The Banker has named Handelsbanken Sweden’s “Bank of the Year 2023”
Handelsbanken was acclaimed “Bank of the Year 2023” in Sweden by the Financial Times’ periodical ‘The Banker’, which covers the global banking sector. The distinction was awarded to Handelsbanken on the basis of its ambitious sustainability work and stable profitability.
“We build long-term relationships and grow alongside our customers. This has been a successful business model for over 150 years,” says Carina Åkerström, President and CEO of Handelsbanken.
“While most banks have committed to be net zero by 2050, Handelsbanken has set an earlier target of 2040 and announced its first targets for reducing GHG emissions in its real estate financing portfolio,” reads the jury’s reasoning.
The award serves as further acknowledgement of Handelsbanken’s long-term competitiveness and robust business model.
“The starting point for Handelsbanken’s development and innovation is always our customers’ needs, and this is especially true of our sustainability work. It is hugely gratifying to see that The Banker has highlighted ‘Energikollen’, which is available in our digital meeting places. The service helps our mortgage customers with advice on energy-saving measures, which it is possible to finance via a green loan,” says Catharina Belfrage Sahlstrand, Chief Sustainability and Climate Officer.