Industry Map
Industry map below based on figure 3 Illustration of banks’ various sources of funding and the risk of contagion effects, see page 83 here. Click on image to increase size.
Structure of the Swedish Banking Industry
“Number of banks
There are four main categories of banks on the Swedish market: Swedish commercial banks, foreign banks, savings banks and co-operative banks. In December 2012, Sweden had a total of 117 banks. The number of commercial banks and foreign bank branches in Sweden has increased from 42 in 2000 to 66 in 2012. The increase is due to the fact that, among other things, more foreign banks have been established in Sweden. In addition, the number of Swedish commercial banks have increased, including new Internet- and telephone banks as well as securities firms and credit market companies that has become banks.
Swedish commercial banks
Swedish commercial banks are divided in three categories. The largest are the four big banks: Swedbank, Handelsbanken, Nordea and SEB. These banks are important players on most segments of the financial market. The second category is savings banks that have been converted into joint stock companies, often with Swedbank as a shareholder. The third category constitutes other Swedish commercial banks with a diverse business focus and ownership structure. Most of the other commercial banks were formed during the mid-1990s and ahead. At first these banks were mainly focused on the retail banking market and distributed their products and services online, but also through e.g. retail stores. In recent years several new banks have a background in securities trading and financing business. The new established banks have in course of time increased the selection of financial products and many of these banks are today regarded as universal banks.
Foreign banks
The first foreign bank was established in 1986, when foreign banks were first allowed to open subsidiaries. During a few years, in connection with the financial crisis in the beginning of the 1990s, the number of foreign banks declined. Foreign banks were permitted to open branches in 1990 and, since then, they have increased. In December 2012, they amounted to 29. Most foreign banks focus on the corporate banking and securities market. The largest foreign bank is Danske Bank which at the same time is the fifth largest bank in Sweden.
Savings banks
There are numerous independent savings banks in Sweden. Generally, they are small and active in regional or local markets. Most savings banks operate in co-operation with Swedbank as regards technical solutions and the provision of a common range of products and services. The number of savings banks has declined due to small savings banks having merged.
Co-operative banks
A co-operative bank is an economic association that has as its purpose to produce bank services for its members. To be able to use the bank services of a co-operative bank the customer must become a member by paying a member share. There are two small co-operative banks in Sweden.” (Source: Banks in Sweden)
From the mid-1990s, Sweden’s leading banks have evolved into financial groups with extensive international activities. This development is partly due to areas such as life insurance, fund management and mortgage lending becoming an increasingly important part of the groups’ business activities alongside traditional banking. It has also involved geographical expansion by the groups, especially within the Nordic and Baltic regions.
Nordea is the largest financial company in the Nordic region with around 33,000 employees. The group includes leading banks in Sweden, Finland, Denmark and Norway. Nordea’s lending consists of 75 per cent of lending from countries outside Sweden. The Bank’s Swedish operations include one of the largest finance companies and major players in fund management and mortgage credits. Nordea also owns the credit transfer payment system Plusgirot.
SEB is the name of the financial group formed around Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken. SEB has developed extensive international activities among others in the Baltic region and Germany. In Sweden, SEB has a strong position in fund management and life insurance, as well as in the mortgage and finance company sectors. SEB is also a strong player on the stock market and in currency trading as well as international payments.
Svenska Handelsbanken (SHB) has more than 460 branch offices in Sweden. From the 1990s the bank has also expanded in the Nordic region, both through acquisitions and by opening branch offices. The wholly owned mortgage institution Stadshypotek belongs to the largest players on the Swedish mortgage credit market. Handelsbanken also has extensive operations in the fund management and finance company sectors.
Swedbank has an extensive network of around 320 bank branch offices in Sweden. In addition, Swedbank is in close co-operation with the independent savings banks and partly owned banks among the savings banks movement. Swedbank also has major activities in the Baltic region. The group includes Swedbank Robur, Sweden’s largest fund management company, and Swedbank Hypotek, which is one of the largest mortgage finance institutions.
Other Nordic financial groups
Other Nordic financial groups with a strong position in Sweden are Danske Bank, Länsförsäkringar and Skandia. Danske Bank is Denmark’s largest bank and has banking operations in all the Nordic countries. Danske Bank is, after Nordea, the largest financial group in the Nordic region. Länsförsäkringar consists of 23 regional insurance companies in co-operation, and together they own Länsförsäkringar Bank. Skandia is the market leader in life insurance but also has a strong position in mutual fund investments. SkandiaBanken is owned by the insurance company Skandia.” (Source: Banks in Sweden)
Operations of the Major Banking Groups in Sweden
(Source: The Swedish Financial Market)
Bank Assets
To get some grasp of how big the different banks are, see image below.
(Source: The Swedish Financial Market)
Geographical breakdown
(Source: The Swedish Financial Market)
Average Deposit and Lending Rates
(Source: The Swedish Financial Market)
Bank Liabilities
(Source: The Swedish Financial Market)
Disclosure: I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it. I have no business relationship with any company or individual mentioned in this article. I have no positions in any stocks mentioned, and no plans to initiate any positions within the next 72 hours. This article is informational and is in my own personal opinion. Always do your own due diligence and contact a financial professional before executing any trades or investments.
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