ASIA PACIFIC JOURNAL OF ADVANCED EDUCATION AND TECHNOLOGY
Transparency Under Scrutiny: Credit Suisse and the Path to Sustainable Financial Frameworks
Jasper F. Mongaya
https://orcid.org/0009-0004-4750-7316
mongzjas@gmail.com , jasper.mongaya@cpsc.edu.ph
Philippine Christian University
1648 Taft Avenue Corner Pedro Gil, Malate 1004 Manila, Philippines
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54476/apjaet/28070
Abstract
The precipitous decline of Credit Suisse sent shockwaves through the global financial system, underscoring a critical vulnerability- a fundamental lack of transparency. This study explored how breakdowns in transparency and governance contributed to Credit Suisse’s collapse, aiming to inform effective financial frameworks. Employing a qualitative case study design, the research utilized content analysis of publicly available records from 2015-2023, including annual reports, regulatory filings, and media reports. The data were systematically analyzed using thematic coding to identify recurring patterns and insights. The analysis synthesized several key themes: inadequate reporting and risk disclosure; the erosion of market confidence; and multifaceted breaches in ethical conduct. Furthermore, the study explored the necessity of integrated proactive transparency, the foundational redefinition of disclosure mandates, and the authentic integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles against the backdrop of cultural resistance. Findings revealed that despite formal structures, Credit Suisse’s deep-seated cultural resistance to openness, coupled with leadership instability and limited regulatory influence, fostered a persistent environment of distrust. The study concluded that transparency was foundational for trust, risk management, and financial stability, emphasizing the urgent need for robust governance, integrated risk management, aligned executive compensation, ethical culture, and proactive communication. The insights highlight that substantive, embedded transparency is indispensable to the prevention of future systemic financial crises.
Keywords: Transparency, Governance, Financial Instability, Risk Management, Stakeholder Trust