The uncertainty in geopolitical and economic developments is high, and the risk of negative shocks is higher now than it was last autumn. At the same time, Swedish banks have large capital buffers and good profitability, which builds resilience. Financial firms, households and firms all need to be prepared that the uncertainty could persist for a while. These are some of the conclusions from FI's first stability report of the year.
Swedbank AB (Swedbank or the bank) is a Swedish joint stock banking company authorised to conduct banking business in accordance with the Banking and Financing Business Act (2004:297). On 3 December 2021, Swedbank notified Finansinspektionen that the bank conducts security-sensitive activities.
FI has notified the Commission and the European Systemic Risk Board (ESRB) that it intends to extend for a period of two years the existing risk weight floor for Swedish mortgages from 31 December 2025 as well as the existing risk-weight floor for commercial real estate from 30 September 2025. This is in accordance with Article 458 of the CRR.
Swedish banks’ net profit increased by SEK 4 billion in 2024 despite a decrease in net interest income. These are the main conclusions in Finansinspektionen’s report. The report also shows that lending to the public is increasing, as is the percentage of non-performing loans.
The conditions for household finances improved in 2024. As many as 8 out of 10 households chose a variable interest rate, which is a higher share than in previous years. But the economic development is uncertain. Households need to allow for continued high housing and living costs. These are some of the conclusions from this year’s report on the Swedish mortgage market.
An increasing number of banks and other credit institutions are offering savings via digital deposit platforms. This makes them more vulnerable since the deposits volume could decrease rapidly. FI notes in a report that some of the institutions do not sufficiently consider these risks, in part when calculating the liquidity buffer required for such deposits. A legal position specifies how we will interpret the rules.
Finansinspektionen has reciprocated the Norwegian Ministry of Finance decision to maintain a 4,5 percent systemic risk buffer for exposures in Norway. The decision applies to Swedish institutions exposures in Norway.
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.
There is a high risk that the financial system is used by criminals to launder money and commit other crimes. In 2025, the Financial Supervisory Authority (FI) will prioritize its review to sectors and services where the risks of money laundering are elevated.
Starting today, FI will now publish banks’ effective CET 1 capital headroom every quarter. This will show how much of the banks’ buffer is available to cover losses before a bank breaches a regulatory requirement or its Pillar 2 guidance. By publishing this information, FI will make it easier for market participants and other stakeholders to interpret the banks’ capital headroom.