NEW YORK, Nov. 21, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In the wake of the United States presidential election, Credit Suisse Private Banking USA convened its annual Wealth Management Conference in San Francisco on November 16, 2012. Focused on the theme of finding opportunity amidst uncertainty, speakers and panelists discussed the challenges facing investors as a result of a convergence of pivotal political and economic events in both developed and developing markets. Former British Prime Minister Sir John Major delivered the keynote address.

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More than 200 investors participated in the conference. In addition to the keynote speech, Daniel Pink, bestselling author of several books about the changing world of work, spoke to attendees about the science of motivation. Credit Suisse experts also gave presentations about the investment landscape based on current data and historical perspectives.

Credit Suisse Managing Directors Peter Skoglund, Head of Private Banking USA, and Mike Nies, who heads the bank's San Francisco office, delivered opening remarks. They discussed how the conference supported Credit Suisse's commitment to helping clients navigate global economic uncertainty.

In the keynote session, Sir John Major discussed the twin crises of Europe and the Middle East. "We meet at a very interesting time in terms of what is happening around the world.  I can scarcely imagine a time when quite so much was happening, in quite so many different places, and in quite such a remarkable fashion," said Sir John, who cautioned investors not to write off opportunities in Europe. "The Euro will survive – and will thrive – after a bumpy period," he said.

The conference featured interactive polling with wireless keypads, which allowed participants to respond instantly to questions. Sixty percent of attendees said they believe the United States economy will grow one to two percent in 2013. Meanwhile, a plurality said that of all the challenges over the next 12 months, America's fiscal cliff worries them the most.

The Wealth Management Conference in San Francisco was the fourth of the year for Credit Suisse Private Banking USA. The three prior conferences took place in New York, Chicago and Miami.     

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SOURCE Credit Suisse AG