A stable, well-functioning financial market for allA stable, well-functioning financial market for allNews
2020
Households’ finances and financial literacy 2020
Single-adult households with children continue to have a more difficult financial situation than other households. FI has measured households’ financial literacy and found that it has improved in almost all areas compared to previous surveys.
FI Analysis 25: Interest rate deductions and households’ loans
The tax rebate for interest expenses – the interest deduction – means that households borrow more, and can and want to pay more for homes. This means that the households experience an increase in both their liabilities and assets, which in turn could have an impact on the stability of the financial system. In this FI Analysis, we calculate the impact of a change to the interest deduction. The reason for this analysis is the direct link between interest deductions and households’ loans.
FI Supervision 20: Distribution of Life Insurance
The majority of the distribution on the life insurance market occurs through external distribution channels. It is therefore important for insurance firms to fulfil their responsibility to choose suitable distribution channels for the target market and follow up that the insurance products are distributed to the proper target group.
Swedish Consumer Credit
Even though consumer credit only constitutes a small portion of households’ total credit, the interest rate and amortisation payments for these credits amount to more than half of the households’ total debt service payments. The analysis also shows that individual consumers are having difficulty paying for their consumer credit. Overall, this means that the consumer credit market could impact many households, which makes it important for consumer protection on the financial markets.
FI Analysis 22: Fewer high-cost short-term credits after new rules
After the provisions regarding high-cost short-term credits were changed in 2018 – in part by introducing an interest rate ceiling and cost ceiling – these types of loans decreased sharply. It is probable that the reform has led to a decrease in the supply of high-cost short-term credits. It is also evident that several companies have stopped offering such loans.
Credit checks must be improved
Large credits are growing, but the smallest credits are growing faster. More borrowers are having difficulty making their payments soon after the credits are granted, and these payment difficulties are more prevalent among younger borrowers than older borrowers. These are some of the conclusions from Finansinspektionen's report this year on consumer credit. These conclusions indicate that lenders’ credit checks are not working as they should, and FI is therefore now reviewing the guidelines.
Erik Thedéen: How can consumer welfare be improved in financial markets?
FI's Director General Erik Thedéen took part in a panel discussion during the conference "Consumer Behavior in Financial Markets", arranged by the Swedish House of Finance at the Stockholm School of Economics today.
FI Supervision 18: Continuity management at banks
Many banks are working actively with continuity management and have implemented key measures to reduce the risk of serious disruptions. At the same time, FI sees a need for the banks to further strengthen their continuity management. FI expects the banks to continue to focus on enhancing the resilience of their critical functions. This supervision report describes the areas where FI would like to see improvements.
EU authority publishes consumer guides on insurance
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) has published a consumer guide with tips that target insurance customers.
FI’s view on the application of the EBA’s new guidelines on moratoria
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published guidelines on 2 April on the criteria that must be fulfilled in order for measures taken to be viewed as general moratoria. FI considers exemptions from amortisation requirements for mortgages and payment reliefs for small and mid-sized firms in accordance with the Swedish National Debt Office’s loan guarantees to be measures that can be viewed as general moratoria under the guidelines.
Banks may now grant amortisation exemption
FI’s Board of Directors has decided that the proposal communicated on 2 April will go into effect as of today. This means that banks will now be able to grant both new and existing mortgagors exemption from the requirement on amortisation. The exemption gives mortgagors greater financial manoeuvrability in these uncertain times during the spread of COVID-19.
Banks may grant all mortgagors amortisation exemption
Banks will have the possibility of offering all new and existing mortgagors an exemption from the amortisation requirements due to the spread of the coronavirus and its effects on the Swedish economy. The exemption will be in force until the end of June 2021. This enables Finansinspektionen to provide all mortgagors with greater manoeuvrability in these uncertain times.
The Swedish Mortgage Market (2020)
The percentage of new mortgagors with a high level of debt in relation to either their income or the value of the home continues to be high. New mortgagors in 2019 increased their average loan-to-income ratio. The average loan-to-value ratio also increased in 2019 among new mortgagors, thus breaking the trend of falling loan-to-value ratios since 2013.
EBA’s statement on payment delays linked to COVID-19
The spread of the coronavirus has introduced considerable challenges for society as a whole, and even the financial system. We find ourselves in an exceptional situation, and uncertainty is widespread. These extraordinary circumstances demand appropriate application of existing regulations, including rules for forbearance and assessment of a significant increase in credit risk.
Erik Thedéen: FinTech and cyber threats – what impact do they have on financial stability?
The rate at which household debt is increasing has slowed the past three years. The two amortisation requirements that FI introduced contributed to this change. But the low interest rates entail risks. The debt of commercial real estate companies has been increasing sharply, and the banks have large exposures to the sector. FI decided today to raise the capital requirements for bank loans for commercial real estate. Erik Thedéen also noted that cyber threats are a challenge facing society as a whole, and cooperation is needed on a broad front.
Consumer Protection Report 2020
Finansinspektionen (FI) will prioritise two consumer protection risks for further work in 2020: unaffordable lending and unsuitable advice and distribution of financial products to consumers who were not part of the product’s original intended target market. FI will also assess the adequacy of claims handling for home insurance.
Increased transparency on carbon pricing can strengthen the financial system
FI will explore the possibility of advocating both nationally and internationally increased disclosure of firms’ internal carbon pricing.
2019
FI Analysis 19: Young adults and the housing market
This FI Analysis shows that the the increase in house prices is the primary reason it has become more difficult for young adults to buy a home.
Stability in the Financial System (2019:2)
The low interest rates are expected to remain low for a longer period of time. It could lead to greater risk-taking among various actors, and increased challenges for insurance undertakings.
New rules on strong customer authentication
FI is publishing a Q&A on new rules that will go into effect on 14 September.
Swedish loans for consumption
The majority of consumption loans (non-mortgage loans) are small and have a high interest rate and a short maturity. However, it is households with large loans that represent the largest share of new lending, and these loans are growing at the fastest rate. The households with the highest income take out the largest loans. If the interest rate increases, many borrowers will need to use a large part of their income to make their interest and amortisation payments. This is evident in Finansinspektionen’s (FI’s) analysis of consumption loans, Swedish Consumption Loans.
Stability in the Financial System (2019:1)
Both the global and the Swedish economies appear to be slowing down. Low interest rates – which have resulted in high risk-taking and rising asset prices – are expected to remain low for a prolonged period of time. Resilience in the Swedish financial system is satisfactory in general. However, even if the banks’ resilience is satisfactory overall, FI makes the assessment that they need more capital to cover the risks in their lending to commercial real estate firms.
Erik Thedéen: Diversity on the mortgage market is healthy
FI’s Director General participated in the seminar Evolution of Mortgage Finance arranged by Stabelo for a broad group of institutional investors.
Consumer Protection Report 2019
In this report, Finansinspektionen (FI) presents the most prioritised consumer risks it has identified for 2019. FI also presents the experiences from its consumer protection work over the past year. Finally, FI identifies two areas on the financial market where consumer protection is clearly deficient and proposes regulatory changes to fill these gaps.
The Swedish Mortgage Market (2019)
High debt can mean risks for individual households, banks, financial stability and macroeconomic development. The mortgage survey serves as an important basis for the assessment of the risks associated with household debt.
FI-analysis 17: Fewer Vulnerable Households after Stricter Amortisation Requirement
Under FI's stricter amortisation requirement, which went into effect on 1 March 2018, new mortgagors with debt in excess of 450 per cent of gross income must amortise 1 percentage point more of their loan per year in addition to the existing requirement. The objective of the stricter requirement is to strengthen resilience of households by decreasing the number of mortgagors who have high debt in relation to their income.
More households are amortising, but households still have high debt
New mortgagors are amortising, borrowing less and buying less expensive homes, but many still have high debt. These are FI’s conclusions in this year’s mortgage report. FI is also publishing an FI Analysis that shows the stricter amortisation requirement has reduced the percentage of borrowers with high debt in relation to their income.
FI’s View on Preconditions for Mortgage-Based Business Activities
In Sweden, the traditional bank-based financing model for issuing and financing mortgages is currently being supplemented by models where mortgages are being financed in new ways, e.g. alternative investment funds (AIF).
2018
Higher interest rates test resilience
Low interest rates have contributed to high risk-taking, rising asset prices and increasing debt. Higher interest rates in the next few years could reduce risk-taking and thus dampen the build-up of risk. However, unexpectedly large interest rate fluctuations and uncertain global developments could also test the financial sector’s resilience. These are some of the conclusions Finansinspektionen (FI) draws in this year’s second report on the stability in the financial system. The report will be presented at a press conference today.
Stability in the Financial System (2018:2)
The economy continues to be strong, both in Sweden and globally, but it is now showing signs of a slow-down. Interest rates have been low for a long period of time, which has led to high risk-taking and rising asset prices. As a result, the risks in the financial system are elevated. The resilience in the Swedish financial system is satisfactory in general but continued high growth in debt fuelled by lending and investments related to residential property and commercial real estate require monitoring.
Work with sustainability is progressing – but there is still much to be done
FI is publishing today three reports on sustainability. The reports show that the work with sustainability is progressing on several fronts and that the industry’s own initiatives, where relevant, are working. But there is still a lot of work left to be done. FI is also publishing a follow-up report for the Government on FI's work with sustainability-related matters in 2018.
Finansinspektionen’s work in 2018 to contribute to sustainable development
FI has conducted a number of supervision activities related to sustainability at the same time as the organisation has been partly restructured and received additional resources. During the year, FI's work has focused on integrating sustainability-related matters into its ongoing supervision, a project that will continue and be intensified.
Preconditions for newcomers to the mortgage market
Sweden’s traditional bank-based model for granting and financing mortgage loans is challenged by new firms with alternative financing models.
Swedish loans for consumption
Most loans for consumption are small and have a high effective interest rate and a short maturity. Households with large loans represent the largest share of new lending, though, and the large loan segment is growing the fastest. Households with high income have the largest loans. Borrowers with mortgages normally have larger consumption loans than borrowers without mortgages. These are some of the results from FI’s mapping of consumption loans, Swedish Consumption Loans 2018.
Stability in the Financial System
The Swedish economy continues to be strong, and resilience in the financial system is satisfactory. However, a long period of low interest rates and strong growth has resulted in an elevated risk appetite, high asset prices and high debt globally, among Swedish households and on the commercial real estate market. The high level of indebtedness makes the financial sector more sensitive to shocks, and, if necessary, FI will take additional measures to strengthen the resilience.
Risks can build up when the economy is strong
The Swedish economy continues to be strong, and resilience in the financial system is satisfactory. However, a long period of low interest rates and strong growth has resulted in an elevated risk appetite, high asset prices and high debt. This makes the financial sector more sensitive to shocks, writes Finansinspektionen (FI) in the first Stability Report of the year, which is being presented today.
FI Supervision 4: Survey of Funds of Funds
FI has surveyed 25 funds of funds managed by 25 fund management companies and AIF managers. FI has scrutinised how the consumer is informed about fees and how the managers have reported their funds of funds’ objectives and performance.
Households continue to take on large mortgages
Household debt is continuing to rise. The number of new mortgagors with a high level of debt in relation to their income or the value of their home continues to be high. These are the conclusions drawn by Finansinspektionen (FI) from this year’s mortgage survey, which is being presented today. FI also highlights how tenant-owner associations’ debt increases the risks for households.
FI-analysis 12: The mortgage cap reduced household debt
This FI Analysis presents an assessment of the Swedish mortgage cap. The analysis indicates that the mortgage cap has changed household behaviour. Households with new mortgages borrow less than what they would have done if FI had not implemented the mortgage cap. They are also buying less expensive homes.
The Swedish Mortgage Market
Finansinspektionen (FI) follows the development of household debt on an ongoing basis. The mortgage survey serves as an important source of data for this work. High debt can mean risks for individual households, banks, financial stability and the macroeconomic devel-opment.
Priorities in FI’s supervision to strengthen consumer protection
Finansinspektionen (FI) presents in this report the risks consumers are facing on the financial market and that FI is prioritising in its supervision. One recurring prioritised risk is that consumers will be granted loans that are larger than what their personal finances can handle. Another risk that has been prioritised for a long time is the risk that consumers will be advised to invest in products that are not suitable for them.
Erik Thedéen: Rules prevent crises
Finansinspektionen is responsible for macroprudential policy in Sweden, which includes both promoting financial stability and counteracting financial imbalances. We are also tasked with promoting a high level of consumer protection on the financial markets. One of the reasons that we have been given the responsibility for macroprudential policy is that financial crises have proven themselves to be very expensive.
2017
Conclusions from FI’s analysis of personal injury claims handling
The outcome of personal injury claims can have a considerable effect on the injured party. Some injured parties do not have confidence for the claims handling process at insurance undertakings. Given the total number of personal injury claims, there are relatively few complaints regarding claims handling.
Stability in the Financial System (2017:2)
The Swedish economy continues to be strong and interest rates are extremely low, which contributes to high asset prices and low risk premiums. As global interest rates rise in the future, there is a risk for an abrupt increase in risk premiums and a fall in asset prices, which could be stressful for the financial system.
Proposal for a stricter amortisation requirement for households with high loan-to-income ratios
FI is proposing changes to Finansinspektionen’s regulations (FFFS 2016:16) regarding amortisation of loans collateralised by residential property. The regulations cover mortgages granted by credit institutions, i.e. banks and credit market companies.
Stability in the Financial System
The Swedish economy is thriving, but a strong economy combined with low interestrates has resulted in high asset prices and rapidly rising household debt.
FI Analysis 11: Consequences of a stricter amortisation requirement
Households with high loan-to-income ratios, i.e. large loans in relation to income, are vulnerable. They are sensitive to rising interest rates since their monthly expenses are affected more than households with lower loan-to-income ratios. They are also somewhat more sensitive to a loss of income, for example if they become unemployed.
A framework for consumer protection (summary)
Finansinspektionen (FI) works to ensure that the financial system is stable and characterised by high confidence. It should also have well-functioning markets that meet the needs for financial services while at the same time ensuring a high level of protection for consumers. This requires stable financial firms, clear information for consumers and consideration for consumers' needs and circumstances when developing and selling products.
Consumer Protection on the Financial Market (2017)
Finansinspektionen (FI) presents in this report the risks consumers are facing on the financial market and that FI is prioritising in its supervision. One example is the risk that consumers will be granted larger loans than what their personal finances allow.
Preschool children can learn about personal finances
A feasibility study conducted by Finansinspektionen in collaboration with Mälardalen University has determined that it is possible to teach preschool children about money and finances. Small children are happy to talk about money, but preschool teachers are not experienced in talking to them about personal finances.
Welcome to FI’s Consumer Protection Day on 11 May 2017
On Thursday, 11 May, it is once again time for FI’s Consumer Protection Day. Director General Erik Thedéen and Executive Director Malin Omberg will present FI’s work with consumer protection on the financial market. The agenda includes a discussion surrounding over-indebtedness and the measures available to counteract such a development. The moderator is Willy Silberstein. Please note that the programme will be held in Swedish.
FI Analysis 10: Amortisation requirement reduced household debt
This FI Analysis shows that the amortisation requirement has helped households with new mortgages change their behavior. New mortgagors are taking smaller mortgages than what they would have done if FI had not implemented the amortisation requirement. These households are also buying less expensive homes.
The Swedish Mortgage Market (2017)
Household debt is a crucial matter which FI monitors closely, and the mortgage survey is an important part of this work. Household debt has increased sharply in recent years. During the same period, mortgage rates have fallen and are now at historically low levels, and house prices have also risen rapidly. Finansinspektionen (FI) judges there to be an elevated risk that house prices will fall compared to a normal state, and it is more likely that interest rates will rise than that they will fall.
FI’s view on automated investment advice
It is likely that automated services will play a greater role on the financial market. Finansinspektionen (FI) views an online market with simplified investment advice as a step in the right direction in terms of achieving an independent market for investment advice that reaches a wide number of consumers.
2016
Consumer Protection on the Financial Market (2016)
One of the main goals of financial supervision is to help provide comprehensive protection for consumers. In its annual report, Consumer Protection on the Financial Market, Finansinspektionen (FI) presents the most prioritised areas of its consumer protection supervision as well as areas where consumer protection may need to be strengthened.
A necessary step for a better savings market
FI believes that independent financial advice would play an important role on the savings market, since consumers are at an information disadvantage in relation to producers of saving products while at the same time having to take more responsibility for their financial future.
FI agrees with EBA Opinion on accounts and bank services for asylum seekers
The European Banking Authority (EBA) published its Opinion of the European Banking Authority on the application of customer due diligence measures to customers who are asylum seekers from higher-risk third countries or territories. Finansinspektionen provides its response to the opinion below.
The Swedish Mortgage Market (2016)
The average debt-to-income ratio for households with new mortgages increased from 387 per cent to 406 per cent between 2014 and 2015, according to FI:s report.
2015
Crowdfunding in Sweden
Alternative forms of funding can have a positive effect on the competition in and efficiency of the financial market by enabling more projects to find funding even if, for example, banks are not willing to grant a loan. However, crowdfunding introduces certain risks for consumers.
FI-analysis 4: A model for household debt
This FI-analysis introduces a model for household debt in Sweden.
Measures against risks from household indebtedness
Summary of the speech by Finansinspektionen's Director General Erik Thedéen at the Centre for Business and Policy Studies' seminar on the economic situation on 19 November 2015.
Consumer protection on the financial market
In this report, Finansinspektionen (FI) describes the most prioritised areas in which consumer protection on the financial market needs strengthening. Such areas include tightened rules for advice on financial products, better pension information and measures against closet index funds.
The Swedish Mortgage Market 2015
Finansinspektionen monitors the mortgage market and household indebtedness closely, and the mortgage survey is an important part of that process. The survey for 2014 shows that the average loan-to-value ratio and debt-to-income ratio was unchanged between 2013 and 2014, despite rapidly increasing house prices.
2014
Victory Life put into liquidation (updated information)
Foreign insurance provider Victory Life has been put into liquidation as of 25 November 2014 by the order of a court of the British Virgin Islands.
Consumer protection on the financial market
Consumers on the financial market face a series of challenges and problems. For example, many savings products are complex, advice is often poor and information is, in many cases, deficient or difficult to understand.
