.

    Described as a seasoned financial expert with a wealth of leadership experience in the banking sector, Gaugler brings a robust profile to the table. Until his arrival, Marc Bonfils will continue to act as interim head of Finance, ensuring a seamless transition before returning to his position as Head of Treasury.

    Significant Experience with Top Banking Institutions

    At just 40 years old, Gaugler arrives with more than 15 years of international experience in finance. He studied Business Administration and Banking and Finance at the esteemed University of St. Gallen. Since 2010, he has held strategic positions and senior roles in corporate development at Credit Suisse and UBS, enhancing his reputation within the industry.

    Most recently, Gaugler served as the CFO of Credit Suisse Asset Management, where he played a pivotal role in overseeing the financial integration with UBS following the latter’s acquisition.

    Fuchs’s departure, announced in June 2024, was a decision driven by his desire for a fresh leadership team to take the reins under the guidance of new CEO Beat Röthlisberger. With Gaugler’s appointment, Postfinance appears poised for a dynamic new chapter, ready to embrace fresh challenges and opportunities in the financial landscape.

    As the saying goes, “new blood brings new ideas,” and Postfinance seems excited for the creative infusion Gaugler promises.

    Questions & Answers

    What is Claudio Gaugler’s professional background? Gaugler has over 15 years of experience in the financial sector, having held significant positions at Credit Suisse and UBS, and recently served as CFO of Credit Suisse Asset Management.

    When did Kurt Fuchs announce his departure? Fuchs announced his retirement in June 2024 after a 13-year tenure, expressing a desire for a new leadership team to emerge.

    What is Marc Bonfils’s role during the transition? Bonfils is currently serving as the interim head of Finance, ensuring a smooth transition before resuming his role as Head of Treasury.

  • PostFinance Unveils Restructuring Plans, Leading to Job Cuts Ahead

    PostFinance Unveils Restructuring Plans, Leading to Job Cuts Ahead

    PostFinance has announced plans to implement job cuts by the end of November 2025, unveiling a consultation procedure aimed at increasing operational efficiency amidst ongoing restructuring efforts.

    Job Cuts Affecting Administrative Roles

    The Swiss financial services provider revealed on Thursday that it intends to eliminate 141 positions, primarily impacting administrative staff in Bern. Furthermore, up to 73 adjustments to contracts are anticipated. This reduction represents about 3.6 percent of its total workforce, which numbers approximately 3,900 employees as of the end of 2024.

    Consultation Process Underway

    In light of the restructuring, PostFinance is initiating a consultation process, allowing affected employees to propose measures to minimize, limit, or prevent layoffs altogether. A final decision from the management board is anticipated in July, leaving a glimmer of hope for those facing uncertainty.

    Aiming for Strategic Growth

    The job cuts stem from changes within PostFinance’s organizational framework, aligning with its Strategy 2025–2028. The goal is to foster moderate growth, enhance market positioning, and improve overall performance. This strategy includes generating additional revenue streams, augmenting non-interest income, and boosting sales. The restructuring aims to optimize resources and foster synergies in crucial areas.

    CEO Beat Röthlisberger acknowledged the distress this announcement may cause, stating, “We are aware that this announcement will be burdensome for many of our employees and may cause uncertainty and concern. We will support them closely during this period.”

    Positive News from the Federal Office of Communications

    On a brighter note, the Federal Office of Communications (BAKOM) reported in its annual review that Swiss Post has exceeded the statutory minimum levels for basic service provision. Impressively, over 90 percent of the population can access cash payment services within a 20-minute journey by foot or public transport.

    Additionally, PostFinance enjoyed good customer ratings; private clients scored the company at 81 out of 100, matching last year’s results, while business clients reported slightly increased satisfaction with a score of 77.

    Questions & Answers

    What is the reason behind PostFinance’s job cuts? The job cuts are part of a restructuring strategy aimed at increasing efficiency and adapting to changes within the organizational model.

    How many jobs will be affected? A total of 141 jobs are set to be eliminated, mainly within administrative roles in Bern, alongside potential adjustments to 73 contracts.

    What did recent reports say about customer satisfaction? According to the Federal Office of Communications, private customers rated PostFinance at 81 out of 100, while business customers scored it 77, indicating stable satisfaction levels.