Credit Suisse Private Banking USA Opens ''Office of the Future''

February 25, 2008


Credit Suisse Private Banking USA Opens ''Office of the Future'' in Northbrook, Illinois

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Credit Suisse today announced the opening of a Private Banking USA office in Northbrook, IL to serve the wealth management needs of the growing number of high-net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals in the area. The 12,000-square-foot office, headed by Chris Williams, reflects an unmatched focus on clients through its internal workplace zones.

“We are delighted to officially open our Northbrook office and to serve the North Shore, a major wealth market,” said Chris Williams, Head of the Northbrook office, Private Banking USA. “We are committed to further establishing and growing our Private Banking business here."

The office opening is another example of Credit Suisse’s strategy to expand its presence in the United States. Private Banking USA now operates 16 offices across the US and added locations in Greenwich, CT and Philadelphia, PA last year.

Office of the Future

“The client experience is critical to our business and key to Private Banking USA's growth strategy,” said Mr. Williams. “Our intent with this office is to deliver a premium, unforgettable experience not only to our clients, but also to our Relationship Managers and branch staff.”

Credit Suisse worked with Gensler, a global design firm, to create the Northbrook office. The space features sophisticated design elements such as a textured glass wall that acts as a light screening element to create privacy as well as a subtle transparency.

“The Northbrook office caters to different work styles and situations. Outward facing client zones complement internal workspace zones. This dichotomy continues through materiality playing rich and luxurious materials against those that are more comfortable and informal,” said Todd Heiser of Gensler. “For example, we have created discreet, private meeting rooms with high quality furnishings where Relationship Managers can meet with their clients. More comfortable, lounge-like areas enable clients to relax before or after meetings, check their email or have coffee.”

“We've created an inventive and connected atmosphere, where clients have access to Wifi and streaming world news via plasma screens," said Dan McCloskey of Gensler. “The staff also benefits from tabletop access to technology and large format A/V systems. The space is timeless and modern.”

Credit Suisse Private Banking USA combines the benefits of a boutique with access to professionals and product breadth of Credit Suisse, which is one of the world’s leading private banks, a world class global firm with a 152 year heritage of serving the unique needs of wealthy individuals.

Private Banking USA operates out of 16 offices across the United States and works with a select number of wealthy individuals and family groups to provide a high degree of personalized service. Private Banking USA works closely with all areas of Credit Suisse, providing clients with many of the same resources and services offered to the Bank’s largest and most sophisticated institutional investors.

Credit Suisse

As one of the world's leading banks, Credit Suisse provides its clients with investment banking, private banking and asset management services worldwide. Credit Suisse offers advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is active in over 50 countries and employs approximately 48,000 people. Credit Suisse's parent company, Credit Suisse Group, is a leading global financial services company headquartered in Zurich. Credit Suisse Group's registered shares (CSGN) are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.

Private Banking

In Private Banking, Credit Suisse provides comprehensive advice and a broad range of investment products and services tailored to the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals globally. Wealth management solutions include tax planning; pension planning; life insurance solutions; wealth and inheritance advice, trusts and foundations. In Switzerland, Credit Suisse supplies banking products and services to private banking clients as well as to business and retail clients.

Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC is an indirect subsidiary of Credit Suisse. The Private Banking USA business in Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC is a U.S. regulated broker dealer. It is not a chartered bank, trust company or depository institution. It is not authorized to accept deposits or provide corporate trust services and it is not licensed or regulated by any federal banking authority.



Contacts
Credit Suisse
Kristine Duckett, +1-212-325-6830
kristine.duckett@credit-suisse.com