News & Published Material

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

2017

FI recognises the risk weight floor for Finnish mortgage exposures

2017-12-27 | Mortgage News Stability

Finansinspektionen has passed a decision to recognise the Finnish supervisory authority’s decision to implement an average, firm-specific risk weight floor of 15 per cent for Finnish mortgage exposures.

More efficient handling of applications to use the IRB approach for credit risk

Finansinspektionen (FI) is changing its procedure for handling of applications for permission to use the IRB approach for credit risk.

AIFM reporting to Finansinspektionen

2017-12-22 | ESMA News Reporting

Finansinspektionen (FI) has identified common errors in the AIFM reporting. FI includes below a list of the most common errors as well as a description of how AIF-managers should fill in the rows in ESMA’s reporting forms.

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.

ESMA and FI publish transparency calculations for MiFIR/MiFID II

2017-12-07 | ESMA News MiFID

ESMA, the European Securities and Markets Authority, has published transparency calculations for equities and bonds prior to the entry into force of MiFIR/MiFID II on 3 January 2018. FI will also publish some supplementary calculations.

FI establishes an innovation centre

2017-12-01 | Fintech Reports Markets

FI is establishing a fintech innovation centre that will provide information to and maintain a dialogue with companies conducting innovation-based business. This centre and additional initiatives are presented in FI's report to the Government regarding an assignment.

Stability in the Financial System (2017:2)

2017-11-29 | Reports Consumer Markets

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.

Proposed capital requirement regulation for undertakings for occupational retirement provision

Finansinspektionen (FI) received a mandate from the Government to propose a capital requirement regulation for undertakings providing occupational retirement. The objective is to provide comprehensive protection for consumers (beneficiaries) while at the same time enabling effective management of occupational pensions.

Important information about transaction reporting in accordance with MiFID

2017-11-27 | News Reporting MiFID

The last trading date for transactions in financial instruments that must be reported to FI’s current transaction reporting system, TRS, is 2 January 2018. The TRS system will be open until 23:59 PM on 12 January 2018 to receive transactions and/or cancellations of transactions in accordance with MiFID with trading dates up to an including 2 January 2018.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of the third quarter 2017

Finansinspektionen publishes the capital requirements of the ten largest Swedish banks and credit institutions as of the end of the third quarter 2017.

Operational disruptions in the TRS 1 system

2017-11-20 | News Reporting Markets

There will be operational disruptions in the TRS 1 system today, 20 November 2017. The disruptions affect rapporteurs submitting encrypted files.

Proposal for a stricter amortisation requirement for households with high loan-to-income ratios

2017-11-13 | Mortgage News Stability

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.

Erik Thedéen: Incentives vs. risk

“The fundamental problem is the potential conflict that inherently arises from the interplay between economic incentives and excessive risk-taking”, said Erik Thedéen in a speech on Thursday at the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg. Erik Thedéen analysed the causes underlying this problem and presented some of the measures introduced to mitigate it.

Supervision of insurance firms 2017 (Summary)

2017-11-07 | Reports Insurance

In order for an insurance firm to be able to fulfil its obligations to its customers, the firm needs to have sufficient capital to manage its risk, good internal governance and good control of its risks. Ensuring that these requirements are met is the focus of FI’s supervision of insurance firms.

Reporting of insurance firms (Summary)

Finansinspektionen (FI) has identified extensive quality deficiencies in the reporting of insurance firms. These deficiencies are a sign that the internal governance and control of many of the firms’ reporting procedures are unsatisfactory. Through this document, FI provides guidance for insurance firms for how they can strengthen their reporting procedures.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

FI decided on 25 October not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of two per cent, which has applied since 19 March 2017, shall thus continue to apply.

Information about forthcoming periodic reporting in accordance with Finansinspektionen’s regulations FFFS 2017:11

On 1 August, the new Money Laundering Act entered into force as well as FI’s new regulations. According to these new regulations, firms under FI’s supervision must report data that enables FI to assess the risk that firms will be used for money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

Delayed publication of short-selling notification

2017-10-19 | News Markets

Finansinspektionen was late with its publication of a short-selling notification from Coatue Management.

ESMA publishes reference data and instructions for downloading files

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published instructions on how to access the reference data that is covered by the MAR and MiFID II/MiFIR regulations. The EU authority has also published current reference data that is available for download.

Commercial real estate and financial stability

FI:s director general Erik Thedéens speech about commercial real estate and financial stability held at the conference DI Bank in Stockholm 10 maj 2017.

Thedéen: The role of macroprudential policy in Sweden

The financial crisis in 2008-09 demonstrated just how vulnerable the international financial system was and had enormous consequences for the economies in the western hemisphere. Even if traditional stabilisation policy tools, such as monetary and fiscal policy, were able to mitigate the crisis, they did not successfully prevent the build-up of risk that occurred over a long period of time prior to the crisis. The crisis therefore triggered the development of macroprudential policy, which aims to reduce the risk of financial crises and their subsequent effects.” It is with these words that Erik Thedéen began his speech at Finansdagen in Stockholm.

Comments on Nordea's decision to move its head office

2017-09-06 | News Bank

Nordea passed a decision today to move its head office to Helsinki. The bank represents a large part of the Swedish financial market, but it is too early to say how the decision will impact Finansinspektionen’s supervision.

Banking capital in times of stress

Erik Thedéen, FI's Director General, speech at the UBS conference: 20th Annual Nordic Financial Services Conference in Stockholm.

The financial sector's role for sustainabilty

Erik Thedéen, FI's Director General, took part in a panel discussion arranged by Alecta today entitled Incentives for significant allocation of long term capital towards investments for a resilient and sustainable society. Erik Thedéen talked about sustainability work within the financial sector.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of the second quarter 2017

Finansinspektionen publishes the capital requirements of the ten largest Swedish banks and credit institutions as of the end of the second quarter 2017.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

FI decided on 14 July not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of two per cent, which has applied since 19 March 2017, shall thus continue to apply.

FI’s Pillar 2 capital assessment method for systemic risk associated with securitisation

Finansinspektionen considers it to be necessary to implement a back-stop within Pillar 2 to limit effects on the total credit supply from systemically critical securitisation. FI is publishing today a method that it intends to use during its capital requirements assessment.

FI:s response to the EU Consultation on FinTech: A more competitive and innovative European Financial Sector

Finansinspektionen has responded to the Commission Consultation Document on FinTech: A more competitive and innovative European Financial Sector.

FI’s view on financial stability and the risks for financial imbalances

Erik Thedéen visited the Committee on Finance today for a Q&A session. He discussed the unprecedented economic conditions that Sweden is currently experiencing.

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.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of the first quarter 2017

Finansinspektionen publishes the capital requirements of the ten largest Swedish banks and credit institutions as of the end of the first quarter 2017.

New page about transaction reporting for MiFID2/MiFIR

2017-05-17 | News Reporting MiFID

A new webpage is now available with information about the transaction reporting required under MiFID 2/MiFIR.

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)

2017-05-11 | Reports Consumer

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.

Swedish banking requirements for financial stability should be safeguarded

The design of the Swedish regulations for capital adequacy and crisis management is appropriate for reducing the risk of financial crises and ensuring effective management if a crisis were still to occur. This is the conclusion reached by Finansinspektionen (FI) and the Swedish National Debt Office in a joint report. The report emphasises that Sweden should safeguard national discretions in the framework of banking requirements in ongoing EU negotiations.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

FI decided on 27 April not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of two per cent, which has applied since 19 March 2017, shall thus continue to apply.

Updated categorisation of Swedish credit institutions

2017-04-27 | EBA News Bank

FI has updated its supervision categorisation of Swedish credit institutions for 2017. Two credit institutions have changed category.

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

2017-04-27 | News Consumer

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.

Erik Thedéen speaks to EU Parliament about new banking rules

Erik Thedéen is commenting today on the EU Commission’s proposed changes to banking regulations during a Q&A session in Brussels in EU Parliament’s Committee on Economic and Monetary Affairs (ECON).

Supervision of the banks

2017-04-20 | Reports Stability Bank

This year’s supervision report describes, at an overarching level, the Swedish banking system, how FI works with supervision and a number of topical risk areas currently in focus.

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.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

FI decided on 29 March 2017 not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of two per cent, which has applied since 19 March 2017, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 0 per cent.

FI Analysis 9: Households’ interest rate adjustment periods – an economic vulnerability?

SUMMARY: In Sweden, both the percentage of mortgages that have a variable interest rate and household debts have risen sharply. This combination has made house-holds sensitive to rising interest rates.

Supervision of the Swedish Securities Market (2017)

2017-03-10 | Reports Markets

In 2016, FI's analysis of trends and risks on the securities market focused on the subareas fixed income market, derivatives market and equity market.

Financial firms

2017-03-07 | Sanctions

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FI’s 2016 Annual report

2017-02-27 | News About FI

FI hereby presents the most recent operational year in its annual report for 2016. The following is a summary of the year by Director General Erik Thedéen that is included as the introduction to the annual report.

Market abuse

2017-02-27 | Market abuse Markets

Finansinspektionen (FI) monitors that the market complies with the Market Abuse Regulation (MAR).

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of the fourth quarter 2016

Finansinspektionen publishes the capital requirements of the ten largest Swedish banks and credit institutions as of the end of the fourth quarter 2016.

FI’s view on automated investment advice

2017-02-22 | News Consumer Markets

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.

The value of capital buffers

2017-02-16 | Speeches and debate

FI Director General Erik Thedéen published today an opinion piece on the international news website, Bloomberg View, about the value of capital buffers.

A unique environment – how does it affect our supervision?

FI Director General Erik Thedéen’s speech at the Terminsstart Pension conference on 15 February 2017.

FI Analysis 8: Vulnerability indicators for liquidity

2017-02-10 | Reports Stability

The vulnerability indicators FI identifies in this analysis show a slightly elevated level of vulnerability for liquidity. Several indicators contribute to this.

Important Memos and Decisions

2017-02-09 | Memos & decisions

We publish here the important memos and decisions that can be assumed to be of particular interest for the general public.

Report suspicious transactions

2017-01-31 | News Money laundering

FI is sending out a letter and brochure today to all of the firms under its supervision about the requirement to report suspected money laundering and terrorism financing. In order to reach as many people as possible, the brochure is available in six languages (Swedish, English, Persian, Arabic, Finnish and French) and two short, informational videos (in Swedish and English) are available online.

Welcome to the new www.fi.se

2017-01-24 | News About FI

The new www.fi.se has arrived - with new design, new structure and partially new content.