UBS is one of the world's largest financial firms. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, UBS has offices in over 50 countries and employs more than 100,000 people. UBS provides financial advice and solutions to private, institutional, and corporate clients worldwide, as well as retail clients in Switzerland. Its strategy centers on its wealth management business and its universal bank in Switzerland, complemented by its global asset management business and its investment bank. The firm’s wealth management business partners with its other business divisions when delivering advice and solutions to clients. Its investment bank regularly ranks among the top 10 firms in the global and EMEA M&A league tables.

The current version of UBS was formed in 1998 when Union Bank of Switzerland merged with Swiss Bank Corporation, whose combined history dates back to 1862. In 2000, UBS began trading on the NYSE and bought New York-based PaineWebber, whose history dates back to 1879, solidifying its U.S. presence. Iin 2008 and 2009, it reorganized itself and shrank considerably, as a result of losses stemming from the subprime mortgage crisis. The company also received aid from the Swiss government.