Result

2024

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.

Interest rate puts pressure on indebted households

2024-05-29 | 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. 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.

Stability in the Financial System (2024:1): A slightly better outlook in an uncertain environment

2024-05-27 | Payments Reports News

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 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.

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.

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.

2023

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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.

Reciprocation of Norwegian systemic risk buffer

2023-06-05 | News Stability Bank

Finansinspektionen has reciprocated the Norwegian systemic risk buffer.

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 proposes update to its approach for assessing Pillar 2 guidance for Swedish banks

2023-04-04 | News Stability Bank

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.

Rising interest costs putting pressure on mortgagors

2023-03-28 | Mortgage News Stability

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

2023-03-16 | Payments News Stability

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.

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.

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.

ESRB issues a recommendation on vulnerabilities in the commercial real estate sector

2023-01-25 | ESRB News Stability

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.

2022

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.

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.

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

2022-11-29 | News Stability Markets

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.

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.

Reciprocation of Norwegian systemic risk buffer

2022-10-28 | News Stability Bank

Finansinspektionen has reciprocated the Norwegian systemic risk buffer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Decisions regarding reciprocation of macroprudential measures in three EU countries

2022-06-29 | ESRB News Stability

Finansinspektionen has passed decisions concerning reciprocation of macroprudential measures in Lithuania, Belgium and the Netherlands.

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.

Rising interest rates put pressure on indebted households and firms

2022-05-31 | News Stability Markets

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.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q1 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 Q1 2022.

FI appoints auditor after IT incident at Swedbank

2022-05-17 | News Stability Consumer

Finansinspektionen (FI) is appointing an auditor to map the IT incident that occured at Swedbank AB during the night between 28 and 29 April and resulted in incorrect balances being shown in customers’ accounts.

Increased cyber security in the finance sector is needed

2022-05-16 | News Stability Consumer

The financial sector must quickly become better at preventing and handling cyber threats. Customers and society at large must be able to trust that the critical services offered by financial corporations will function even during periods of uncertainty and in the presence of threats. As commissioned by the government, Finansinspektionen (FI) therefore has proposed a number of measures to increase resilience to cyber attacks in the financial sector.

Many households are sensitive to higher interest rates

2022-04-20 | Mortgage News Stability

New mortgagors took out loans that were 12 per cent larger last year than in 2020. The average loan-to-value ratio for new mortgagors rose from 307 to 327 per cent. This is the highest figure since FI started its mortgage survey. The stricter amortisation requirement has slowed rising loan-to-income ratios. The high debt means that borrowers’ personal finances are under more pressure when interest rates rise.

FI leaves the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged

In accordance with the assessment in the most recent stability report, FI leaves the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged. The buffer rate of 1 per cent that was decided on 28 September 2021 will be applied as of 29 September 2022. Until then, the buffer rate is 0 per cent, which is the rate that has applied since 16 March 2020. The countercyclical buffer guide is calculated at 0 per cent.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q4 2021

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 2021.

2021

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 0 per cent, which was applied starting on 16 March 2020, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 0 per cent.

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

2021-12-06 | ESRB Mortgage EBA

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.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q3 2021

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 2021.

Resilience is needed as the risks in the commercial real estate sector increase

The economic recovery has been stronger than expected this year, in part due to strong support measures during the pandemic. At the same time, risks are building up, writes Finansinspektionen (FI) in its second stability report of the year. The report is being presented today by Director General Erik Thedéen and Chief Economist Henrik Braconier at a press conference.

IMF to assess financial stability in Sweden

2021-11-19 | News Stability Markets

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) will conduct a review of the financial sector and the work of the authorities on financial stability, a so-called FSAP (Financial Sector Assessment Program) in 2022. FSAPs are conducted regularly for countries with systemically important financial markets. In its report, the IMF will highlight any flaws and risks in the system and propose measures to deal with them.

FI raises the countercyclical buffer rate to 1 per cent

Finansinspektionen (FI) has decided to raise the countercyclical buffer rate to 1 per cent. The new buffer rate will be applied as of 29 September 2022. Until then, the buffer rate will remain at 0 per cent.

FI intends to raise the countercyclical buffer rate to 1 per cent

Finansinspektionen (FI) intends to raise the countercyclical buffer rate to 1 per cent in Q3 2021.

FI wants the EU to comply with Basel III

During the autumn, the European Commission will publish a proposal for updated capital adequacy rules for banks within the EU. Finansinspektionen (FI) now urges the EU Commission to stick to the Basel III agreement.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q2 2021

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 2021.

Mortgages must be amortised again

The rules on amortisation go into effect as normal again after 31 August. The temporary exemption that Finansinspektionen (FI) introduced due to the exceptional uncertainty in the economy during the spring of 2020 is now ending. This means that households with high loan-to-value and debt-to-income ratios must amortise their mortgages.

FI will not extend its recommendation regarding dividends

Uncertainty is decreasing, and the economy is continuing to recover. Therefore, the recommendation regarding restrictions on dividends will not be extended. The recommendation ends on 30 September 2021.

Macroprudential measures subdue household loans

2021-06-30 | Mortgage News Stability

The mortgage cap and amortisation requirements have had intended effect and subdued household debt. They are slowing a scenario where new mortgagors borrow more, taking larger loans in relation to the value of the home or their income. These are the conclusions of Finansinspektionen’s (FI) evaluation of the macroprudential measures implemented in Sweden.

FI reciprocates Norwegian risk weight floor

2021-06-21 | ESRB News Stability

Finansinspektionen has passed a decision to reciprocate the Norwegian Ministry of Finance’s decision to implement an average risk weight floor 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.

Support measures can build up stability risks

The support measures have been important for offsetting the economic impact of the crisis and speeding up the recovery. However, they can also contribute to greater stability risks in the long run, concludes Finansinspektionen (FI) in this year’s first report on the stability in the financial system, which is being published today.

FI leaves the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged

Finansinspektionen (FI) leaves the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged. The buffer rate of 0 per cent, which was applied starting on 16 March 2020, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 1.6 per cent.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q1 2021

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 2021.

New borrowers are taking larger mortgages

2021-03-24 | Mortgage News Stability

New borrowers are continuing to take larger mortgages in relation to their income and the value of their home, according to this year’s Swedish Mortgage Market, which is being presented today by Finansinspektionen (FI). FI also announces in the report that the temporary exemption from the amortisation requirement will end on 31 August.

FI’s approach to setting the countercyclical capital buffer

In a new memorandum, Finansinspektionen describes the general principles for the application of the countercyclical capital buffer. FI is also leaving the countercyclical capital buffer unchanged at 0 per cent.

New memorandum and level of the countercyclical buffer rate

Today Finansinspektionen (FI) publishes a new memorandum, describing its approach for setting the countercyclical buffer rate. FI also leave the countercyclical buffer rate unchanged. The buffer rate of 0 per cent, which was applied starting on 16 March 2020, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 2.1 per cent.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q4 2020

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 2020.

FI’s prioritised areas for 2021

Are the banks conducting thorough credit assessments when customers apply for consumer credit? Are smaller banks and payment service firms taking sufficient measures to prevent money laundering? What risks will the coronavirus pandemic pose in the future? These are three areas that Finansinspektionen (FI) will look more closely at in 2021.

2020

Financial firms must be restrictive with dividends until September 2021

2020-12-18 | Coronavirus ESRB News

In light of the economic uncertainty caused by the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, FI expects banks, including credit institutions and other financial firms such as insurance companies, to be restrictive with dividends and share buybacks until 30 September 2021. During this period, total dividends from and buybacks by the banks should not exceed 25 per cent of their aggregate net earnings for the two financial years 2019–2020.

Dampened recovery can weaken financial stability

An increase in the spread of the coronavirus will dampen the recovery in European economies and, in the long run, this could impact financial stability, writes Finansinspektionen (FI) in this year’s second stability report, which will be published today.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q3 2020

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 2020.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

Finansinspektionen (FI) decided on 24 November not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of 0 per cent, which was applied starting on 16 March 2020, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 1.7 per cent.

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

2020-11-18 | ESRB Mortgage EBA

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.

Bank dividends not appropriate until the situation has stabilised

As the crisis unrolled this past spring in full force, it required fast and extraordinary measures. For example, FI lowered the countercyclical buffer requirement for the banks and encouraged them at the same time to postpone their dividend payments until the situation had become clearer. During the autumn, FI repeated its message to the banks to not make any dividend payments in 2020.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

Finansinspektionen (FI) decided on 9 September not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of 0 per cent, which was applied starting on 16 March 2020, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 1.3 per cent.

Continued grounds for suspension of dividend payments for the rest of the year

Despite positive signals, there is still considerable uncertainty about how the coronavirus pandemic will develop in the next few months in both Sweden and the rest of the world. To ensure the banks’ resilience in a situation that continues to be uncertain, the banks should suspend the payment of dividends to shareholders in 2020. This was the message from Finansinspektionen’s Director General Erik Thedéen at Fastighetsdagen today.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q2 2020

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 2020.

ESRB recommendation on distribution

The COVID-19 pandemic has incurred large human and economic costs and also affected the financial sector. Maintaining own funds in financial institutions is important both for ensuring the resilience of the financial system and supporting banks' lending through this crisis.

Measures stabilised the financial situation

Governments, central banks, and authorities around the world have taken powerful measures to mitigate the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. These measures also helped dampen uncertainty on the financial markets. By utilising available buffers and continuing to lend to firms and households, the financial sector can dampen the impact of the crisis. It is also important to remember that the economic crisis is not over, and uncertainty is therefore high, notes Finansinspektionen (FI) in its first stability report of the year.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

Finansinspektionen (FI) decided on 3 June not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of 0 per cent, which was applied starting on 16 March 2020, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 0.48 per cent.

Global sustainability network NGFS publishes status report and guide for supervisors

The global sustainability network NGFS (Network for Greening the Financial System) is publishing today a report on how banks around the world consider climate-related risks in their lending. The report shows that this is occurring more frequently, but it is at the same time difficult to see which loans constitute a lower risk. This is because, for example, there is no international classification and a shared perception of which assets are “green” and “brown”.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q1 2020

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 2020.

Minutes of the Financial Stability Council Meeting on 16 April

The minutes from the Financial Stability Council’s extraordinary meeting on 16 April have now been published on the Council’s website.

Financial Stability Council convenes an extraordinary meeting on 16 April

On Thursday, 16 April, the Minister for Financial Markets and Housing Per Bolund, Finansinspektionen, the Riksbank, and the Swedish National Debt Office will convene an extraordinary meeting of the Financial Stability Council.

Banks may grant all mortgagors amortisation exemption

Banks will have the possibility of offering all new and existing mortgagors an exemption from the amortisation requirements due to the spread of the coronavirus and its effects on the Swedish economy. The exemption will be in force until the end of June 2021. This enables Finansinspektionen to provide all mortgagors with greater manoeuvrability in these uncertain times.

FI expects banks and credit market companies to stop dividend payments

The spread of the coronavirus has created immediate challenges for society and caused economic disruptions throughout Sweden and the global economy. The forecasts for the Swedish economy are rapidly deteriorating. Therefore, it is important the we safeguard a stable supply of credit to households and firms and maintain good resilience in the system. Banks and credit market companies play a crucial role in this respect.

Loss of income due to corona-virus a cause for exemption from amortisation

Due to the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), many households and firms may be exposed to economic stress. Even if the crisis is expected to be temporary, its effects can be far-reaching. Banks and borrowers may agree to reduce or suspend amortisation payments temporarily given special grounds. FI considers the loss of income linked to COVID-19 to qualify as special grounds.

Decision by FI’s Board of Directors: the countercyclical buffer rate is lowered to zero

During an extraordinary meeting today, Monday, 16 March, FI’s Board of Directors decided to adopt a countercyclical buffer rate of 0 per cent in accordance with the proposal presented on Friday, 13 March 2020.

FI on liquidity coverage ratios (LCR) for Swedish banks

2020-03-16 | Coronavirus EBA News

Given the current circumstances, FI would like to clarify that it will temporarily allow banks to fall below the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) for individual currencies and total currencies.

Proposed amendment to regulations due to reduction in countercyclical buffer rate

Finansinspektionen proposes that the buffer rate be lowered by 2.5 percentage points and set at 0 per cent.

FI lowers the countercyclical capital buffer to zero

The spread of the coronavirus disease is sending serious economic shocks throughout the world and in Sweden. There is currently widespread uncertainty about the future course of events and how far-reaching the economic impact will be. The economic disruptions and the greater uncertainty are also affecting the financial system. Finansinspektionen (FI) will therefore lower the countercyclical capital buffer requirement for banks from 2.5 per cent to 0 per cent. This corresponds to a reduction of around SEK 45 billion. The buffer is being lowered pre-emptively to ensure a well-functioning supply of credit, which helps firms and households maintain production, consumption and investments.

FI comments on COVID-19 and the banks

The spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is having a financial impact on firms and households around the world. There is considerable uncertainty about how much the disease will impact the global economy. This economic uncertainty also affects the financial system.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q4 2019

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 2019.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

Finansinspektionen (FI) decided on 29 January not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of 2.5 per cent, which has applied since 19 September 2019, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 0.18 per cent.

Increased capital requirements on bank loans for commercial real estate

Finansinspektionen (FI) considers there to be elevated risks in the banks’ lending for commercial real estate. The banks should hold more capital for these exposures, which is why FI is raising the capital requirements.

Increased transparency on carbon pricing can strengthen the financial system

FI will explore the possibility of advocating both nationally and internationally increased disclosure of firms’ internal carbon pricing.

2019

Clarification on the impact for Swedish banks from revised Basel standards

2019-12-23 | EBA News Stability

In relation to the report published by the European Banking Authority (EBA) in August Finansinspektionen would like to make the following clarification on the impact for Swedish banks of the revised Basel standards. According to Finansinspektionen’s calculation, the increase in tier 1 minimum required capital would be about 30 per cent instead of 53 per cent as shown in the report from the EBA (keeping the assumptions and methodology set by EBA, but taking into account the current Swedish mortgage floor for the current risk-weighted assets).

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q3 2019

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 2019.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

Finansinspektionen (FI) decided on 24 October not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of 2.5 per cent, which has applied since 19 September 2019, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 0.16 per cent.

ESRB recommendation to Sweden for vulnerabilities in the residential real estate sector

2019-09-23 | ESRB Mortgage News

The European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) has issued warnings to five EEA countries and recommendations to six EU countries for medium-term vulnerabilities in their respective residential real estate sectors. Sweden is one of the countries that receives a recommendation. The recommendation suggests appropriate actions to address the identified vulnerabilities. In 2016, the ESRB issued a warning to Sweden regarding risks in the residential real estate sector.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q2 2019

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 2019.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

Finansinspektionen (FI) decided on 5 July not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of 2.5 per cent, which will be applied as of 19 September 2019, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 0.04 per cent.

Banks’ lending to commercial real estate firms requires more capital

2019-05-28 | News Stability Markets

Finansinspektionen (FI) considers the firms in the Swedish financial system to have sufficient resilience for withstanding a weaker economy. However, commercial real estate firms are vulnerable to shocks. FI therefore makes the assessment that the banks need more capital for these exposures. This is one of the conclusions in FI’s first stability report for the year, which is being presented today.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q1 2019

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 2019.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

Finansinspektionen (FI) decided on 6 May not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of 2.5 per cent, which will be applied as of 19 September 2019, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 0.15 per cent.

More households are amortising, but households still have high debt

2019-03-27 | Mortgage News Stability

New mortgagors are amortising, borrowing less and buying less expensive homes, but many still have high debt. These are FI’s conclusions in this year’s mortgage report. FI is also publishing an FI Analysis that shows the stricter amortisation requirement has reduced the percentage of borrowers with high debt in relation to their income.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of the fourth quarter 2018

Finansinspektionen publishes the capital requirements of the largest Swedish banks and credit institutions that belong to the supervisory categories 1 and 2 as of the end of the fourth quarter 2018.

Decision regarding the countercyclical buffer rate

Finansinspektionen (FI) decided on 30 January not to change the countercyclical buffer rate. The buffer rate of 2.5 per cent, which will be applied as of 19 September 2019, shall thus continue to apply. The countercyclical buffer guide is set at 0.29 per cent.

How FI will continue to handle the event where a member was declared in default on the commodity market

2019-01-09 | IOSCO ESMA News

FI is continuing to analyse the event that occurred in September 2018 when a member on the commodity market was declared in default. We describe here several of the issues that FI is currently analysing. We are also publishing a discussion paper that FI wrote to contribute to an ongoing international discussion on auctions as a method to manage a default in a central counterparty.

2018

Higher interest rates test resilience

2018-11-27 | News Stability Consumer

Low interest rates have contributed to high risk-taking, rising asset prices and increasing debt. Higher interest rates in the next few years could reduce risk-taking and thus dampen the build-up of risk. However, unexpectedly large interest rate fluctuations and uncertain global developments could also test the financial sector’s resilience. These are some of the conclusions Finansinspektionen (FI) draws in this year’s second report on the stability in the financial system. The report will be presented at a press conference today.

Capital requirements of Swedish banks as of Q3 2018

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 2018.

Biennial Review of the Systemic Risk Buffer

As outlined in the capital requirements directive, FI must review the systemicrisk buffer on an biennial basis. FI has reviewed the arguments originally setout to support a SRB buffer level of 3 % at consolidated level for the major banking groups and finds the arguments to still hold today for the three remaining major banking groups, following Nordea’s re-domicile.