Growth in more home markets
In just a few years Swedbank, has grown from a Swedish bank with an international presence to an international financial institution with a Swedish base. With strong positions in Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, the group is now gaining new positions in markets with great potential.
VisionSwedbank wants to be the leading financial institution in its home markets. By leading we mean:
- the highest customer satisfaction
- the best profitability
- the most attractive employer
By understanding and acting on their needs, Swedbank can offer customers the best financial solutions and thereby improve their everyday lives.
In this way, we can continuously increase our company’s value and play a positive role in society.
Values
Swedbank believes that its strong performance and growing international recognition are the result of a performance-oriented culture, transparent communication, a willingness to change and the strong commitment of our employees.
The group’s values are:
- Results-oriented – we want to achieve good results in everything we do
- Open – we are transparent and open in our communication
- Innovative – we are willing to learn and ready to change
- Committed – we are building a sustainable business
Large customer base and broad distribution network
Swedbank seeks large customer bases, long-term customer relationships and high market shares in its home markets.
Customer relationships and distribution of financial services are strategically more important than whether all products originate and are managed in-house. Mutual funds, property insurance and payment and credit cards are among financial services from external suppliers that Swedbank offers its Swedish customers.
Sales and customer service are provided at branches, by telephone, on the Internet and through ATMs, making Swedbank highly accessible and giving it a widespread local presence. Distribution is bolstered through cooperation, including with savings banks and franchisees of Swedbank Fastighetsbyrå, Swedbank Juristbyrå and Swedbank Företagsförmedling, as well as various collaborations with suppliers and brokers.
Home markets and supporting presence
Swedbank currently has four home markets – Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania – where all customer segments are served through an extensive retail network, providing custom-designed, easy-to-use financial services at competitive prices. In addition to traditional banking and financial services, the offering includes advanced business services, capital market services, asset management and insurance.
Swedbank’s aim is to establish additional home markets, among which Ukraine and northwest Russia have the highest priority. Other home markets may be added later in neighbouring countries.
To support business in its home markets, Swedbank has expanded into neighbouring markets such as Finland, Norway and Denmark as well as important financial centers such as the US, China, Japan and Luxembourg. A limited expansion among local customers is underway in some of these markets.
Growing internationally and profitably
Swedbank’s aim is to grow. Profit growth is a higher priority than growing business volumes and market shares. In many cases, however, higher volumes and market shares coincide with higher long-term earnings.
European countries with lower-than-average GDP per capita and penetration of financial services, particularly in Eastern Europe, are considered to offer the greatest opportunities for long-term growth.
Resources are continuously being reallocated to geographical markets, customer segments and product areas with the greatest long-term growth potential.
Satisfied, loyal customers and motivated employees pave the way for profit growth.
Low risk
Swedbank maintains a well-diversified loan portfolio with a low risk profile. This is primarily achieved through a large number of customers across different industries, low concentration risk and increasing geographical diversification. Low risk is also achieved through lending that is based on collateral, security and cash flow analysis.
Decentralized decision-making and local presence
All business operations are conducted locally with decentralized decision-making power as close to customers as possible. Local organizations with customer and lending responsibility are supported by shared product systems, decision-support systems and control systems.
Competence
As a knowledge and service company, Swedbank knows that its employees are its most important competitive advantage. Substantial resources are allocated to training our staff.
Cost efficiency
Cost efficiency is achieved through large customer bases and business volumes, coordination and efficient processes.
One brand
Swedbank shall operate under a single brand name in all its markets. In the long term the greatest value from communication with customers, partners and marketplaces is created through a unified brand.
The Swedbank brand reflects the group’s aim to be a service leader by always:
- Doing what is best for customers, no matter what the circumstances
- Generously and proactively offering valuable financial advice
- Maintaining a considerate, service-oriented attitude
- Making every day and business opportunities easier for customers.
Swedbank wants to be seen by customers in all its markets as a service leader.
All customers should perceive Swedbank as:
Accessible
We are open literally and figuratively. It should always be easy to contact us regardless of the channel, and we should always greet customers in a friendly, personable way. The customer should always feel welcome.
Uncomplicated
Financial services can be complicated, but our customers should not feel apprehensive. Our job is to help them and make things easier. The products and services we offer should always be based on customer needs and be easy to use and understand.
Proactive
As a service leader, we are always proactive. We take the initiative and offer a wealth of financial advice in addition to new products and services. We are always trying to improve.
