1898 - 1911

The first steps towards international expansion by a Swiss bank: As "Swiss Bankverein" SBC opens a branch in London on 1 July. By the turn of the century the number of staff at the branch had grown from an original 16 to 120.

British gold mining in South Africa makes London the world's foremost trading center for gold.

SBC inaugurates its new 2 million CHF building at Zurich-Paradeplatz (vis-à-vis the Credit Suisse head office).

David Hilbert creates the modern concept of geometry with the publication of his book Foundations of Geometry.

The first Peace Conference ends with the signing of the Hague Convention.

Swiss industrial goods including textiles, industrial machinery, pocket watches and clocks, enjoy a surge in global exports. The Swiss financial services industry, however, is ranked 7th worldwide, behind London, Paris, Berlin, New York, Brussels and Amsterdam. No single Swiss bank ranks within the global top 50 banks.

SBC commences with the regular publication of economic analyses.

Ransom E. Olds creates the assembly line.

The first successful airplane is developed by the Wright brothers.

Electric washing machines are advertised in newspapers for the first time.

The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), is founded in Paris.

Bank in Winterthur enters into a joint venture with Bank in Baden.

The firm Vermilye & Co., founded in 1832, is dissolved and re-built as William A. Read & Co., subsequently (in 1921) renamed Dillon, Read & Co.

SOS becomes the international distress signal.

Inventor Reginald Fessenden sends the first radio broadcasts of entertainment and music.

Through the acquisition of the Banque d'Espine and Fatio & Cie, Genève, SBC establishes its first branch in Geneva.

The Bank in Winterthur acquires the Zurich branch of the Bank of Baden at Bahnhofstrasse 44, and becomes a licensed trader of the Zurich Stock Exchange.

Jackson & Curtis becomes a member of the NYSE.

Paine Webber & Co. buys a seat on the Chicago Board of Trade.

The Swiss National Bank, the country's Central Bank is established by a 1905 Federal decree. Up until its founding, the issuing of Swiss francs was coordinated by dozens of commercial banks across the country. The "hard" gold-backed Swiss Franc is created.

SBC acquires Fratelli Pasquali in Chiasso, its first branch within the Italian-speaking region of Switzerland.

Converse, the American canvas shoe company, begins its operations.