UBS Group AG Chief Executive Officer Sergio Ermotti said the bank will prioritize protecting its dividends if it can't get out of paying a massive fine imposed in a French tax-evasion case. "We need to consider our business outlook, including the impact of any idiosyncratic events like this one, " Mr. Ermotti said on a call with analysts and investors Friday. "In the event of a very adverse scenario, our priority would always be to protect the previous year's dividend." ( More : UBS at risk after $5 billion surprise penalty ) Switzerland's biggest bank on Wednesday was ordered to pay more than $5 billion Wednesday over a tax-evasion case in France — matching what was sought by prosecutors. That's five times what some analysts expected and more than 15 times what HSBC Holdings paid to settle a similar matter in France in 2017. Mr. Ermotti said the bank is keeping its dividend guidance as well as its expectations for share buybacks.