News & Published Material

Here you can find everything that has been published in different news lists on www.fi.se.

2024

FI Supervision 29: Advisors are not taking customers’ sustainability preferences into account

Six out of ten say that sustainability is important when saving money. Advisors at banks, investment firms and insurance intermediaries have an obligation to take into account consumers’ sustainability preferences. This does not always happen. Instead, many consumers currently face a risk of investing in products that do not correspond to their expectations when it comes to sustainability. This is the conclusion FI draws from its analysis, and we are now encouraging firms to devote a special focus to this topic.

FI Analysis No. 42: Gender differences in investment behaviour

2024-03-18 | Reports News Consumer

The study confirms previous results showing that women are underrepresented in the stock market. The differences arise as early as three years of age, which shows that adults more often buy stocks for boys than for girls. We also see that men generally have larger stock portfolios than women throughout life, although women increase their stock wealth later in life.

FI leaves the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged

In accordance with its assessment in the most recent stability report, FI is leaving the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged in the first quarter. The buffer rate of 2 per cent, which was applied starting on 22 June 2023, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is calculated at 0 per cent.

2024:1 Loan-to-value ratio for loans granted against collateral in residential property and included in the cover pool for covered bonds

2024-03-11 | Bank

In this legal position, Finansinspektionen considers the matter of whether the cover pool for covered bonds issued prior to 8 July 2022 may consist of loans granted against collateral in residential properties to the extent that the credit in relation to the collateral lies within the loan-to-value ratio of 80 per cent.

FI would like the financial market to shift its sustainability work into the next gear

There is a lot of work left to do before the financial market fully contributes to a sustainable economy. For example, firms need to be better at identifying and integrating sustainability risks. One condition for this is that they have the right competence in sustainability-related matters. Firms also are responsible for preventing their operations from being used for criminal purposes. These are several of the conclusions we draw in our sustainability report that is being published today.

Interest rate puts pressure on indebted households

2024-03-07 | Mortgage Reports News

Households continue to be under pressure from both higher interest rates and other costs. This is evident in FI’s mortgage report, which is being published today. The report looks at new mortgagors during the autumn of 2023. We can see that there are fewer mortgagors than in previous years. Home buyers also bought slightly less expensive homes and borrowed slightly less. Total lending to households has stagnated, but despite this household indebtedness continues to be high.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q4 2023

Finansinspektionen publishes the capital requirements of the largest Swedish banks and credit institutions that belong to supervisory categories 1 and 2 as of the end of Q4 2023.

Comprehensive overview is important when changing the conditions on the housing market

2024-02-22 | Mortgage Reports News

FI has received an assignment from the Government to assess an increase in the loan-to-value (LTV) cap from 85 to 90 percent. At the same time, the Government proposes phasing out the tax deductibility for unsecured loans. We assess that an increase in the LTV cap would lead to higher household indebtedness and an increase in associated risks. This assessment holds even if interest rate deductions for unsecured loans are phased out. We also take the position that it is appropriate to await the results of the ongoing inquiry into both the LTV cap and the amortisation requirement and consider any changes to the measures comprehensively.

Marie Lindström new communications director

2024-02-15 | News About FI

FI has named Marie Lindström its new communications director.

Our supervision priorities for 2024

Are consumers being offered the right services on the financial market? How is the sector delivering crucial services in an uncertain global environment? How are financial corporations protecting themselves from being used for criminal purposes? These are some of the questions we will focus on in our supervision this year.

Jon Thor Sturluson new chief economist at FI

2024-02-02 | News About FI

FI has named Jon Thor Sturluson its new chief economist. He will take over the role no later than 1 May 2024 and join FI’s management team.

Moa Langemark is FI’s new consumer protection economist

2024-01-31 | News Consumer

A clear and independent voice is needed to help consumers on the financial market. Moa Langemark will now take on the role of consumer protection economist at Finansinspektionen. She will undertake overall responsibility for supporting and developing our consumer protection work. Together with Director General Daniel Barr, Moa will also be FI’s spokesperson in consumer protection-related matters.

TRS 2 system closed 10 January

2024-01-03 | News Reporting Markets

The TRS 2 system will be closed for maintenance on 10 January 2024.

2023

FI Analysis No. 43: d-SRI: A systemic risk indicator for Sweden

2023-12-14 | Reports Stability

In this FI-analysis we adapt the systemic risk indicator d-SRI to Swedish conditions. d-SRI is intended to give an early warning signal before crises caused by domestic imbalances arise. d-SRI indicates build-up of risks during the years leading up to the crisis in the 1990s, the 2000 dot-com crash, and the 2008 financial crisis. In present time when we see reduced credit growth and lower asset prices, d-SRI is showing that financial conditions are tight.

FI extends the risk weight floor for Swedish mortgage exposures

2023-12-14 | Mortgage EBA News

FI has decided to extend the risk weight floor by two years, from 31 December 2023 to 30 December 2025.

FI leaves the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged

In accordance with its assessment in the most recent stability report, FI is leaving the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged in the fourth quarter. The buffer rate of 2 per cent, which was applied starting on 22 June 2023, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is calculated at 0 per cent.

Aros receives warning and administrative fine

Finansinspektionen has decided that Aros Kapital will receive a warning and an administrative fine of SEK 45 million.

Banking package close to completion

On 6 December, the EU Member States approved a banking package that implements the last parts of the Basel III agreement in the EU. The European Parliament is also expected to approve the agreed rules in the near future.

FI Analysis No. 41: Commercial real estate firms may need to reduce their debt

In this analysis, we estimate how much Swedish listed and larger privately owned commercial real estate firms need to reduce their debt in a climate of rising financing costs and falling property values. We calculate the firms need to reduce their debt to maintain certain levels of interest coverage ratio and loan-to-value.

Stability in the Financial System (2023:2): Adjustments to higher interest rates remain to be made

The higher interest rate means that households and companies need to make adjustments to their finances. Finansinspektionen (FI) is now seeing a decline in risk-taking. However, the change in the state of the economy and uncertainty regarding how long the higher interest rates will remain pose a risk to financial stability. Commercial real estate undertakings with high debt are particularly at risk should the interest rates remain high. These are the conclusions of the second Stability Report of the year.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q3 2023

Finansinspektionen publishes the capital requirements of the largest Swedish banks and credit institutions that belong to supervisory categories 1 and 2 as of the end of Q3 2023.

Monitor what your funds are costing you

2023-11-15 | Funds News Consumer

Today, almost all households invest in funds, either directly through private savings or indirectly through our pensions. However, close to one third of fund savers are unaware of how high the fund fee is and many risk paying too much for their savings. We are, therefore, now publishing the most common fees for some popular fund categories to help consumers monitor what certain funds cost.

Comparative figures for fund fees

2023-11-15

All adult Swedes save in funds – either through pensions or their own savings. When saving in funds, it is important to be aware of their fees. If a fee is high, it is much more difficult for a fund to produce a higher return. Here, you will find information on what you should think about when selecting funds or when looking over your current savings.

European Commission approves extension of the risk weight floor for Swedish mortgages

The European Commission has announced that it does not intend to object to FI's intention to extend the current risk weight floor for Swedish mortgages. This means that FI may implement the measure.

Protect consumers’ access to payment accounts

Banks restrict consumers’ access to payment accounts more than is necessary to manage money laundering risks. We want to see stricter requirements on banks to make assessments of consumers on an individual basis. Banks should also consider whether they can offer a more limited range of services instead of closing a customer’s account.

Fraudsters use Bitcoin as bait

2023-10-25 | Frauds News Consumer

It has become increasingly common for fraudsters to contact consumers by email saying there are cryptocurrencies registered at the person's email address. Consumers are told that these assets can be released for a fee. This is the conclusion of Finansinspektionen’s review of investment fraud cases during the third quarter of the year.

Listing of legal positions

2023-10-24

Read more

Legal positions

2023-10-24

Here you will find all legal positions published by FI.

FI Supervision 27: Non-life insurance undertakings’ product approval processes

2023-09-21 | Reports News Consumer

The process for product approval is central from a consumer protection perspective. It aims to ensure that insurance undertakings focus on consumer interests when they develop and maintain insurance products. In an in-depth analysis that Finansinspektionen has conducted, we have seen a number of good examples of how undertakings work with and apply this process.

TRS 2 system closed on 27 September

2023-09-14 | News Reporting Markets

TRS 2 system closed on Wednesday, 27 September.

FI notifies the EU regarding extension of the existing risk weight floor for Swedish mortgages

FI notifies the EU regarding extension of the existing risk weight floor for Swedish mortgages

FI leaves the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged

In accordance with its assessment in the most recent stability report, FI is leaving the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged. The buffer rate of 2 per cent, which was applied starting on 22 June 2023, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is calculated at 0 per cent.

New risk weight floors for bank loans to commercial properties

Finansinspektionen has decided to introduce risk weight floors for exposures towards the commercial real estate sector according to article 458 in CRR. At the same time the current risk weight floor under Pillar 2 will be removed. The new floors will enter into force on 30 September 2023.

Planned maintenance of the TRS 2-systems test environment

2023-08-29 | News Reporting Markets

The TRS 2 system's test environment will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday, 6 September.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q2 2023

Finansinspektionen publishes the capital requirements of the largest Swedish banks and credit institutions that belong to supervisory categories 1 and 2 as of the end of Q2 2023.

Warnings for investment fraud continue to increase

2023-08-16 | Frauds News Consumer

Last year, Finansinspektionen (FI) published a record number of warnings of firms suspected of investment fraud. The trend continues. During the first half of 2023, the number of warnings increased by nine per cent compared to the same period last year.

Henrik Braconier new executive director of Banking

2023-08-15 | News About FI

Henrik Braconier is the new executive director of Banking. For the past nine years, Henrik has served as Finansinspektionen’s chief economist.

Large Swedish banks show resilience in EU stress test

2023-07-31 | EBA News Stability

The five largest Swedish banks are resilient and have the ability to withstand a sharp deterioration in market conditions, based on the stress test conducted by the European Banking Authority (EBA).

Consumer Protection Report 2023

The risks given the highest priority in FI’s consumer protection work for 2023 are unaffordable lending, unsuitable investment products and investment fraud.

European Commission approves introduction of risk weight floors for bank loans to commercial real estate

The European Commission has announced that it does not intend to object to FI's intention to introduce risk weight floors for bank loans to commercial real estate. This means that FI may implement the measure.

Daniel Barr new member of EIOPA’s Board of Supervisors

2023-07-07 | EIOPA News About FI

Finansinspektionen’s (FI) Director General Daniel Barr joined the Board of Supervisors of the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) in July 2023.

Deputy director general Susanna Grufman leaving Finansinspektionen (FI)

2023-07-04 | News About FI

Susanna Grufman, deputy director general and executive director of Markets, is leaving FI for the Riksbank.

Insurance against fines and administrative sanction fees

2023-06-29

In this document, FI states its position on whether the provision of insurance against fines and administrative sanction fees is consistent with good insurance standards.

Open finance in Sweden

2023-06-28 | Fintech Reports News

Digitalisation introduces both opportunities and risks to the financial market. After conducting a new survey, FI has noted that broader regulation on how customer data can be shared with third-party providers could make it easier for consumers to compare financial products such as occupational pensions and mortgages.

FI leaves the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged

FI leaves the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged. The buffer rate of 2 per cent, which will be applied as of 22 June 2023, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is calculated at 0 per cent.

Report: Banks’ administration of amortisation requirement exemptions

Finansinspektionen has conducted a survey into banks' administration of amortisation requirement exemptions, as an assignment from the government. The survey shows that banks have primarily handled amortisation requirement exemptions well. Banks have improved their procedures for handling exemptions, which have increased due to increased pressure on households' finances and more widespread knowledge within society about the possibility of receiving an exemption. The banks' improved procedures are an adjustment to this change.

Reciprocation of Norwegian systemic risk buffer

2023-06-05 | News Stability Bank

Finansinspektionen has reciprocated the Norwegian systemic risk buffer.

On Saturday, 10 June, until Sunday, 11 June, TRS 2 will be closed for maintenance

2023-06-02 | News Reporting Markets

It will be possible to submit TR files, but feedback will not be sent until after 12 pm on Monday 12 June.

Stability in the Financial System (2023:1)

Since the publication of the stability report last autumn, inflation has slowed somewhat in the large economies but is still significantly higher than the central banks’ inflation targets. Monetary policy has therefore been tightened further, and interest rates continued to rise. High inflation and rising interest rates mean that the forecasts for global economic development continue to be weak.

Updated approach to assessing Pillar 2 guidance for Swedish banks

Finansinspektionen has decided on an updated approach for assessing the size of the Pillar 2 guidance for Swedish banks. The updated method contains in part new intervals and an upper limit on how much the outcome of the sensitivity-based stress test can contribute to the final guidance.

Currency exchanger My Change Scandinavia must cease its operations

Finansinspektionen has decided to issue an injunction to the currency exchange company My Change Scandinavia AB (My Change) to immediately cease its operations. The reason is extensive and severe deficiencies in the firm’s work to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.

My Change Scandinavia receives an injunction to cease its operations

Finansinspektionen is issuing an injunction to My Change Scandinavia AB (My Change) to cease its currency exchange operations. It shall have ceased its operations no later than 24 August 2023.

FI Analysis No. 40: Winners and losers in the trading of meme stocks

2023-05-26 | Reports Markets

In 2021, Gamestop, a relatively unknown American company, experienced a sudden increase in its stock price. The price increase had been orchestrated by a group of investors who had collaborated via a social media platform and successfully drove up the price of the stock by 1,500 per cent within days. Other stocks, including AMC, had exhibited similar patterns, giving rise to the term "meme stocks" due to the humorous elements found in the online forums where these stocks were discussed.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q1 2023

Finansinspektionen publishes the capital requirements of the largest Swedish banks and credit institutions that belong to supervisory categories 1 and 2 as of the end of Q1 2023.

FI notifies the EU regarding the introduction of new risk weight floor for commercial real estate

Finansinspektionen has notified the Commission and the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) that it intends to introduce weight floor for commercial real estate in accordance with Article 458 of the CRR. This will replace the current Pillar 2 risk weight floors for exposures secured by commercial real estate. The measure is planned to be effective from 30 September 2023.

Executive Director Karin Lundberg to leave FI

2023-05-02 | News About FI

Per Nordkvist, currently the deputy executive director of the Banking section, will take over as acting executive director.

Swedish Financial Benchmark Facility AB receives authorisation as administrator of STIBOR under BMR

2023-04-21 | BMR News Markets

Finansinspektionen grants Swedish Financial Benchmark Facility AB (SFBF) authorisation as an administrator of STIBOR under the EU regulation on benchmarks (BMR).

FI welcomes inquiry into macroprudential policy

2023-04-19 | Mortgage News Bank

FI has taken several measures since 2010 to reduce the risks associated with households’ high levels of debt. These measures include the amortisation requirements and the mortgage cap. FI welcomes the Government’s announcement today presenting an inquiry to look more closely at how these measures have functioned.

More common for fraudsters to say they work at authorities and companies

2023-04-19 | Frauds News Consumer

Fraudsters want to establish a credible façade to be able to deceive consumers. One way of achieving this is to make it look like the consumer is being contacted by a real authority or a real company. This then creates trust, enabling the fraudster to convince consumers to pay made-up fees. Finansinspektionen has seen several examples of this during the first quarter of 2023.

FI Analysis 38: Loans and payment problems among women and men

2023-04-14 | Reports

Among borrowers over the age of 45, it is more common for women than men to have a debt registered with the Enforcement Authority. One explanation could be that major life events, like a divorce, have more of an adverse impact on women. This is the conclusion of an analysis by the Enforcement Authority and Finansinspektionen