A stable, well-functioning financial market for allA stable, well-functioning financial market for allNews & Published Material
Here you can find everything that has been published in different news lists on www.fi.se.
2024
Stability in the Financial System (2024:2): Improved outlook, but risk of set-backs
The outlook for financial stability has improved somewhat in the past six months. Sweden continues to experience a mild economic downturn, but interest rate cuts are contributing to improved optimism about the future. At the same time, the uncertain global economic and geopolitical situation is leading to heightened risks, in part in the form of cyber attacks. These are the conclusions of FI’s second stability report for the year.
Amal Express shall pay an administrative fine
Amal Express Ekonomisk förening shall pay an administrative fine of SEK 100,000.
FI proposes enhanced preventive work in efforts to prevent investment fraud
An increasing number of consumers are falling victim to investment fraud. In a report to the Government, FI proposes, among other things, enhanced work to prevent investment fraud.
TRS 2 system closed 7 November
The TRS 2 system will be closed for maintenance Thursday, 7 November 2024.
Financial education continues to be important for strengthening consumers
Many people find it difficult to make decisions about their finances. The majority of Swedes understand financial terms but are not knowledgeable about how these concepts impact their own finances. Finansinspektionen (FI) is releasing a report today that evaluates the authority’s work with financial education and identifies a number of areas where deficient financial literacy could impose significant risks on the consumer.
TRS 2 system closed 4−7 October
The TRS 2 system will be closed for maintenance from Friday, 4 October 2024, until Monday, 7 October 2024, due to a change of certificate at ESMA.
Two expert reports on macroprudential policy measures
Amortisation requirements, the LTI ratio, and the LTV cap are macroprudential policy tools that are used in Sweden and many other countries. But what are the potential effects of these borrower-based measures? To answer to this question, Finansinspektionen commissioned two expert reports on the topic.
Nordic Baltic Crisis Simulation Exercise, 2024
To test the preparedness for a potential crisis situation, authorities from the Nordic-Baltic countries responsible for financial stability during this week conducted a financial crisis simulation exercise in the Nordic-Baltic region, involving three fictitious banks with cross-border activities.
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 third 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.
AIFMD and CSDR art. 9 reports are moving to FIDAC
Starting with the reference date 2024-09-30 (Q3), the alternative investment fund reporting concerning managers (AIFM), their underlying funds (AIF) and Internalised Settlement Reporting article 9, must be submitted in the FIDAC reporting system.
Capital requirements for Swedish banks as of Q2 2024
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 2024.
Emilia Högquist new head of sustainable finance at FI
Emilia Högquist is FI's new head of sustainable finance. She has worked extensively with sustainable development and comes to FI most recently from a management position at the Ministry of Climate and Enterprise. As the head of sustainable finance she will be FI's spokesperson in sustainability-reated matters.
Decisions regarding reciprocation of macroprudential measures in Denmark, Portugal, Germany and Italy
Finansinspektionen has passed decisions concerning reciprocation of macroprudential measures in Denmark, Portugal, Germany and Italy.
Chief Legal Counsel Eric Leijonram is leaving FI
Eric Leijonram is leaving FI and his role as head legal counsel to become the director general of the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection.
New members appointed to FI’s Board of Directors
The Government has appointed Martin Flodén and Roine Vestman, both professors in economics at Stockholm University, to FI’s Board of Directors.
Major banks need to rectify deficiencies in the payments infrastructure
FI is ordering Handelsbanken, SEB and Swedbank to rectify deficiencies in the payments infrastructure no later than December 2026. FI has also contacted the supervisory authorities in Denmark and Finland and informed them of the need to take corresponding measures for Danske Bank and Nordea.
Nasdaq Stockholm receives a remark and an administrative fine
Finansinspektionen has decided to issue Nasdaq Stockholm Aktiebolag a remark and an administrative fine of SEK 100 million.
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 second 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.
Stefan Lundgren new Board member of FI
The Government has appointed former Auditor General Stefan Lundgren to FI’s Board of Directors.
AIFMD reports will be moved to FIDAC
Starting with the reference date 2024-09-30 (Q3), the alternative investment fund reporting concerning fund managers (AIFM) and their underlying funds (AIF), must be submitted in the FIDAC reporting system.
FI identifies transition risks in banks’ lending portfolios
There are climate-related transition risks in Swedish banks’ lending portfolios. This is the conclusion of an analysis Finansinspektionen (FI) conducted by linking lending to individual firms to emissions data from firms that are included in the EU Emissions Trading System.
Fraud prevention in payment services
Fraud is a major and expanding societal problem that fosters organised crime. FI supervises that payment service providers follow the provisions set out in the Payment Services Act that aim to prevent fraud. Payment service providers do a lot to prevent their payments services from being used for fraud, but this problem is still growing.
Interest rate puts pressure on indebted households
Households continue to be under pressure from both higher interest rates and other costs. This is evident in FI’s mortgage report. 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.
FI intends to extend banks’ risk weights floors for mortgages and commercial real estate lending
Finansinpektionen currently assesses that risks to Swedish mortgages and commercial properties remain and these will not be fully addressed when the EU’s second banking package enters into force on 1 January 2025. Therefore, FI intends to start the process during next year to extend the risk weight floors for mortgages and commercial real estate lending to at least 2027.
FI Analysis 45: High risks in small and mid-sized commercial real estate firms
Many smaller, unlisted commercial real estate (CRE) firms have a high loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and a low interest coverage ratio (ICR). This makes them vulnerable to a scenario with high interest rates and lower earnings. A new FI Analysis concludes that, given such a scenario, smaller CRE firms would constitute the majority of banks’ real estate sector-related credit risks.
Stability in the Financial System (2024:1): A slightly better outlook in an uncertain environment
The outlook for financial stability has improved somewhat, and uncertainty has decreased, but we are still in the middle of a recession. Higher costs for both interest payments and other goods and services are putting pressure on households and firms. The worsened global security situation is also imposing increased demands on the operational resilience in the financial sectorn. These are the conclusions of this year's first stability report.
Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q1 2024
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 2024
FI Analysis No. 44: Most People Have Lost Money Trading Cryptocertificates
More than half of Swedes who traded in cryptocertificates over the past six years have lost money on their investments. This is despite the underlying market increasing by up to 500 percent during the studied period. This is shown in a new analysis by FI that examines Swedes' trading in cryptocertificates.
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.
Four reasons not to buy cryptoassets
Right now, the media is filled with reporting on cryptoassets, and various investment tips are being shared on social media. Even though regulations for the cryptomarket are under development, it will continue to be very risky for consumers to invest in crypto. We have listed four reasons not to invest in them.
FI notifies foreign supervisory authorities after complaints about misleading advice
FI has been receiving complaints from consumers in Sweden about four foreign investment firms. The foreign supervisory authorities who are responsible for the supervision of these companies have been notified about the complaints.
Firms continue to offer consumers unsuitable products
Expensive and complex products are unsuitable for most consumers. Despite this, firms offer such products on a broad front. This is one of the consumer risks that FI highlights in this year’s consumer protection report.
Daniel Barr: “We must continue to develop the work to combat money laundering”
The criminal economy feeds organised crime and introduces major challenges for society. Both firms and authorities therefore need to do more to reverse the development. The collaboration today between both authorities and firms needs to be developed and deepened. There also needs to be suitable tools to manage the cross-border risks associated with money laundering, particularly for cash-intensive businesses. These were some of the key points from Finansinspektionen’s Director General Daniel Barr as he participated in a panel discussion at Anti-Money Laundering Days 2024 (Penningtvättsdagarna).
Beatrice Ask new chair of the Board of FI
Beatrice Ask has joined and will be the chair of FI’s Board of Directors. The appointment runs until 24 April 2027.
FI prioritizes particularly vulnerable sectors to combat money laundering
Money laundering is a global problem that allows criminals to transact large sums of money without revealing their illegal activities. In order to counteract the risk of money laundering, FI has identified a number of areas where the risks are assessed to be particularly large and that we will have an extra focus on during the year.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
FI Supervision 27: Non-life insurance undertakings’ product approval processes
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
Finansinspektionen has reciprocated the Norwegian systemic risk buffer.
On Saturday, 10 June, until Sunday, 11 June, TRS 2 will be closed for maintenance
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
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
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
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
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
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
Camilla Asp new member of FI’s Board of Directors
The Government has appointed Camilla Asp to Finansinspektionen’s Board of Directors.
FI proposes update to its approach for assessing Pillar 2 guidance for Swedish banks
Finansinspektionen presents a proposal for an update to its approach for assessing the size of the Pillar 2 guidance for Swedish banks. The proposal entails 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. Comments on the proposal should be submitted to FI no later than 2 May.
Proposal for new risk weight floors for bank loans to commercial properties
FI is proposing 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 would be removed. The new floors are proposed to enter into force on 30 September 2023.
FI reciprocates the extension of Norwegian risk weight floors
Finansinspektionen (FI) has passed a decision to reciprocate the Norwegian Ministry of Finance’s decision to extend average risk weight floors of 20 per cent for retail exposures collateralised by real estate in Norway and of 35 per cent for corporate exposures collateralised by real estate in Norway.
Rising interest costs putting pressure on mortgagors
Mortgagors are under pressure from rising interest rates. At the same time, the majority of new mortgagors continue to have good margins in their personal finances. These are the conclusions drawn by Finansinspektionen in this year’s Swedish Mortgage Market report, which is being presented today.
The Swedish Mortgage Market 2023
Mortgagors are under pressure from rising interest rates. At the same time, the majority of new mortgagors continue to have good margins in their personal finances. These are the conclusions drawn by Finansinspektionen in this year’s Swedish Mortgage Market report, which is being presented today.
IMF assessment of the financial sector in Sweden is complete
During 2022, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) carried out a special assessment of the financial sector in Sweden, a so-called FSAP (Financial Sector Assessment Program). FSAPs are conducted regularly for member countries with systemically important financial markets. The most recent FSAP for Sweden by the IMF was in 2016.
Swedbank receives a remark and an administrative fine
Swedbank is being issued a remark and must pay an administrative fine of SEK 850 million.
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.
Swedbank receives a remark and an administrative fine
Swedbank is receiving a remark for the bank’s lack of internal control following a change to a business-critical IT system last year. The bank must also pay an administrative fine of SEK 850 000 000.
Operational disturbances in TRS 2 on March 18–19
There may be some minor disturbances in the TRS 2 system on March 18 and 19 in both the production environment and the test environment. The disturbances are due to planned maintenance. In the event of problems, rapporteurs are advised to try again later during the day.
TRS 2 system closed on Wednesday, 15 March
TRS 2 system closed on Wednesday, 15 March.
We have made some changes to our website
As of 1 March, we have a new heading in the main navigation panel of our website: Payments. Here you will find all information related to activities within the payments sector.
Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q4 2022
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 2022.
No extra insurance needed when buying a TV
You do not need special insurance when buying, for example, a new TV or a dishwasher. This is the conclusion of our review of so-called gadget insurance, which is often offered in retail. If you have home insurance, you have good protection.
Is there a need for supplementary and gadget insurance?
Consumers’ need for supplementary insurance differs by age. Younger consumers have a greater need for this type of insurance, while older consumers often have little need for it. The need for gadget insurance is limited, and there is often no need for it at all. These are the conclusions of an in-depth analysis conducted by Finansinspektionen (FI).
Malin Alpen new executive director of Payments
2023-02-10 | News
Malin Alpen is currently the head of compliance at Getswish AB, which provides the service Swish to participating banks. Malin has worked extensively in the financial market with payment-related matters, including at Handelsbanken, the Swedish Ministry of Finance and Sveriges Riksbank.
Daniel Barr new Director General of Finansinspektionen
The Government has today appointed Daniel Barr as the new Director General of Finansinspektionen.
ESRB issues a recommendation on vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate sector
The European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB), the EU’s macroprudential overseer, has issued a general recommendation on risks linked to vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate (CRE) markets in the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. The recommendation calls for improved monitoring of such risks to the financial system, along with both micro- and macroprudential policy measures to address identified vulnerabilities where necessary.
Large increase in suspected cases of investment fraud in 2022
Despite the contracting economy and the uncertainty in both the Swedish economy and the world in general, investment fraud was on the rise last year. In 2022, FI issued 3,471 warnings – 25 per cent more than in 2021. One new observation during the year is that fraudsters more frequently demand payment in bitcoin to avoid detection.
Correction of TRS 2 validation
All submitting entities that received incorrect validations with error codes CON-070 and CON-160 may now resend the incorrectly rejected transactions.
New design
2023-01-17 | News
We have updated the design of our start page and several other pages. Much of the content on the pages has stayed the same, but some things have been given a new name and location.
Authorisation as an administrator of STIBOR – FI assesses that the application is complete
Swedish Financial Benchmark Facility AB 's (SFBF) application to become an authorised administrator of STIBOR in accordance with the EU’s Benchmark Regulation (BMR) has of 2 January 2023 been assessed to be complete.
2022
2022:1 Asylum seekers’ access to financial services
In this document, FI states its position on asylum-seeking refugees’ access to financial services in cases where the asylum seeker is lacking identity documents. The position replaces FI's previous memorandum (FI Ref.16-2898).
Greatest risk for repayment problems at so-called instant loan firms
One out of six who borrow from a consumer credit institution, previously called instant loan firms, receives a collection notice. Among all lenders, one out of five unsecured loans was approved for a person who does not have any money left after paying their monthly subsistence costs. Given the expected economic development – high inflation and higher interest rates – this percentage could increase to every third borrower. All of these observations indicate that credit assessments are insufficient. This is the conclusion of a consumer credit survey that FI is presenting today.
Swedish Consumer Credit
A large portion of Swedish households’ loans is for their homes. But the households also use loans to finance some of their consumption. Consumption credit has grown rapidly in recent years. In terms of SEK, unsecured loans represent the largest share of consumer credit. In terms of volume, invoices are the most common form of consumer credit. These are some of the conclusions from Finansinspektionen’s (FI) survey of new consumer credit with data from 2021.
FI Analysis No. 39: Are the capital buffers fulfilling their purpose?
The minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL) is designed in such a way that the banks can breach it before they breach the capital requirements. As a result, this can reduce the usability of the capital buffers. This is shown in FI’s analysis of how the capital buffers are impacted when a bank must meet both MREL and the capital requirements.
FI maintains level of systemic risk buffer for major banks
The three major banks, SEB, Handelsbanken and Swedbank, will continue to maintain a systemic risk buffer of 3 per cent at group level. This decision was made following FI’s biennial review of the systemic risk buffer in accordance with the European Capital Requirements Directive.
Länsförsäkringar Bank is issued a remark and must pay administrative fine
Länsförsäkringar Bank has been deficient in its work to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing. The bank is therefore being issued a remark and must pay an administrative fine of SEK 90 million.
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.
Länsförsäkringar Bank recieves a remark and must pay an administrative fine
Länsförsäkringar Bank has been deficient in its compliance with the anti-money laundering regulations. Finansinspektionen is therefore issuing Länsförsäkringar Bank a remark that will be accompanied by an administrative fine of SEK 90 million.
A strategy to prevent greenwashing
Finansinspektionen will prevent greenwashing in the financial sector through preventive measures and supervisory activities. Today, in a new report that is submitted to the government, FI presents a strategy to prevent greenwashing.
Finansinspektionen’s strategy to prevent greenwashing
FI’s strategy for preventing greenwashing in the financial sector aims to safeguard the trust in sustainable investments and a sustainable finance market.
Roadmap for sustainable finance
In 2019, FI’s overarching mandate was expanded to include a responsibility to ensure that the financial system contributes to sustainable development. FI is also the responsible supervisory authority for a number of new regulations related to sustainable finance that are the result of the EU’s ambitious sustainability agenda.
Therese Östling Waller new HR director
Therese Östling Waller is currently the HR manager at SVT. Therese has extensive experience within HR, including from the Swedish Public Employment Service, where she was head of the HR department for several years.
Macro-based stress tests of Swedish banks: results and method, Autumn 2022
Major Swedish banks demonstrate considerable resilience in the stress test Finansinspektionen (FI) conducted in 2022. The test identifies the potential effects on the five largest Swedish banks’ financial positions when interest rates and inflation increase. This memorandum (only available in Swedish) describes the method behind the stress test and its results.
Financial stability risks are increasing on the back of rising interest rates and a weakening economy
Rising interest rates, decreased risk-taking and a slowing economy are weighing on highly indebted commercial real estate firms and households. The rapid transition to higher interest rates and a decreased willingness to take risk means financial stability risks have increased since spring. At the same time, this transition may lead to lower risk-taking and indebtedness in the long run, thus lowering stability risks.
Stability in the Financial System (2022:2)
High inflation has led to rapidly rising interest rates. Given the current rapid change in conditions, both participants on the financial markets and borrowers need to transition quickly. In the short term, this means elevated risks and greater uncertainty. The already high risks in the commercial real estate sector have continued to increase.
FI Analysis No. 37: Stress tests of funds’ liquidity risks
FI’s stress tests show that the majority of Swedish funds appear to be able to handle relatively large outflows in an effective manner. However, some corporate bond funds and a relatively large share of high-yield bond funds may experience liquidity problems under stressed market conditions.
Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q3 2022
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 2022.
TRS 2 system closed on Wednesday, 23 November
The TRS 2 system will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday, 23 November. It will be possible to submit TR files, but feedback will not be sent until after the maintenance is completed.
Susanna Grufman takes over as acting director general
Susanna Grufman has been the deputy director general since March 2020 in addition to her role as executive director for Markets. She will take over today, 21 November, as acting director general as Erik Thedéen steps down from his role as director general to become the head of the central bank.
SIP Nordic receives a warning and an administrative fine
SIP Nordic Fondkommission AB (SIP Nordic) is receiving a warning and must pay an administrative fine of SEK 6.7 million.
Celina Fondförvaltning receives warning and administrative fine
Celina Fondförvaltning AB (Celina) is receiving a warning and must pay an administrative fine of SEK 10 million.
Borrower-based measures following high inflation and rising interest rates
Changing or pausing the amortisation requirements is not an accurate or appropriate measure for helping the households with the greatest need for financial support to handle their higher costs. This is the conclusion of FI’s evaluation of how the amortisation requirements impact households with lower incomes and small margins in today’s difficult economy.
Improperly issued error codes CON-070 and CON-160 may occur in the TRS 2 validation
From around the 26:th of October it has occurred that Buyer and Seller LEI have been wrongly validated, which has resulted in improperly issued error codes CON-070 and CON-160.
The TRS 2 system’s test environment will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday, 9 November
It will be possible to submit TR files, but feedback will be sent first after the maintenance has been completed.
New operational section for payments and preparedness
FI will create a new operational section to focus on payments and preparedness.
Reciprocation of Norwegian systemic risk buffer
Finansinspektionen has reciprocated the Norwegian systemic risk buffer.
Funds with sustainable investment as its objective
The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, Finansinspektionen (FI) has conducted an in-depth analysis of how managers of funds registered in Sweden that have sustainable investment as its objective (so-called Article 9 funds) meet the requirements on sustainability-related disclosures in the pre-contractual information they must provide to investors.
TRS 2 system closed on Wednesday, 5 October
The TRS 2 system will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday, 5 October.
TRS 2 closed 28 september
The FTP server for the TRS 2 system will not be available on 28 September 2022 due to a change in certificate.
The TRS 2 system’s test environment will be closed for maintenance on Wednesday, 21 September
It will be possible to submit TR files, but feedback will be sent first after the maintenance has been completed.
Erik Thedéen: Adjustments needed on the commercial real estate market
Erik Thedéen, Director General of Finansinspektionen (FI), spoke at the Öresundsmarknaden conference about FI’s view on the commercial real estate market.
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.
Money remittance provider Moneygram must resolve anti-money laundering deficiencies
The foreign money remittance provider Moneygram International SPRL has not had a sufficient scope in the general risk assessment of its operations in Sweden to its assessment of the risk of being used for money laundering or terrorist financing. Therefore, FI has decided to issue an injunction to Moneygram to resolve the deficiencies by 30 December of this year.
Moneygram receives injunction to take remedial action
Moneygram International SPRL has not applied a sufficient scope to its assessment of the risks of its operations in Sweden being used for money laundering. Moneygram must resolve these deficiencies no later than 30 December 2022.
Minutes from the extraordinary meeting of the Financial Stability Council held on 4 September 2022
The minutes from the Financial Stability Council’s extraordinary meeting on 4 September is now available.
Unclear information about sustainable funds
The disclosures provided about funds with sustainable investment as their objective are often unclear. This is the conclusion of an in-depth analysis conducted by Finansinspektionen (FI). In many cases, the disclosures provided in the funds’ prospectuses need to be clearer and more specific.
FI closes investigation into EQT AB
Finansinspektionen has closed an investigation into whether EQT AB was in violation of EU’s Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) when the company disclosed information on 7 September 2021 regarding a revision of the existing lock-up agreements. FI has closed the investigation.
Test environment for TRS 2 closed 14 september
The FTP server for the TRS 2 system's test environment will not be available on 14 September 2022 due to a change in certificate.
The Swedish Financial Stability Council agrees on measures to safeguard financial stability
The Swedish Financial Stability Council agrees on measures to safeguard financial stability. The council met on Sunday the 4th of September for an extraordinary meeting due to the liquidity problems in the market for electricity derivatives.
Commercial real estate debt, non-banks, and the stability of the financial system
Karin Lundberg, Executive Director of Banking, FI, talked about commercial real estate debt, non-banks, and the stability of the financial system in a speech at the UBS Annual Nordic Financial Services Conference.
Do you need insurance for your new TV?
When purchasing a mobile telephone, TV or appliances, for example, you often receive an offer to buy insurance for the newly purchased item. FI will now review whether so-called product insurances create unnecessary costs for customers without providing extra protection.
Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q2 2022
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 2022.
Erik Thedéen: Current assessment of financial stability
FI’s Director General Erik Thedéen participated in a panel discussion on the opportunities and risks associated with increased application of artificial intelligence and machine learning within lending and advice to households. Before he described FI’s view on this topic, Thedéen commented briefly on FI’s current assessment of the stability of the Swedish financial system.
Do loyal policyholders pay more?
Finansinspektionen has analysed whether loyal policyholders pay higher premiums for the three non-life insurance products that are most important for consumers: home insurance (contents), home insurance (building) and private car insurance. The analysis shows that premiums for home insurance (contents) are raised significantly more for loyal customers than for new customers. The premiums for home insurance (building) also are raised more for loyal customers, but this does not apply to private car insurance.
FI presents new Pillar 2 method for pension risk in credit institutions
Finansinspektionen presents here a new Pillar 2 method for assessing an additional own funds requirement for pension risk in credit institutions.
Decisions regarding reciprocation of macroprudential measures in three EU countries
Finansinspektionen has passed decisions concerning reciprocation of macroprudential measures in Lithuania, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Jacob Henriksson new executive director for Administration and Operational Support
Jacob Henriksson comes most recently from the Swedish Fortifications Agency where he worked for almost five years as CFO and deputy director general.
Svea Bank receives a remark and an administrative fine
Svea Bank is being issued a remark and must pay an administrative fine of SEK 45 million.
Resurs Bank receives a remark and an administrative fine
Resurs Bank is being issued a remark and must pay an administrative fine of SEK 50 million.
The countercyclical buffer rate will be raised
FI has decided to raise the countercyclical buffer rate to 2 per cent, which is its neutral level. This was already communicated in the report Stability in the Financial Markets. Due to the 12-month implementation period, this rate will start to go into effect at the end of June 2023.
Svea Bank and Resurs Bank receive remarks for insufficient credit assessments
Svea Ekonomi, which has now merged with Svea Bank, and Resurs Bank have been deficient in their credit assessments of consumers who received large unsecured loans. Both banks are therefore receiving a remark and an administrative fine of SEK 45 million and SEK 50 million, respectively.
Erik Thedéen to step down from FI
Erik Thedéen will step down from his role as director general at FI on 1 January 2023 to become the head of Sweden’s central bank.
FI would like to see data on declined bank accounts
Finansinspektionen views seriously the complaints from consumers who have been denied a bank account, and the authority is now encouraging banks to carefully maintain data on how many people are experiencing problems opening an account. This data will give a clearer overview of the situation and help find solutions.
Start of regular publication of aggregate short positions
Starting today, Finansinspektionen will regularly publish the total of all short positions that must be reported to FI.
It is now possible to update the installed application for periodic reporting
Rapporteurs need to update the application for periodic reporting that they have installed locally. The new version is now available to download and install.
Rising interest rates put pressure on indebted households and firms
Interest rates are rising rapidly in the wake of high inflation. High interest rates and lower risk appetite are placing downward pressure on risk-taking and asset prices. In the long term, this can slow the growth of debt and benefit financial stability. However, the large debts that built up over the extended period of low interest rates are putting pressure on highly indebted households and firms.
FI intends to raise the countercyclical buffer rate to 2 per cent
Finansinspektionen (FI ) intends to raise the countercyclical buffer rate to 2 per cent in Q2 2022.
Stability in the Financial System (2022:1)
Interest rates and interest rate expectations have increased in 2022 due to high and rising inflation. One sector that is vulnerable to rising interest rates is the commercial real estate sector. FI has also noted that liquidity on the bond markets has decreased, and the functionality of the corporate bond market is once again impaired.
Operational interruption in TRS 2 for maintenance
The TRS 2 system will be closed for maintenance on Tuesday, 31 May, due to the roll-out of the European Securities and Markets Authority’s (ESMA) updated validation rules.
FI publishes aggregate short positions
Starting today, and on every Wednesday at 1:00 PM, Finansinspektionen will publish aggregate outstanding short positions.
Nordnet Bank receives a remark and an administrative fine
Nordnet Bank is being issued a remark and must pay an administrative fine of SEK 100 million.
Nordnet receives a remark and an administrative fine
Finansinspektionen (FI) is issuing Nordnet Bank AB a remark for violations related to the bank's intraday short selling service. Nordnet must also pay an administrative fine of SEK 100 million.
