UBS Plans Wealth Business Shake-Up to Boost Affluent Client Outreach

UBS Group AG UBS intends to transform its wealth management business in the United States into six divisions and focus more on wealthy clients tumbling below the ultra-wealthy level, according to an internal memo reviewed by Reuters.The transformation plan indicates the company’s efforts to enhance its performance in the United States.Details of UBS’ Wealth Management Unit Transformation PlanAccording to the Wall Street Journal, which first reported the news of the transformation, UBS plans to allocate more resources to wealthy clients—a group that the company believes is important for its expansion in the United States.The transformation, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, will shift the framework from two national divisions to four regional ones, in collaboration with UBS International and its Wealth Advice Center. According to the memo, the shake-up aims to improve client response, accelerate decision-making and strengthen connections.This new arrangement will authorize the company’s field leaders through faster decision-making, enhanced responsiveness to client needs and greater connectivity.Prior Efforts to Enhance Wealth Business by UBSWealth management is UBS Group’s flagship business, which accounts for more than 50% of the Swiss bank's total revenues.According to a Reuters report from September, UBS is in discussions to form a wealth management joint venture (JV) in India with 360 One WAM, a Mumbai-based firm, formerly known as IIFL Wealth Management. This potential JV is expected to expand UBS’ wealth management business of India to high-net-worth individuals in addition to its existing ultra-high-net-worth individuals.Further, in a move to improve the company’s services for ultra-wealthy clients, UBS announced a realignment of its wealth management business. In July, the company established a new division known as GWM Solutions to consolidate different products for clients. This unit offers services that include investment management, lending, family and institutional wealth management and alternative investments.UBS’ Price Performance and Zacks RankShares of UBS have gained 1.8% in the past six months against the industry’s decline of 5.4%.Image Source: Zacks Investment ResearchCurrently, UBS Group carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Other Banks' Efforts to Enhance Wealth Management BusinessAccording to a Reuters report from September 2024, Stifel Financial Corp. SF is in discussion with B. Riley Financial to acquire its wealth management business for more than $100 million.This potential buyout aligns with SF’s CEO Ron Kruszewski’s strategy of making opportunistic acquisitions, which has been a key factor in the firm’s growth and expansion in the wealth management space.This June, Citizens Financial Group, Inc. CFG unveiled a few developments aimed at accelerating the growth of its wealth management business to attract new high-net-worth clients.CFG’s long-term strategy involves growth in wealth management offerings, improvement of capabilities in the high-net-worth segment and expansion into key markets.Only $1 to See All Zacks' Buys and SellsWe're not kidding.Several years ago, we shocked our members by offering them 30-day access to all our picks for the total sum of only $1. No obligation to spend another cent.Thousands have taken advantage of this opportunity. Thousands did not - they thought there must be a catch. Yes, we do have a reason. We want you to get acquainted with our portfolio services like Surprise Trader, Stocks Under $10, Technology Innovators,and more, that closed 228 positions with double- and triple-digit gains in 2023 alone.See Stocks Now >>Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report UBS Group AG (UBS): Free Stock Analysis Report Stifel Financial Corporation (SF): Free Stock Analysis Report Citizens Financial Group, Inc. (CFG): Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment ResearchWeiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks Weiter zum vollständigen Artikel bei Zacks