All options appear to be on the table. Switzerland's largest institution could keep the rescued bank's investment banking business. Or it might spin off its domestic retail franchise in an IPO.

UBS continues to consider various options for Credit Suisse, «Reuters» reported late Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter.

In March, the Swiss government prodded Switzerland's largest bank to rescue its competitor, which is the country's second-largest institution.

The news agency indicated that a number of scenarios are being envisaged. They include keeping Credit Suisse's troubled investment banking business while selling the remainder rumps of the failed franchise.

Potential IPO

As part of that, UBS also appears to be studying plans to potentially list the Swiss business in an initial public offering once it assumes control of the rescued bank.

The news agency said the sources queried spoke on condition they remained anonymous. It added that all considerations remain preliminary as attention is currently focused on completing the takeover and any decision to proceed with an IPO could take months after its successful conclusion.