When a company is profitable over the years governments at all levels highlight the wonderful good things the company does in the economy and for a stable workforce. The government generally allows the company to do what it wants as it stays within existing regulations. If the company loses money, then everyone begins to poke their noses into the operations of the company. Shareholders who voted 95% plus for management question policies and procedures; governments question policies and procedures and the general public particularly those employed or affected by the company worry about the future of the company. There are multiple opinions and add stress of being a manager. Eventually someone has to take early retirement or be shifted to new positions.

In Switzerland, similar to the US the large global banks are a symbol of pride and when Credit Suisse lost money on risk management failures, the politicians are having their say. In an article by Michael Shields of Reuters, Credit Suisse which lost money on the investment bank Archegos and British supply chain finance firm Greensill, politicians are asking why a global bank had such as risky position on two clients?

Prisca Birrer-Heimo, a member of the lower house’s economic affairs committee said it is the politicians’ turn on the Credit Suisse issue.

The new Chairman of the Board, Antonio Horta-Osoria has said a thorough review of what went wrong was being undertaken. The bank had to raise money, stop buying back shares, cut its dividend and changed senior management. The bank has said, it will keep limits on its risk weighted assets.

Linking to dividend paying stocks, recently attend virtually a number of AGM or Annual General Meetings, those companies that are making money had 90% plus voting for management’s positions and very few questions from shareholders. Those that did not do as well, people believe the strategy can be changed. If management wants the least questions from shareholders, make profits to pay dividends.

There are more questions than answers, till the next time – to raising questions.