Credit Suisse takes $54bn loan from Swiss central bank after share price plunge

After largest shareholder was unable to provide backing, Europe's 17th largest lender says it will use government help to become simpler and more focused'

Credit Suisse has announced that it will take a CHF50bn ($53.7bn) loan from the Swiss central bank, in an action it says will pre-emptively strengthen its liquidity" as it moves to stem a crisis of confidence a day after its share price plummeted.

This additional liquidity would support the bank in taking the necessary steps to create a simpler and more focused bank built around client needs", its statement said. The bank said it was also making buyback offers on about $3bn worth of debt.