Articles feed

What is liquidity management, and why does it matter?

Liquidity management helps businesses remain financially resilient. With the right structures in place, companies can manage cash flows efficiently, reduce risk and maintain flexibility in volatile markets.

Evolution, not revolution: A Nordic perspective on digital currencies

As the financial world buzzes with talk of digital currencies, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and blockchain-based payments, the question arises: Are we witnessing a revolutionary transformation or a natural evolution of our monetary system?

What’s next for Nordic treasury management? Find out at Treasury 360°

Market volatility, technological disruption and evolving risk landscapes are reshaping treasury priorities. Join Nordea’s experts at Treasury 360° Nordic to learn how leading corporations are adapting their strategies.

Meet our people: Petteri Änkilä, Head of Large Corporates & Institutions

From childhood dreams of becoming a fighter pilot to leading one of Nordea’s four business areas, Petteri Änkilä’s journey reflects a willingness to embrace new challenges. In this interview, he shares his thoughts on customer focus, the road to 2030 and why trust-based relationships remain at the heart of corporate banking.

Chief Economist's Corner: The Middle East war shapes EU's future energy policy

Helge J Pedersen

Energy prices have risen significantly, but diversified energy supply and lower energy consumption limit the risk of economic collapse. Nuclear power and renewable energy come into focus in the EU's future energy policy.

Banking’s future in focus: Nordea’s Jyrki Katainen sets stage for conversation with Margrethe Vestager

At Nordea’s upcoming AAA Seminar, two former EU Commissioners will explore what Europe must do to strengthen its financial sector.

How well do you know fraud prevention as a business owner? Take our quiz

Fraud schemes are becoming more sophisticated. How well do you know the warning signs? Six practical questions about the threats facing businesses today. Test your knowledge and strengthen your defenses.

US tariffs Supreme Court ruling: New trade policy framework emerges

The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn IEEPA tariffs marks a shift in US trade policy, moving from unpredictable emergency measures to a more structured, longer-term elevated tariff environment that will reshape global trade relationships.

EU Taxonomy: Flash update on the 2026 review and changes to the Climate Delegated Act

Following extensive industry feedback, the European Commission is proposing clarifications to the EU Taxonomy’s Climate Delegated Act to make compliance more practical and consistent across sectors. The draft changes are open for consultation until 14 April, with implementation expected from 1 January 2027.

Key trends shaping the financial industry

The financial industry is changing fast. Economic uncertainty, digital innovation and stricter regulation combined with climate, demographic and cyber challenges redefine how institutions compete and create value. Let us walk you through eight key trends.

Navigating payment changes: ISO 20022 and address requirements in 2026

Nordic businesses have less than a year to prepare for payment system changes, including the end of unstructured addresses and ISO 20022 version upgrades. Early preparation is crucial for a seamless transition.

Survey: Nordic companies prepare for CBAM impact

Marco Kisic

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is a major milestone for the EU’s green policy, for the first time embedding a CO2 price in several value chains. We surveyed Nordic listed companies to find out about the expected impact.

Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM): A new era for European trade and climate policy

From January 2026, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism fundamentally changes how carbon costs affect global trade, creating new challenges and opportunities for companies across carbon-intensive industries.

War in the Middle East and its economic impact

Helge J Pedersen, Tuuli Koivu, Kjetil Olsen, Torbjörn Isaksson, Juho Kostiainen

Oil prices have surged from USD 60 to nearly USD 120 per barrel amid Middle East tensions, but the Nordic economies are expected to remain resilient. Our analysis shows the economic impact should be manageable if prices stabilise around current forward market expectations.

What are green loans?

You might have come across the term “green loans” and wondered how financing can be categorised based on its environmental features. In this short explainer, we examine the mechanisms behind this type of loan.

Nordic strength in a changing world

The Nordic region stands out for its economic resilience, innovation capacity and stable financial system – factors that continue to attract capital and support long term-growth.

EU-Mercosur Trade Agreement: A game-changer for Nordic companies

The landmark EU-Mercosur deal eliminates 91% of tariff lines for EU exports, creating major opportunities for Nordic companies while requiring careful risk management.

Nordic businesses express firm commitment to climate transition

A new survey from Nordea shows that Nordic businesses continue to express firm commitment to climate transition. Our Business Banking Customer Sustainability Survey identifies three key findings that highlight the maturity and determination of Nordic businesses’ approach to sustainability transformation.

Arctic security and defense spending: Economic implications

NATO’s new defense spending target will more than double European military budgets by 2035, with significant economic implications, clients heard at a recent Nordea event on Arctic security policy.

8 financial facts about women

Did you know how unequal many financial areas still are for women? Here's a list of facts that might surprise you.

Looking ahead to MIPIM 2026: Real estate investor sentiment and market outlook

Leading up to MIPIM 2026, Nordea’s Simon Stein reflects on investor sentiment, market trends and where real estate opportunities are emerging.

Tariff uncertainty persists despite US Supreme Court ruling

Jan von Gerich

Tariff uncertainty has increased again after the Supreme Court found a big part of the US tariffs illegal. New tariffs quickly followed, but it would be premature to expect recent developments to materially alter the economic and market outlook.

Mehiläinen: A Nordic healthcare success story powered by innovation and partnership

From its roots as a hospital in Helsinki to becoming one of Finland’s leading healthcare providers, Mehiläinen’s growth story is driven by digital innovation, strategic acquisitions and a forward-thinking approach to healthcare delivery.

A new Nordic payment infrastructure – supported by ISO 20022

The Nordic payment landscape is entering a new era, aligned with global and European standards. Local legacy file formats are being replaced by a unified XML standard across the Nordic region.

Celebrating AutoFX: 10 years of treasury innovation

Ten years ago, Nordea built AutoFX with a large global corporate, driven by a simple vision: to help corporate treasuries automate daily FX tasks. Today, as we celebrate this milestone, we’re witnessing a shift in how companies approach treasury automation – moving from operational efficiency to strategic enablement.

10 years of FX automation: Top 10 reasons to automate your treasury workflow

Celebrating 10 years of AutoFX at Nordea, as treasury automation evolves from operational efficiency to strategic enablement

What are nature credits?

Nature credits are market-based instruments designed to create economic incentives for conservation, restoration and sustainable management of natural resources. In practice, this means that when a company, an organisation or a government buys a credit, the money is used to fund projects that benefit nature.

Nordea sweeps Nordic Sustainable Finance Awards

Our commitment to sustainable finance has once again earned recognition, with five awards in Global Finance’s 2026 Sustainable Finance Awards, including top rankings in our four Nordic home markets plus a first place on sustainability transparency in Western Europe.

What is a BEC fraud?

An invoice lands in your inbox. The content of the invoice, the amount and the assignment are correct. But in addition to the invoice, there's a small detail from the sender: Please note that we have a new account number which the invoice should be paid to. Is everything in order – or is this a fraud attempt?

Chief Economist's Corner: Cold winds blow from the east, while it's foggy and unstable in the west

Helge J Pedersen

The unstable conditions continue to dominate the forecasts, and nothing suggests an imminent shift.

Financing the future: Nordea’s new initiative for renewable energy and infrastructure projects

Nordea’s Renewable Energy & Infrastructure Financing initiative supports pioneering clean energy ventures, from the world’s first commercial e-methanol plant to offshore wind, solar parks and digital infrastructure.

Building business in Northern Norway – one project at a time

At Norway’s northernmost Nordea office in Tromsø, Business Banking plays a central role in supporting economic activity across some of the country’s most expansive and diverse regions.

What is asset management?

Ever wondered what banks or other financial institutions do with your money when you save or invest? Here is an explanation of asset management and Nordea’s role as an asset manager.

China and cleantech supremacy: Implications for Europe

Marco Kisic

Two decades ago, China saw in the energy transition the opportunity to leapfrog into a new technology era. We examine the scale of China's efforts, and explore what policies the EU could adopt in a scenario of increased trade assertiveness.

Verda sets out to be the first hyperscaler from the Nordics

Verda, formerly known as DataCrunch, is a fast-growing AI-focused cloud provider from the Nordics. In the rapidly evolving cloud industry, Verda is addressing the growing demand for specialised infrastructure tailored to AI workloads.

Strong surge in exports beyond Denmark’s borders

Jan Størup Nielsen

Despite trade tensions and geopolitical turmoil, Danish exports have surged in recent years. Much of this growth stems from exports of goods produced outside Denmark’s borders.

New measure of unemployment in Sweden

The Swedish employment rate is among the highest in Europe, yet unemployment is close to 9%, according to the Labour Force Survey. There are strong reasons to take a more nuanced view of unemployment and shift the focus to register-based measures.

Consumers are critical for growth in Finland

Juho Kostiainen

The increase in household saving has kept private consumption subdued in recent years. We examine how alternative assumptions about the savings ratio in the forecast years will affect consumption, employment and economic growth.

Denmark's economic outlook: Well positioned

Jan Størup Nielsen

In a world of political uncertainty, the Danish economy is well positioned to handle future challenges. The foundation lies in the labour market, where record-high employment helps ensure robust public finances.

Swedish economic outlook: Upswing

Torbjörn Isaksson

Households have regained confidence, and conditions are in place for consumption to substantially increase. The export industry has weathered several global challenges, and the outlook is healthy. The unemployment rate is set to fall to 5%, according to the new BAS measure.

Global economic outlook: Resilient for now

Tuuli Koivu, Philip Maldia Madsen, Jan von Gerich

The global economic outlook has continued to be rather stable, despite geopolitical uncertainty. However, the level of uncertainty continues to be high, and the confidence among corporates and households is repeatedly tested.

Chief economist: Strong growth in the Nordic countries over the coming years

Helge J Pedersen

The global economy was characterised by a high degree of resilience in a tumultuous 2025, with the prospect of renewed growth in 2026. However, there are significant risks are associated with the unpredictable geopolitical situation.

Finnish economic outlook: Waiting for the turnaround

Juho Kostiainen

Finland’s economic growth has been slow to materialise. Weak consumer confidence and falling housing prices continue to hold back private consumption and construction investments. However, the fundamentals of the economy have improved, so the conditions for recovery are present. There are already signs of improvement in the manufacturing sector.

EIF guarantee enabled UpCloud to secure financing for next-generation data centre infrastructure

Nordea has partnered with the European Investment Fund (EIF) for several years to strengthen the growth and competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses in the Nordic region. The EIF guarantee helped UpCloud access financing for projects that promote sustainability and innovation.

Growing demand for NOK

Kjetil Olsen

Movements in the NOK exchange rate are closely tied to structural net NOK transactions. After several years of persistent negative pressure, in which many market participants had an underlying need to sell NOK, we are now seeing signs of a shift in main flows, indicating a gradual strengthening of the NOK in 2026.

Norwegian economy: Moderate outlook

Kjetil Olsen

The Norwegian economy has picked up but has recently been slightly weaker than estimated. While many areas of the economy are doing well, others are more challenging.

Chief Economist's Corner: Welcome to 2026

Helge J Pedersen

The global economy proved to be more resilient to President Trump's aggressive trade policy than many feared. This provides the basis for a tempered – but real – optimism as we enter the new year.

From classrooms to the Estonian Food Bank: Nordea employees are volunteering more than ever

In 2025, 186 employees from Nordea in Estonia dedicated their time to volunteering – sharing financial knowledge with young students and supporting the Estonian Food Bank to help families in need.

SFDR revision: New thresholds for sustainable financial products

Marco Kisic

The European Commission has unveiled its long-awaited revision to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), with new categories, thresholds and a focus on measurable indicators.

Setting the plan for your financial year 2026? Get insights from our local experts

Want to know what to expect in 2026 when it comes to markets, investments, and your personal finances in the Nordics? We've gathered local expert analysis, outlooks, and insights from across our markets for you to explore.

Chief Economist's Corner: Housing price spiral in motion

Helge J Pedersen

Housing prices are setting records, and especially in the Copenhagen area there has been significant pressure. The government now wants to introduce a more lenient financing model, but it will hardly lead to the desired result.

Buddy Energy – smart energy for buildings of the future

When the electricity market became increasingly unpredictable, three companies saw an opportunity to think differently. The result was Buddy Energy – an energy company that helps property owners transition to more sustainable and cost-efficient energy use. With support from Nordea, the company is now ready to grow – quickly and sustainably.

Scandinavian Trust and Nordea – a partnership that makes it easier for international businesses to locate to the Nordics

Expanding into the Nordics is often a complex journey with significant challenges in terms of regulation, language and business culture. Scandinavian Trust specialises in simplifying this process. Since 2014, they have built a network of expertise and partnerships that make a difference. One of its partners is Nordea.

Making an impact in our communities

At Nordea, we actively support our local communities in areas where we believe we can truly make a difference. As the largest financial group in the Nordics, we have the capacity to offer support that goes beyond traditional banking products and services.

Nordic companies stick to climate goals despite global uncertainty

Marco Kisic

Amid geopolitical tensions and fractured global cooperation, Nordic companies are not retreating from their climate ambitions. Our Equities ESG Research team’s annual review shows stronger commitments and measurable progress on emissions reductions.

RESourceEU in the age of geoeconomics: Nordic companies positioned to seize opportunities

As Europe shifts towards strategic autonomy in critical resources, Nordic companies are uniquely positioned to lead. Learn how Nordic companies stand to gain in this new era of managed openness and resource security.

How APIs power the real-time payments revolution in banking

The financial industry is right now in the middle of a paradigm shift as real-time payments become the norm rather than the exception. At the heart of this transformation are banking APIs (application programming interfaces) that enable instant, secure and programmable money movement.

Nordea at the forefront of joint investor appeal to the EU

Nordea Asset Management is part of a coalition of 44 institutional investors and asset managers urging EU decision-makers to uphold the EU's methane emissions regulation.

What is carbon capture and storage (CCS)? Here's what you need to know

A quick-guide to carbon capture and storage. Find out how CCS and BECCS work, their importance in decarbonising hard-to-abate industries and the current state of projects in the Nordic region.

Three themes to watch at this year’s COP

Matti Kahra

This year’s COP will be especially interesting to follow as countries submit their 2035 climate plans, offering for the first time a view on their ambitions and targets beyond 2030. Nordea’s climate expert Matti Kahra highlights the key themes to watch.

A parcel is on its way – but is it yours?

Amalia Krantz

Last year Postnord alone delivered millions of parcels during Black Week. There are numerous delivery companies and sometimes when you get a parcel from abroad, you need to pay customs duty. That’s why it’s important to stop and think carefully when you receive a text message claiming that your delivery is on its way.

EU Birds Directive translation creates uncertainty in Swedish forestry

A recent European court ruling on the EU Birds Directive has sparked debate on forest management practices, potentially impacting Sweden’s forestry industry and individual landowners.

CeLLife: Turning the battery industry more sustainable

In our increasingly electrified world, batteries power everything from smartphones to electric vehicles. As battery demand soars, so does the need for efficient diagnostics for quality control and recycling. Meet CeLLife, a startup transforming the battery industry with its innovative diagnostic technology.

Nordic mining: ESG drivers reshape sector operations

As environmental, social and governance (ESG) drivers reshape sector operations, Nordic mining companies are increasingly recognized for their efforts to advance sustainable practices and responsible sourcing of critical minerals. Learn how companies are innovating to meet environmental standards, adapting to new regulation and securing vital resources for Europe’s future.

Electrification of road transportation in the Nordics

Discover how Nordic countries are leading the charge in electric vehicle adoption, from passenger cars to heavy-duty vehicles. Explore the current state of electrification, infrastructure development and future outlook for sustainable transportation in the region.

Building trust in carbon markets: Nordic BECCS and the rise of integrity-driven investment

As Nordic countries lead the way in Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) development, the carbon market landscape is shifting. Find out how integrity-driven investment is reshaping the industry in this conversation with Sebastien Cross, Chief Innovation Officer & Co-Founder of BeZero Carbon, a carbon credit ratings agency.

Landshypotek green bond channels investment into sustainable forestry and agriculture

The bond issuance supports Sweden’s green transition by enabling direct investment in two key sectors, combining climate action with biodiversity preservation and food security.

Liljebo Fastigheter: pioneering social and environmental change in Stockholm's real estate

Vårberg is a Stockholm suburb and like many suburbs built during the 1960s and 1970s, the area has also experienced significant social challenges in recent years. Thanks to Liljebo Fastigheter’s innovative approach to residential development, Vårberg is now seeing positive change.

Smart systems, smarter energy. How AI is reshaping efficiency in the integrated power market

Artificial intelligence is transforming the Nordic energy sector, driving efficiency from generation to consumption. We explore AI’s impact and Lyse’s approach to responsible implementation for smarter, cleaner power systems.

Nordic materials industry: Enabling the green transition while managing global competition

As environmental pressures mount, Nordic materials companies are transforming challenges into opportunities for sustainable growth. With the region’s clean power grids and extensive recycling expertise, these companies are uniquely positioned to pioneer fossil-free and circular industry standards, scale technological innovations and adapt to an evolving regulatory landscape.

Nature credits – Nordea’s perspectives on an evolving market

The growing global focus on nature loss presents both challenges and opportunities for the financial sector. As more nature-positive solutions are requested, Nordea has been actively exploring the emerging nature credit market – a trading system for positive biodiversity impacts.

Nordic power sector: Beyond transition, preparing for a 2°C reality

As global warming trends point towards 2°C, Nordic power companies must integrate physical climate risks into their strategies. Resilience is now as critical as decarbonisation.

Risks in the Nordic power sector: Vulnerabilities in a changing system

In this installment of our series on the Nordic power sector’s transition, we explore the evolving landscape of risks facing the industry. From climate change impacts to cybersecurity threats, discover how the sector is adapting to new challenges in an increasingly complex environment.

The Nordic power sector in transition: Risks, investments and the road to 2050

The Nordic power sector, a global clean energy leader, faces new challenges as it enters the next phase of energy transition. Discover how the region is navigating rising electricity demand, complex risks and emerging technologies while striving to meet ambitious climate goals and ensure energy security.

Emerging technologies in the Nordic energy sector’s transition

In this instalment of our Nordic power sector transition series, we explore the emerging technologies in the region’s energy transformation. From advanced storage solutions to nuclear innovation, learn how technological breakthroughs are paving the way for a more flexible, efficient and sustainable energy future.

Sustainability-linked loan helps Ponsse to focus on environment and worker safety

Ponsse, a leading forest machine manufacturer, has reinforced its commitment to environment and workers safety by refinancing its sustainability-linked loan with Nordea.

Instant Payments Regulation: Checklist for businesses

From 9 October 2025, the Instant Payments Regulation (IPR) becomes reality in Finland. This means that euro payments will move instantly, 24/7, 365 days a year, and a new layer of security, Verification of Payee (VoP), will be part of the process. To help you prepare, we’ve pulled together the key things to keep in mind.

SINDI: A tool for linking financing to social goals in real estate

SINDI’s innovative social index is helping real estate companies like Bohild align their sustainability-linked financing with tangible social goals through quality-assured data.

Building financial confidence from an early age together with Gimi

Financial habits start forming in early childhood, shaping lifelong financial behaviour. Yet many children lack the skills needed to handle finances confidently. Nordea has teamed up with Gimi to make it easier and more fun for young people to understand and manage their money.

How Nordea is transforming digital wealth experiences

At this year’s Nordic Fintech Week, Johan Borg, Head of Digital Wealth, shared insights into how Nordea is transforming its digital wealth management offering to meet the evolving needs of Nordic investors.

Relationships before robots: How Nordea is leveraging AI in digital banking

The Nordic Fintech Week has kicked off with strong Nordea participation. We met with Malthe Falck, Head of Retail Digital, who gave a keynote on how Nordea is leveraging AI while staying true to its purpose of building trusted customer relationships.

Denmark launches pioneering sovereign green bond with Nordea’s support

The Kingdom of Denmark has taken a significant step in sustainable finance, launching the first sovereign green bond aligned with the European Green Bond Standard. Nordea played a key role in the landmark issuance.

What is financial literacy?

Financial literacy is about having the right combination of awareness, knowledge, skill, attitude and behaviour to make sound financial decisions and ultimately achieve financial wellbeing. It’s about understanding various financial concepts, products and risks, and applying this knowledge in real-life situations.

Nordic cleantech: An infrastructure bonanza for Europe

Marco Kisic

Our analysis of the main public infrastructure programmes in Europe points to a substantial step-up in investment due in 2026, which contrasts with the capital drain we’re seeing for US cleantech. This is driving investors’ sentiment for infrastructure, which, for the first time in years in Q2 2025, was higher in Europe than in the US, topped by the Nordics.

Presto shows how it's done – turning recycling into a good business

What happens to outdated fire extinguishers? At Presto, they're given new life, proving that sustainability can be cost-effective. By reusing containers and contents, Presto nearly halves its climate impact - and can simultaneously offer lower prices for their customers.

Sweden’s economic resilience drives new business

Despite global uncertainties, Sweden’s robust economic fundamentals pave the way for an increase in corporate transaction activity in the second half of 2025. Nordea’s view is that interest rates are likely to remain low, and our experts accordingly expect a pickup in deals.

Europe’s plastics paradox: Less production, stalled recycling, and moving backwards from climate targets

As Europe’s plastics industry faces declining production and recycling challenges, retailers grapple with supply chain shifts that may impact climate goals. Find out how changing manufacturing patterns and global competition are influencing the environmental landscape, and what it means for the retail sector’s sustainability efforts.

Monetary stimulus comes with a delay in Finland

Juho Kostiainen

The monetary policy tightening initiated by the ECB in 2022 halted economic growth in Finland and sent home prices tumbling. So why isn’t the monetary policy loosening that began a year ago having a positive effect on the Finnish economy yet?

Denmark's economic outlook: Clipped wings

Jan Størup Nielsen

The previously high-flying Danish economy has had its wings clipped as historical growth figures have been revised lower and industrial production has declined, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector. Despite reduced altitude, the Danish economy is still very strong.

Finnish economic outlook: Waiting for the turn

Juho Kostiainen

Finland’s economic growth has been delayed this year. Economic fundamentals have improved, as lower interest rates and lower inflation improve consumers’ purchasing power. However, the long period of weak confidence in the economy continues to weigh on consumption and investment.

Nordea Chief Economist: Uncertainty has eased

Helge J Pedersen

Global economic uncertainty has eased as Trump’s trade policies have become clearer and the US has signed trade agreements with several countries. The Nordic countries are in a strong position, but growth is subdued.

Risk of continued wage pressure in Norway

Kjetil Olsen

The historically low wage share in the manufacturing sector presents a clear upside risk to wage growth and to Norges Bank’s forecasts in the coming years. Consequently, it may take even longer before inflation returns to the inflation target.

Large revisions to Denmark's economic growth

Jan Størup Nielsen

Denmark is characterised by being a small and open economy, offering numerous advantages in a global landscape marked by rapid changes. However, there are also drawbacks.

Weak labour supply dampens growth in Sweden

Sweden is facing a demographic shift. As population growth slows significantly, labour supply is holding back long-term economic growth in Sweden.

Swedish economic outlook: Regaining confidence

Torbjörn Isaksson

The turbulent global environment has impacted the Swedish economy, leading to slower growth and a subdued start to the year. However, households are becoming more confident, and we expect spending to pick up going forward.

Norwegian economic outlook: Limited room for rate cuts

Kjetil Olsen

Economic growth in Norway has picked up significantly, and the outlook is good despite global turmoil. Rising household purchasing power is the main reason for the current economic upturn.

Global economic outlook: Receding risks

Tuuli Koivu, Jan von Gerich, Philip Maldia Madsen

Some of the downside risks in the global economy have vanished since our spring forecast due to President Trump’s trade deals and the fiscal agreement in the US.

Pump and dump – scams where you’re urged to buy low-value shares

Pump and dump is a type of investment fraud involving bad deals. There is a real share with a real value – but by manipulating the market, fraudsters make money by luring people into a bad investment. Protect yourself by understanding how it works.

Students in the Nordics – here’s how to start your year with a budget check

Are you starting your higher education in Norway, Finland, Denmark or Sweden this year? Then you’re joining thousands of other students taking this step. Managing your money effectively is very important during your student years – and here are some tips and tricks to get going.

Navigating Chinese regulation and cultural differences in Shanghai to support Nordic customers

Did you know that in downtown Shanghai – a city with more than 25 million inhabitants - you will find the Nordea branch? The branch is a part of International Corporate Branches (ICB) in Nordea and supports the Nordic corporate customers with subsidiaries in China.

Eidsiva: Transforming Norway’s energy landscape

Nordea supported Norwegian energy and technology company Eidsiva with its green financing framework and green bond issuance in 2025. How will the company put the bond proceeds to use?

Nordea in the driver’s seat in nature-related risk management

Nordea is a frontrunner in addressing nature-related risks and opportunities, according to the second annual Nature Survey conducted by the Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP). The survey places Nordea near or at the top in nearly all six maturity model categories and second overall.

Three ways we use AI to accelerate efficiency and growth

Artificial intelligence is an important tool for driving efficiency and growth at Nordea. Lately, we have sped up several exciting AI-initiatives to help the bank create innovations for the future.

How radio automation pioneer Jutel accelerated their sustainability efforts

Finland-based Jutel has shown that even a small company can lead the way in sustainability. With Nordea’s support, the pioneer of radio automation solutions has taken significant steps towards a more sustainable business.

How are Nordic companies performing on ESG? Nordea's latest insights

Marco Kisic

Nordea Equity Research’s annual ESG ratings for approximately 300 companies reveal ongoing progress, but with noticeable impacts from challenging macroeconomic conditions.

Chief Economist's Corner: Recharged batteries

Helge J Pedersen

Electric car holiday, green transition and global tensions. An economic summer update from Nordea's Group Chief Economist Helge J. Pedersen.

Global economic update: Summer 2025 highlights

As the summer of 2025 draws to a close, Nordea analyst Joel Lundh provides a comprehensive overview of the global economic landscape. From financial markets to world events, this article summarizes the key developments that have shaped the international economy in recent months.

When the seasons set the stage – get to know our branch office on the island of Gotland

Are you one of the thousands of people visiting Gotland during the summer? We have a branch office open all year on this island in the Baltic Sea. Here, our colleagues experience the seasonal effect – and how the recent geopolitical situation has impacted the people living here, in both good and bad ways.

Instant Payments Regulation: Get ready for fully automated instant payments and payee verification

Learn how the upcoming Instant Payments Regulation is reshaping financial transactions in Europe and how Nordea’s API solutions can help your business stay ahead of the curve.

Powering the transition: The key role of energy efficiency in real estate

In the transition to a sustainable future, the real estate sector is a crucial player. ESG Sector Analyst Mons Lunde explores how energy efficiency is reshaping the industry and creating new opportunities for developers and owners of real estate.

Sustainability in real estate: Insights from Sweden’s Almedalen Week

Nordea’s Lead ESG Analyst Ebba Ramel shares key insights from Almedalen Week 2025. Learn about the latest trends in sustainable real estate, from circularity and climate adaptation to social sustainability and emerging risks, gleaned from expert sessions and client discussions at Sweden’s premier political forum.

Arctic security and EU leadership: Key takeaways from the Nordic AAA Seminar

As global power dynamics shift, Nordic financial institutions and companies face new geopolitical realities. Nordea’s recent Nordic AAA Seminar highlighted the need for businesses to engage in shaping the emerging world order, with Arctic security and EU leadership taking centre stage.

E-commerce growth in retail: The transparency challenge with chemicals and materials

As e-commerce transforms retail, new business models such as dropshipping introduce fresh challenges in product quality control and regulatory compliance. Explore how the industry is navigating the complex landscape of chemical regulations and materials transparency in an increasingly digital and cross-border marketplace.

From compliance to competitiveness: Sustainability’s strategic role in the Nordic capital goods sector

In a world of shifting regulations and market dynamics, Nordic industrial companies are uniquely positioned to turn sustainablility challenges into strategic advantages. Discover how embracing sustainability can drive innovation, resilience and long-term competitiveness in the consumer durables and capital goods sectors.

Green transition: Progress and challenges in a shifting global landscape

The green transition is progressing in an unstable global situation. In Finland and more widely in Nordics, emissions are decreasing, but global emissions continue to rise. A contrast in transition pace has emerged between Europe and the United States, highlighting divergent political climates.

The summer house – a shared tradition in the Nordics

Are you, like many people in the Nordic countries, spending your summer days in a summer house? Whether you are renting, owning or have inherited one, this tradition of escaping to nature is deeply rooted in Nordic culture. But buying and fixing up a second home can be quite expensive.

Growing a sustainable food system – the role of agriculture

Discover how the Nordic agricultural sector is adapting to meet environmental challenges through regulations, cutting-edge technologies and shifting consumer trends. Senior ESG Analyst Torkild Dalgaard lays out the key drivers shaping the future of sustainable food production in the region and beyond.

Navigating treasury transformation: From startups to mature companies

Susanne Stenborg, Head of Treasury Operations at SKF, has had a career spanning both established and new treasuries. At the recent Treasury 360 Nordic event, she shared insights on what mature treasuries and newly-established ones can learn from each other.

New investment frauds: The art of false promises

Lately a more sophisticated method for creating fake ads has emerged. Celebrities appear in videos where they strongly promote an investment opportunity. But the purpose is to trick people into investing their money in castles in the sky.

Ideas that make a difference

Last week we found the three winners of our Abilitypreneur of the Year award which is an unique innovation contest which highlights entrepreneurs that focus on diverse abilities.

Basel IV is here: What you need to know

Basel IV, a finalisation of Basel III, overhauls global banking capital requirements, impacting the lending landscape particularly in Europe and the Nordics.

Denmark: EU champion measured by public finances

Large public budget surpluses and a declining debt ratio put Denmark in a good position to navigate the economy through an uncertain period. However, unexpectedly high tax payments have meant that excess liquidity in the money market has been lower than normal for some time. Financial market turmoil has meanwhile led to a weakening of the DKK.

Nordea Chief Economist: Nordics resilient amid global uncertainty

Helge J Pedersen

The global economy is subject to great uncertainty owing to President Trump’s tariff war with the rest of the world. We do not expect a global recession in our baseline scenario, and we believe that Europe, and in particular the Nordic region, is well positioned to weather the storm.

Swedish economy shows resilience

Torbjörn Isaksson

The global landscape has been jolted, partly due to the global trade war. This also affects Sweden, causing households and businesses to hesitate. However, the impact on growth is expected to be limited. There are conditions in place that will help to continue last year’s gradual recovery of the Swedish economy. Inflation will likely decline next year, but a stronger economic climate should reduce the Riksbank’s need to ease monetary policy.

Denmark's economic outlook: Well prepared

Jan Størup Nielsen

As a small, open economy Denmark is traditionally highly sensitive to global developments. So the trade war is definitely bad news for economic activity in Denmark. However, it comes at a time when the Danish economy is exceptionally well prepared to handle the wave of uncertainty flowing across its borders.

Finnish economic outlook: Will growth continue?

Juho Kostiainen

The cautious growth seen in the Finnish economy is at risk of hitting a tariff wall. Lower inflation and interest rates are boosting purchasing power, but increased uncertainty threatens to put private consumption and investment on hold for a little longer. Housing market activity has increased, but prices are not rising yet. The oversupply in the rental market is still discouraging new construction.

The return of the SEK

Since the start of 2025, the performance of the SEK has been historically strong. The trade-weighted exchange rate has appreciated by 7% – the most since 1993.

Global economic outlook: Known unknown

Tuuli Koivu, Jan von Gerich

President Trump’s policy actions have caused a lot of volatility in the financial markets and the economic outlook since our previous forecast. Uncertainty is high, and, given Trump’s tendency to cause chaos, this is expected to continue.

Norwegian economic outlook: Growth accelerates despite tariff war

Kjetil Olsen

Economic growth in Norway is picking up, driven by increased consumer spending and housing construction. The tariff war and the global situation will, on balance, have little impact on the Norwegian economy.

Consumers have what it takes in Finland

Juho Kostiainen

Households have been tested in recent years with higher inflation, interest rates and unemployment, as well as a stream of negative news from around the globe. However, now their fortunes have improved in many respects, as inflation and interest rates have fallen.

Housing construction picks up in Norway

Kjetil Olsen

Housing investment has declined sharply in recent years, which continued towards end-2024, according to Statistics Norway. However, other indicators suggest housing construction has picked up. We question whether the official figures accurately reflect recent developments. Going forward, we expect increased housing investment will help boost economic growth in Norway.

Helping small businesses take the first step on their climate transition journey

At Nordea, we support small and medium sized enterprises to future-proof their business through customer dialogues and our collaboration with SME Climate Hub providing the tools and knowledge needed to turn ambitions into climate action.

Top environmental trends in Nordic real estate: from green to green transition

Nordic real estate faces challenges and opportunities in transforming existing buildings into greener assets. Ebba Ramel and Mons Lunde, part of the ESG Sector Analysis Team at Nordea, outline how developing credible transition plans is not only reducing buildings’ environmental impact but also making them more attractive for investors and banks.

Understanding social impact investing

Social impact investing is when you as an investor choose your investments with the intention of generating measurable, beneficial social effects in addition to financial gains.

What is responsible investing?

What does it mean to invest responsibly? There are several strategies to consider and combine if you are an investor with focus on responsible investing in addition to a profitable return.

Our Kiruna branch – supporting a moving city

The city of Kiruna has been moving bit by bit since 2004. How do you go about moving an entire city? And what are the challenges of being a bank in such a city?

Our differences make us better

We believe that a variety of personalities, backgrounds and experiences lays the foundation for great performance, and that making use of all our different qualities enables us to serve our diverse range of customers much better.

Streaming across borders: How Spotify overcomes global currency hurdles

As Spotify has expanded its global reach to over 180 countries, it has faced complex financial challenges in emerging markets with strict currency regulations. Learn how the audio streaming company partners with Nordea to navigate these obstacles, from tax payments in Turkey to repatriating funds from Indonesia, ensuring smooth operations across borders.

Biodiversity: The next frontier in corporate sustainability

Climate change has dominated corporate sustainability efforts for years. Now biodiversity is rapidly climbing the agenda. Discover how companies and financial institutions are navigating this complex new terrain.

Nordea invited to the EU Commission roundtable on nature credits

Nordea participated in EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall’s high-level roundtable on nature credits. As these types of credit instruments are gaining traction, Nordea sees it as a natural step to participate in the development of a potential tool to reverse the trends of biodiversity loss.

Why do banks focus on biodiversity?

Productive and stable economies are dependent on sufficient natural resources and well-functioning ecosystems. In this explainer we dive into why biodiversity has become increasingly important to banks and the role it plays in our own sustainability strategy.

Chief Economist's Corner: Car industry at the epicentre of escalating trade war

Helge J Pedersen

Donald Trump started his trade war against the rest of the world at a press conference in the White House Rose Garden. The vision of bringing the car industry back to the US will one day go down in history as a nostalgic mirage.

Encouraging businesses to invest in climate action through deposits

Discover how Nordea’s “Deposit with Climate Focus” product allows businesses to include a sustainability agenda in their cash management activities. Learn about this new offering, now available in Finland after its success in Sweden and Norway.

Consistent sustainability progress in a changing geopolitical landscape

Our latest data shows consistent progress towards our sustainability targets. Looking ahead Nordea continues to focus on supporting an orderly transition in the short and long term in the best interests of society and our customers, explains Head of Group Sustainability Anja Hannerz in an interview.

Nordic forestry at a crossroads: Balancing growth and climate goals

The Nordic forestry sector plays a significant role in Europe’s green transition, but potentially faces complex sustainability challenges. Senior ESG Analyst Samuel Pendergraph explains how regulatory pressures within forestry are creating supply tensions for companies navigating within the EU and abroad.

Finnish government introduces bold tax reforms

Juho Kostiainen

As part of its mid-term budget proposal for 2025, the Finnish government has decided on reductions of EUR 2 billion in earned income and corporate tax. About half of the tax cuts will be covered by increases in other taxes and spending cuts. Nordea Chief Analyst Juho Kostiainen takes a look at the reforms and the expected economic impact.

Charting a sustainable course: Key trends in global shipping

The global shipping industry is navigating significant change, driven by environmental regulations, technological advancements and geopolitical challenges. This article lays out the key trends shaping the future of the sector and its sustainable transition.

Is China ready for a trade war?

Tuuli Koivu

China started the year 2025 with robust GDP growth. Nordea Chief Economist Tuuli Koivu also observed slightly better sentiment during her trip to the country in March. However, the intensified trade war between the US and China is going to hurt the growth and CNY outlook in the coming months.

The trade war day by day – how it has affected stock markets

The trade war has been a rollercoaster for the markets – here’s a day-by-day account of the ride so far.

Are US Treasuries no longer ‘safe haven’?

During market turbulence, US government bonds tend to be a “safe haven.” But the past week showed something completely different. On 9 April, when Trump’s new tariffs were to take effect, investors sold off US government bonds. Nordea Senior Strategist Sara Midtgaard takes a closer look.

Unlocking opportunities: Working capital offering fuels international trade

A new working capital solution from Nordea allows companies to bridge gaps in the trade cycle by extending credit from the production or purchase of goods to the final sale. The key benefits include improved working capital, flexibility and global reach.

How we support financial literacy among children and young people

At Nordea, we want to help people build the financial skills that are important for financial stability and a good quality of life. Our employees teach these skills to thousands of children and young people every year.

EU Omnibus: What it means for Taxonomy reporting

The European Commission's "Simplification Omnibus" package aims to streamline sustainability reporting and boost competitiveness for EU companies. This article examines the proposed changes to the EU Taxonomy requirements and their potential impact on corporate disclosure practices and data availability.

Tariff uncertainty poses growing downside risk to the economy

Jan von Gerich

Trump’s newest round of tariffs hit financial markets and added to downside risks to the economy. Plenty of uncertainties remain, and the USD sentiment has taken a beating. The ECB will likely cut again, while the Fed may find the outlook trickier, writes Nordea Chief Analyst Jan von Gerich.

‘Mar-a-Lago Accord’ explained: A new era for the dollar?

There has been much focus on whether Trump could force the US trading partners into a so-called “Mar-a-Lago Accord” to weaken the dollar. Chief Strategist Lars Mouland reflects on what such a deal could entail.

Clean Industrial Deal: EU sustainability strategy from stick to carrot

Marco Kisic

The EU's Clean Industrial Deal marks a significant shift in strategy, from a stick to a carrot approach, writes Nordea Equities’ Head of ESG Research Marco Kisic. With a focus on boosting European cleantech and protecting heavy industry, the plan introduces a range of initiatives to stimulate demand, increase investments and lower energy costs.

Chief Economist's Corner: Europe’s great plan

Helge J Pedersen

The international political landscape has changed dramatically. This increases the need for Europe to turbocharge plans to secure its strategic autonomy – and this starts now with the build-up of EU's defence capabilities.

Oceans under pressure: Balancing fisheries, aquaculture and environmental resilience

As oceans warm and marine ecosystems face unprecedented threats, the aquaculture and fishing industries navigate a complex landscape of environmental challenges and evolving regulations. This article lays out the key factors shaping the sector’s sustainable transition.

Banking your way: Nordea's vision for tailor-made banking

In an era where personalisation is king, Nordea is taking the next steps to revitalise the banking experience. “We can look forward to a bank that is even better equipped to care about your financial well-being,” says Head of One Digital Malthe Falck.

Supporting Wallenius Wilhelmsen’s journey to net zero

Discover how shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen is charting a course to net-zero emissions by 2040. From alternative fuels to wind-powered vessels, learn about their innovative sustainability initiatives and how Nordea supports their green and sustainability-linked financing strategy.

How we work with financial literacy and financial well-being

Nordea strives to improve financial well-being by offering personalised advice and building skills to improve financial literacy, while also raising fraud awareness among our customers and in society.

APIs and AI in finance: Reinventing treasury operations

Ulrika Claesson, Head of Open Banking Solutions at Nordea, explores how the synergy of APIs and AI is creating a new era of intelligent financial management where treasury functions are no longer just operational but a true value driver for businesses.

Earning billions by tackling food waste

Every year, 450,000 tonnes of food are thrown away in Norway. The retail chain Holdbart helps solve the problem and makes good money along the way.

Trumponomics and the Norwegian economy

Trumponomics will probably not lead to much lower growth in Norway’s economy or more rate cuts from Norges Bank. To the contrary, we’ve strengthened our view that the number of rate cuts will be few.

Nordic retail sector's climate transition: Challenges and opportunities

As Nordic retailers navigate the complex landscape of climate transition, they face both challenges and opportunities. From waste reduction to supply chain transparency, this article explores how the sector is adapting to new regulations, embracing technological innovations and responding to shifting consumer demands in pursuit of a more sustainable future.

What impact would tariffs have on the Euro area and the Nordics?

Small open economies are vulnerable to disruptions in global trade. However, the impact of Trump’s potential tariffs on the Nordic and Euro-area economies depends very much on the confidence effect, according to our economists in a new analysis.

Chief Economist's Corner: Trump's first 100 days

Helge J Pedersen

It has been 100 days since Donald Trump de facto assumed office as President of the US. It is fair to say that he has been transforming the US fundamentally ever since through executive orders and has challenged the rules-based international cooperation.

Love and money: Why talking finances can be a romantic gesture

On Valentine's Day, when romance is in the air, why do we as a bank think it's important to join the conversation? Because we consider advising and improving people's financial skills to be one of our core businesses. And what can be better advice than how to talk about money as a couple?

Danish minister: Economy on firm footing amid global challenges

Denmark is navigating current global uncertainty from a position of economic strength, according to experts at Nordea’s recent Danish Economic and Government Debt Symposium. Can consumer confidence and household spending catch up with the country’s economic resilience?

5 steps to manage your currency risk

If you think currency and exchange rates are only a concern for bankers, it's time to think again. Currency risks affect all international companies.

Powering the AI revolution: Opportunities for Nordic companies

Marco Kisic

Head of ESG Research in Nordea Equities, Marco Kisic, shares the findings from the latest analysis, “Powering the AI revolution,” including the outlook for data centres’ growth, their exponential increase in energy needs, key bottlenecks and the implications for Nordic companies.

Trade policy will have multiple effects in Finland

Juho Kostiainen

The US has become the most important export market for Finland. This makes Finland quite sensitive to any trade barriers imposed by the US. In addition to direct tariffs, indirect effects such as counter-tariffs, foreign exchange rates and increased uncertainty will have an impact on Finland’s economy.

Finnish economic outlook: Stunted growth

Juho Kostiainen

The Finnish economy has seen cautious growth, but the economic cycle remains weak. Consumers are still cautious, even though purchasing power has started to improve and interest rates have fallen.

Capacity challenges ahead for Norway's construction sector?

Even with only two rate cuts, we expect housing prices to grow by nearly 10% in 2025. After declining sharply for two years, housing construction may finally benefit from some tailwinds. Yet, a weak NOK and higher construction activity in Europe could soon pose new challenges for the construction sector. Who will build all the new homes?

Sweden's knowledge economy

Torbjörn Isaksson

Sweden is at the forefront of technology and R&D. This is one of the reasons for Sweden’s relatively bright growth prospects.

Swedish economic outlook: Beyond the crest

Torbjörn Isaksson

The conditions are in place for a recovery in domestic demand – the main drivers are lower interest rates and stronger household purchasing power. Inflation remains low, and the Riksbank will likely cut its policy rate further.

Good times in sight for Norway's economy

Kjetil Olsen

Economic growth in Norway picked up last year and is now back at normal levels. Unemployment has remained stable at a low level since last summer. Growth should increase further in the period ahead.

Strong economy, concerned consumers in Denmark

Despite the Danish economy's solid recovery, consumer confidence is at a low level, as households are increasingly worried about Denmark’s economic situation going forward. The question is whether this will put a spanner in the works for the expected consumption-driven recovery in 2025.

Denmark's economic outlook: Continued progress

The Danish economy is on a firm footing, and we expect it to continue to grow in 2025, supported by further central bank rate cuts and rising household purchasing power.

Leading the way in sustainable finance - Nordea wins 8 awards

Nordea's commitment to sustainable finance has once again earned recognition, with eight awards in Global Finance's 2025 Sustainable Finance Awards, including top rankings in global, regional and country categories.

Global economic outlook: Risks both ways

Tuuli Koivu, Jan von Gerich

The global economic outlook for 2025 reflects a very high level of uncertainty, and economic developments could easily surprise in either direction. Our baseline story remains unchanged, and we expect monetary policy easing to support growth especially in the Euro area and China – and in both regions consumer spending could surprise to the upside.

A unique Norwegian company: "Wouldn’t have been able to do this without the help we've received"

Envir's new soil washing plant cost close to NOK 200 million and is a game-changer in the green transition. The owners praise Nordea for its support in realising the dream. A skilled team of advisers and good solutions made it possible.

Nordea's Chief Economist: Political risks have increased significantly

Global growth continues at a moderate pace. The US economy was boosted after the presidential election, while Europe is trying hard to catch up. Uncertainty is high and increasingly linked to political developments. Monetary policy rate cuts are coming to an end, and growth in the Nordic region will likely chiefly be driven by domestic demand in the coming year.

Chief Economist's Corner: Welcome to 2025

Trump, Germany and central bank rhetoric will be three factors that will define economic developments in the new year.

Will corporates stick to the 1.5°C goal?

While the highest ambitions of the Paris Agreement seem increasingly difficult to meet in the current global political landscape, there is still progress to be found. Three of our sustainability experts discuss the impact of the US election and COP29 and what it will mean for the transition plans many Nordic companies are working with.

2025 – what can impact your economy during the year?

As we approach 2025, it's crucial to stay informed about economic trends that may impact your financial decisions. Our experts have provided valuable insights for each Nordic country:

Volunteering at Nordea in Poland – How we support the community and foster empathy

Nordea offers our employees a unique opportunity to make a real impact on local communities while gaining professional and personal experiences.

Smart kids and raw human connection: my time as a volunteer

All Nordea employees can spend 16 hours a year volunteering through our community engagement programmes. Kadri Tiilen, who works in our financial crime prevention unit in Estonia, threw herself into several different assignments – which opened up the world to her in unexpected ways.

How the multimillion dollar company will turn sustainability into business

DLVRY saw the light of day in 2021 and already generates revenue of close to four billion Norwegian kroner (more than 360 million US dollars). One of the secrets lies in local roots and focus on sustainability, combined with favourable financing solutions such as sustainability-linked loans.

Climate transition in the Nordic land transport sector: Navigating change

Regulatory pressures, technological innovation and rising customer expectations are all driving action when it comes to sustainability in the land transport sector. Mikko Hirvonen, Senior ESG Analyst, outlines the key factors shaping the industry’s transition.

European Energy: More ambitious and immediate action needed to reach Paris Agreement goals

What role does the renewable energy transition play in global efforts to limit climate change? What are the main challenges? For insights, our Nordea On Your Mind team spoke to the CEO and co-founder of renewable energy project developer European Energy, Knud Erik Andersen.

Chief Economist's Corner: Will Trump be a wake-up call for Europe?

Helge J Pedersen

Economic and political problems are currently piling up in both Germany and France. But perhaps Trump's re-election will be a catalyst for major pan-European reforms.

Expert spotlight: Meet the people behind the insights

Get to know the experts behind our sustainability work. In this interview series, we explore their career journeys, what inspires them and the insights they’ve gained along the way.

Ovako: Almost all new business won in the past year has a strong sustainability profile

What does the green energy transition look like in an energy- and emission-intense steel industry? For answers, our Nordea On Your Mind team reached out to niche steel producer Ovako’s CFO Erik Bohman.

What happened at COP29?

Matti Kahra, Stefan Henningsson, Tiina Salonen

COP29 ended with a new climate finance goal, but the participating countries couldn’t agree on wording describing how countries should move away from fossil fuels. Our sustainability experts Matti Kahra, Tiina Salonen and Stefan Henningsson analyse the outcomes of the global climate summit.

UNFCCC Senior Director: We have work to do to hit Paris Agreement targets

How can the investment needs of the Paris Agreement be met? What are the differences in climate action needs across world regions? For answers, take a dive into this Nordea On Your Mind, “Energy transition,” interview with Daniele Violetti, Senior Director at the UNFCCC.

Nordea On Your Mind: Energy transition

Climate change is already causing major economic damage. The only way to stop it is for the world to invest in the transition to renewable energy. This will require 2.3% of global GDP to 2050, which is significant, but doable. In their last report, “Energy transition,” our Nordea On Your Mind team explores what investments will be needed and how they could be funded.

Saving with sustainable focus: How green is green?

Funds that focus on sustainability – what does that really mean? How can investment funds be sustainable and who sets the requirements? More and more people are showing interest in this form of investment and there is regulation in place to support it. Get a quick overview.

When the scams are hidden between Black Friday’s special offers

During Black Friday, we are bombarded with reduced prices and special offers. Maybe it’s possible to find some Christmas gifts at reduced prices? But among the special offers and reduced prices, the scammers are lurking and are taking advantage of the hunt for fantastic prices.

What does a Trump presidency mean for Nordic greentech?

Marco Kisic

Donald Trump’s win in the US election this month bodes negatively for climate policy in the US, writes Marco Kisic, Head of ESG Research in Nordea Equities. He shares which greentech areas are most at risk.

Why are the Nordics falling behind in the circular economy?

Thina M. Saltvedt

In the Nordic countries, we like to think of ourselves as environmentally conscious and good at recycling, but the truth is that we are below the world average. Our sustainability expert, Thina Saltvedt, reflects on this gap and how to close it in connection to the Nordic Circular Summit 2024.

Outcome of the US elections and implications for climate policy

Matti Kahra

Donald Trump’s victory will shake climate policy in the US and internationally, but the business environment differs significantly from his first term. Unlike in 2016-2020, a possible reversal of the US climate policy is counteracted by market dynamics, reduced costs in clean technology and overall technological and manufacturing competition with China.

The Superfinns award brought QOCO visibility and confidence to build an international success story

QOCO is one of the internationally growing Finnish companies that has taken part in Nordea's development programmes for growth companies. This year, they won the Superfinns programme organised by Nordea and Kasvu Open. Next, QOCO will participate in Slush to find more potential partners.

Chief Economist's Corner: The difficult interest rate journey

Helge J Pedersen

Interest rates are being cut quickly at the moment, and the course is set towards neutral - although no one quite knows what that level is, writes Nordea Group Chief Economist Helge Pedersen.

Maximising your Slush experience: Essential tips for founders

With Slush just around the corner, it is time to prepare yourself to get the most out of the exciting event. Whether you are a seasoned attendee or a first-timer, these tips will help you elevate your networking experience and refine your approach.

Sweden unveils initial energy standards for commercial buildings

Sweden’s National Board of Housing and Buildings, Boverket, has published the preliminary energy thresholds above which buildings need to be renovated. Nordea Equities’ ESG Research team takes a look at what the benchmarks mean for companies’ real estate portfolios.

Biodiversity meeting among nations ended with mixed results

The COP16 meeting ended 16 hours over time when it became obvious that many delegates had left and there no longer was quorum at the meeting. Nordea’s biodiversity experts Anna-Karin Modin-Edman and Jan Wärnbäck reflect on the outcome of the meeting.

Risk of a weaker NOK with Trump as president

Our Nordea forecast implies a slight further weakening of NOK towards year-end and a somewhat stronger NOK next year. But if Trump becomes president, the rate cut cycle in the US could soon end, and the USD could strengthen further. We therefore see a clear risk of a weaker NOK than our current forecasts imply.

Hexagon’s R-evolution puts data to work to save the planet

Tiger sharks, solar parks and cubic metres of rainforest. R-evolution’s work spans the globe, harnessing cutting-edge sensor technology and data to tackle complex environmental challenges. CEO Erik Josefsson explains how.

Meet the expert: Viktor Sonebäck on treasury’s sustainable shift

In the latest “Get to know our sustainability experts” interview, we talk to Viktor Sonebäck, who sits on our Sustainable Finance Advisory and Thematics teams, producing strategic research for large corporate and institutional clients. He recently co-authored Nordea’s annual Treasury Survey, which this year dug into treasuries’ practices on sustainable finance.

What will make COP29 a success? Key issues to follow

While we expect a more muted stock market reaction in the run-up to COP29 this year, compared to previous years, the UN climate summit will nonetheless be an important gauge of climate policy momentum. Here are the key areas to watch.

Why is climate policy barely mentioned in a high stakes election?

Matti Kahra

There has been a lot of debate around the usual big issues in everyday politics: economy, health care, abortion and immigration. Climate policy has barely been mentioned on the campaign trail. Our expert in climate Matti Kahra shares his views.

Lyse: Driving Norway’s grid modernisation

Nordea has supported Norwegian energy and telecom company Lyse with its green financing framework and green bond issuance in 2024. How has the company put the bond proceeds to use so far?

Corporate treasuries see sustainable financing on the rise

Sustainability has taken root in corporate treasuries, and the focus is expected to increase in the coming years, according to our annual Treasury Survey for 2024.

COP16: Global leaders face growing pressure as biodiversity plans fall short

With just few days remaining until the 16th Conference of the Parties (COP16) of the Convention on Biological Diversity in Colombia, many countries are struggling to meet key commitments made at COP15.

The US election: What’s at stake for the economy and markets?

Jan von Gerich

An interesting US presidential election is drawing closer. While the result may not end up changing the medium-term outlook for the US economy significantly, the risks are real on many horizons.

Corporate treasurers expect stability but brace for uncertainty

What do Nordic corporate treasurers expect the world to look like in 2030? We set out to find the answer in our annual Treasury Survey for 2024.

What is sustainable financing?

Sustainable financing is a form of financing that takes environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into account when setting criteria for the funding.

Banks make significant strides in net-zero commitments, but challenges persist

The Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) 2024 Progress Report published today shows that most NZBA banks are taking significant steps towards meeting their climate goals. Nordea is included in the report with a case study of Nordea’s transition assessment tool to support client engagement.

Chief Economist's Corner: Can Super Mario do it again?

Helge J Pedersen

The crisis is taking its toll on the EU, which is lagging further and further behind the US and China in the great economic race. Now Mario Draghi has presented a plan that may save the situation.

What is a DDoS attack and why is it making things slow?

DDoS stands for Distributed Denial-of-Service. It involves an attempt to overwhelm a system or website to prevent users and customers from accessing online services or causing delays when doing so. This can affect apps, websites and both public and private digital services.

Biodiversity and business: Our expert on the emerging trends

Anna-Karin Modin-Edman is Nordea’s resident biodiversity expert. She explains why the theme is climbing corporate agendas, the main challenges and how companies are tackling them.

Nordea is a founder factory for Nordic fintech companies

Nordea has been named the leading “founder factory” for fintech companies in the Nordics, as highlighted in the newly released Nordic Fintech Report 2024 by Copenhagen Fintech.

Improving our understanding and management of climate- and nature-related risks

How is Nordea working with climate and nature-related risks? Peter Sandahl, Head of Climate and Environment and Brent Matthies, Head of ESG Framework and Coordination, share insights.

How we use our shareholder impact to promote labour rights

Nordea has extensively engaged for several years with many known consumer brands to improve labour rights at the companies. Recent examples are Tesla, Starbucks and Amazon.

How are Nordic companies progressing on their climate goals?

In a new analysis, Nordea Equities’ ESG Research team has assessed whether around 300 Nordic listed companies are aligned with and delivering on the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C global warming limit.

Radiohjälpen raises millions with Nordea’s award-winning API solution

The Nordea premium API Instant Reporting makes it possible for the charity foundation Radiohjälpen to provide a fast and real-time overview of the fundraisings at their live charity events. The transaction management solution was recognised in Treasury Today’s Adam Smith Awards for 2024.

Pandora links financing to its sustainability efforts

In recent years, the world's largest jewellery brand, Pandora, has taken significant steps on its sustainability journey, with Nordea by its side as a financial partner.

Award-winning methane engagement expands reach and impact

Nordea Asset Management has for several years been driving an investor collaboration engaging with oil and gas companies and more recently utilities on reducing their methane emissions. The initiative now includes 65 oil and gas companies and utilities.

Denmark's economic outlook: Calm waters

After some hectic years, the Danish economy is moving into a calmer period. Inflation is under control in both Denmark and the Euro area, boosting household purchasing power.

Sweden enters new fiscal policy phase

Sweden's public finances are stable, which is and has been a strength – especially during the recent turbulent years with the pandemic, war and high inflation. Ahead of the next framework period, low government debt and an increased investment requirement open the door for a more expansionary fiscal policy.

Norwegian economy in an upswing

Kjetil Olsen

Thanks to high wage growth, lower inflation and a stable interest rate environment, household purchasing power is now increasing quite significantly in Norway. Economic growth will likely pick up and unemployment remain fairly stable going forward.

Danish labour market approaches balance

Jan Størup Nielsen

Over the past ten years, the Danish labour market has undergone a remarkable development. The latest figures indicate that a soft landing has been achieved, with continued low unemployment at the same time as the balance between supply and demand for labour has improved.

Global economic outlook: Room for rate cuts

Tuuli Koivu, Jan von Gerich

Economic data has been weaker in all the major economies during the summer and labour markets are weakening. This could encourage China to ease fiscal policy further, and the western central banks are expected to cut rates.

Nordea's Chief Economist: Europe to become a growth driver

Helge J Pedersen

The modest growth that has long characterised the global economy continues. But much indicates that growth will increasingly be driven by Europe. There are prospects of rate cuts in most countries, but the persistently high inflation requires very careful timing and dosage of monetary policy easing.

Is it so strange the NOK is weak?

Kjetil Olsen

In the past decade, Norway’s relative global excellence has weakened. As a result of the drop in oil prices in 2014, Norwegian interest rates approximated the levels of our trading partners, and the NOK weakened from very strong levels. After the pandemic the fact that other central banks hiked rates more than Norway in order to curb inflation added fuel to the fire. Maybe it is boring that interest rate differentials and the NOK exchange rate are related, but maybe it is not that strange.

Construction sector weighs on Finland

Juho Kostiainen

The Finnish economy has underperformed the rest of the eurozone over the past two years. Private consumption has gone down in Finland, as higher interest rates have hit households hard. However, most of the gap to the rest of the eurozone is due to the sharp decrease in residential construction in Finland.

Green shoots in the Finnish Economy

Juho Kostiainen

We saw the first positive signs for the Finnish economy in the first half of the year. The gradual recovery in consumer purchasing power and lower interest rates are expected to send the Finnish economy back on a growth track.

Swedish economic outlook: Just in time

Torbjörn Isaksson

Households are still under pressure, due to the earlier uptick in inflation and higher interest rates. The situation is fragile, but with upcoming rate cuts, a significant decline in household consumption will be avoided.

Nordic sustainability champions

Nordic corporates have bet big and succeeded in sustainability – Can they keep it up? Hear Johan Trocmé, Viktor Sonebäck and Jonas Ankjaer talk you through the findings from their latest Nordea On Your Mind, ‘Nordic sustainability champions'.

Our customers have doubled their use of our chatbot in two years

Nova, our chatbot, is expected to engage in more than seven million customer chats this year. According to Anders Nicander, Head of One Digital, the quality of chatbots has improved significantly within the last couple of years.

How sustainability-linked financing works: An expert interview with Catrine Birkevold Liem

Sustainability-linked financing has rapidly caught on in the Nordics, but what is it exactly? How are the sustainability targets decided, and what happens if the company misses them? Catrine Liem, acting head of Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory team, explains the ins and outs.

More than 1,000 dialogues with companies on their sustainable transition

In 2023 Nordea’s responsible investment experts engaged in more than 1,000 dialogues with companies in the name of our investment funds. The aim of the dialogues was to discuss how the companies work with topics such as climate change, human rights and governance.

CSRD explained: Supporting clients with their double materiality assessments

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) is transforming corporate sustainability reporting in the EU. Learn why the "double materiality assessment" is crucial, and how Nordea is helping clients navigate the new reporting requirements.

New life for 20,000 pieces of returned furniture

Secundo aims to double its turnover two years after its start-up. The money is earned on furniture that was previously thrown away.

Charting the course in treasury automation: An interview with Kristoffer Jansell

Meet Kristoffer Jansell, aka Mr. AutoFX, one of the drivers behind Nordea’s cutting-edge automation tools for FX and treasury operations. Kristoffer shares his career journey, insights into the future of treasury automation and how Nordea is working to stay at the forefront of innovation.

MASSIV+: Cracking the code for measuring scope 3 emissions

A groundbreaking initiative by leading global companies including Microsoft, IKEA and Volvo Cars aims to revolutionise how industries report and validate their greenhouse gas emissions. Mats Lundberg, Head of Sustainability at Sandvik, explains how the MASSIV+ partnership is working to resolve the pain points of today’s emissions reporting structure.

ESG ratings update shows continued progress for Nordic companies

Nordea Equities' ESG Research team has published the annual update of its ESG ratings based on around 300 companies' published 2023 data. ESG remains firmly in focus for Nordic companies, although momentum has slowed in some metrics.

Panel in Sopot explores the challenges of AI and ESG

Sopot, Poland recently hosted an engaging panel debate organised by the European Financial Congress and EY Poland. The session, entitled "AI or ESG – which revolution is more challenging? The employee/manager perspective in an organization", brought together leading experts from the financial sector to share their insights on the challenges and opportunities of AI and ESG.

What is net zero?

Net zero is a term used when talking about reducing greenhouse gas emissions, including CO₂ emissions. The term “net-zero emissions” refers to making sure that the same amount of greenhouse gases emitted are also removed from the atmosphere, making the net contribution of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere zero.

Gender balance target in top leadership reached

We have committed to ensure that both men and women have at least 40 per cent representation at the top three leadership levels combined by 2025. In 2023 the target was reached for the first time.

EU fiscal challenges: Key takeaways from leading economists

Two renowned economists - Niels Thygesen, Chairman of the European Fiscal Board, and Lars Rohde, former Chairman of the Board of Governors of Danmarks Nationalbank - shared their views with investors and issuers at Nordea's annual Nordic AAA Seminar.

Owners have to care about sustainability – It is an investment risk

What role have owners played in making so many Nordic corporates sustainability pioneers? Our Nordea On Your Mind author Viktor Sonebäck sat down with Eric Pedersen, Head of Responsible Investments at Nordea Asset Management, to explore the evolution of responsible asset management, key drivers of its growth and how Nordic companies stand out on the global stage.

Nordea named world’s best bank for treasury FX services

Global Finance has named Nordea the World's Best Bank for Treasury FX Services in its 2024 Best Treasury and Cash Management Awards.

Alfa Laval: Optimising today, innovating for the future

In this Nordea On Your Mind interview, author Viktor Sonebäck explores how sustainability is embedded in Alfa Laval’s culture and operations. Read more about how the company views being at the forefront of sustainability as a business opportunity, focusing on providing sustainable solutions to customers and integrating sustainability into its core values.

EU Renovation Wave: A golden opportunity for renovation companies

The EU Renovation directive will require cumulative investments of around EUR 1.2tn during 2024-30, according to Nordea's ESG Research team, offering an unprecedented opportunity for renovation companies. The team analyses which renovation measures are likely to be prioritised.

EU Renovation Wave: Impact on Nordic real estate companies

The EU Renovation directive will require a monumental renovation effort in Europe. Nordea's ESG Research team takes a look at the potential impact on Nordic real estate companies.

How we support our customers to adopt a sustainable lifestyle

Making sustainable choices is becoming part of our daily lives. At Nordea, we aim to support our personal customers’ transition to a more sustainable future by focusing on homes, savings and daily banking.

NKT CEO: Both our product handprint and footprint matter

How can a company's commitment to sustainability drive both business success and societal benefit? Claes Westerlind, CEO of NKT, shares how sustainability is deeply embedded in the company’s strategy, driven by passionate employees and evolving customer priorities.

Will the EU elections derail the Green Deal?

With the far right making gains in the recent EU elections, questions have arisen about the impact on the Green Deal, the set of policies designed to make the EU climate neutral by 2050. Marco Kisic, Head of ESG Research, shares what to expect.

Social engineering: Fraudsters’ super weapon

Fraudsters play on human emotions and use technical tools to trick victims into believing that they are interacting with credible sources. By understanding both the emotional and technological aspects of these scam methods, businesses and individuals can better protect themselves against these threats.

Nordea On Your Mind: Nordic sustainability champions

How did the Nordic region become a sustainability powerhouse in the corporate world? The Nordea On Your Mind team takes a deep dive into the topic of sustainability in the Nordics in their latest report. Discover how the Nordic corporate sector is punching above its weight, and why we believe sustainability is here to stay.

Nordic CFOs reflect on the current business environment

Treasurers have moved into the role of risk managers in today's world of constant change and uncertainty. CFOs from three Nordic companies - Matas, Epiroc and Zealand Pharma - shared their key focus areas at the 2024 Treasury 360° Nordic conference in Copenhagen.

CSRD, CSDDD, ETS, CBAM – 4 EU sustainability regulations that will shape companies’ business models

The coming years will see a significant ramp up in the scope and ambition of EU regulation on sustainability. Four far-reaching regulations - the CSRD, CSDDD, ETS and CBAM - have the potential to reshape corporate strategies and business models. Explore the effects of these regulations and their implications for the business landscape.

Test yourself — do you know the answers to these 6 basic fraud questions?

Stay one step ahead of the fraudsters by knowing more about how to protect yourself. Answer these six questions and learn more at the same time. At the end there is more to read if you want.

Nordic companies’ EU Taxonomy alignment on the rise

Nordic companies have reported their EU Taxonomy numbers for 2023, and Nordea's ESG Research team has analysed the results. While average revenue alignment for companies increased from 7.5% to 8.0%, we still see upside potential for several sectors.

Companies report on four new EU Taxonomy objectives: water, pollution, biodiversity and circularity

EU companies recently reported their alignment with the EU Taxonomy for the second year in a row. For the first time, they also reported their eligibility under four new environmental objectives: water, pollution, biodiversity and circularity. The results bode well for companies' overall Taxonomy alignment numbers next year, according to Nordea's ESG Research team.

Nordea’s approach to clients' climate transition plans

By engaging our clients in constructive sustainability dialogues and offering tailored support, we aim to facilitate the journey to a net-zero future while mitigating risks. Our climate transition maturity ladder is a key tool in that effort.

Sandvik CFO: Organic investment has lowest cost and risk

Discover how Sandvik, a global engineering group, navigates capital spending and shareholder returns. In this Nordea On Your Mind “How to spend it” interview, Sandvik’s CFO Cecilia Felton provides insights into the company’s decentralised approach to investment, its pursuit of profitable growth and the balance between dividends and business reinvestment.

Angels, dragons, unicorns? A brief guide to start-up terminology

This brief guide to start-up lingo contains the most commonly used start-up terminology, which is often rather cryptical and not very intuitive.

Eurobus Nordic: Transforming public transportation one electric bus import at a time

Importing electric buses from China to the Nordics, Eurobus Nordic knows first hand the risks that come with international trade. One tool to help manage those risks is Nordea's trade term loans, which help the company bridge gaps in the trade cycle and improve its working capital.

Time for adjustment in the Finnish economy

High interest rates have sent the Finnish economy into a recession. Mortgage holders and the public sector are adapting their spending to respond to higher interest rates, which has weakened demand but will lead to more balanced finances.

Can AI boost productivity in Finland?

Initial research suggests that using artificial intelligence can significantly improve productivity. Due to its high digital readiness, Finland is in a good position to leverage AI. After all, AI creates an opportunity for Finnish companies to get back on the productivity growth track.

Optimism is back in Norway's economic outlook

Norwegian economic activity will pick up going forward, and unemployment will stay at a low level. Inflation will gradually decrease, but it will take years before it reaches the 2% target.

Global economic outlook: Different paths

The global growth momentum has improved slightly since the beginning of this year thanks to China’s increased fiscal stimulus and declining inflation numbers in many western economies.

Nordea chief economist: Soft landing likely, but risks remain

The global economy has had a decent start to 2024, and a soft landing seems more likely. But strong labour markets place heavy demands on the calibration of monetary policy, and the neutral rate is probably higher than previously assumed. The new geopolitical reality still poses a high risk to the outlook for growth and inflation.

Population shift: Implications for Sweden's economy

Last year, Sweden saw the lowest population growth in more than 20 years. Much suggests that population growth will remain subdued in the coming years. This will impact the need for new homes, other investments as well as the labour market.

Chief Economist's Corner: Demography is destiny

We are living in an age of historic demographic changes. Changes that place great demands on innovation and reform in Western countries if prosperity is to be maintained, but also changes that lay the foundation for a completely new world order, writes Nordea Group Chief Economist Helge Pedersen.

A more “normal” neutral interest rate?

How many rate cuts will we get over the next two to three years? Forecasts vary more than usual, mainly because of varying estimates of the normal interest rate. We expect fewer rate cuts and a higher normal interest rate than most.

Swedish economic outlook: Searching for equilibrium

After several turbulent years the pieces of the puzzle are gradually falling into place for the Swedish economy. Households’ consumption pattern normalises, export companies’ production will balance with demand and inflation will stabilise at low levels.

Lower inflation in Denmark than in the Euro area

Jan Størup Nielsen

Over the past year, the annual pace of inflation in Denmark has slowed much faster than in the Euro area. In 2024, this trend is expected to reverse, so that Danish consumer prices again will rise faster than in the Euro area.

Solid growth for the Danish economy

In the coming years, the Danish economy is expected to continue to grow, especially as households will benefit from significant real wage increases.

Navigating capex peaks and harvest periods

In the intricate world of capital-intensive businesses, effective spending decisions can make or break success. Johan Trocmé from the Nordea On Your Mind team sat down with Oskar Hellström, CFO of the aluminium technology group Gränges, to gain insight into their approach to financial decision-making.

“It doesn’t matter how old you are”

At 27, Finnish Erika Poussa has already a long career as bakery owner, recipe developer, and producer of baked good for the retail market. Meet the entrepreneur behind Bakerika.

Poisoned search results – when search engines work for scammers

When you search for something on the internet, you expect the search results to be relevant pages. But as with many other things, scammers have found their way to the search engines and are using the technology to deceive and trick you.

Podcast: How to spend it

Don’t fancy reading big research reports? Curious about how large corporates spend their money? Do their spending choices affect their shareholder returns? Hear Johan Trocmé, Viktor Sonebäck and Jonas Ankjaer talk you through the findings from their latest Nordea On Your Mind, ‘How to spend it’.

Nordea On Your Mind: How to spend it

What drives corporate spending? Our Nordea On Your Mind team delves into corporate capital spending trends and the balance between business investment and shareholder rewards. Discover the shift towards more payouts and increased R&D spending, and uncover the potential value creation boosters found in less volatile capex and ambitious payouts.

Signs of slowdown in the Nordic sustainable bond market

Despite record volumes in 2023, early indicators hint at a slowdown in the growth of the Nordic sustainable bond market. For the first time since 2020, 2024 Q1 volume shows contraction both year-on-year and relative to the previous quarter.

Sustainability-linked bonds in sovereign financing: A new frontier

While sovereigns were latecomers to the sustainable bond market, the share of sovereign issuance is growing. Will the sustainability-linked bond format be able to gain a foothold in the growing sovereign sustainable debt market? Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory team takes a closer look.

Riksbank governor: On track for cutting interest rates in Sweden

Interest rate cuts appear to be on the horizon in Sweden. But when and how quickly will they come? One of the country's top monetary policymakers, Riksbank Governor Erik Thedéen, shared his insights with Nordea's institutional clients at an event in Copenhagen.

Digital innovation in the financial industry – how we take the next steps

Banking innovation is all about customer experience. We use our knowledge and the latest technological developments to continually expand our range of digital products and services for the benefit of our customers.

What are financed emissions?

You may have come across the term “financed emissions” in the field of sustainability. What are they, and why do they matter? Here’s an explainer.

Scammers try to trick you by claiming to be from a security team

Be healthily suspicious if you receive an unexpected text message or phone call urging you to take action.

Our sustainability target: “We’re showing strong progress”

In 2019 Nordea launched an ambitious sustainability strategy with clear mid-term objectives for 2030. Are we on track or what additional measures do we need take to make it happen? We asked Anja Hannerz, Head of Group Sustainability.

Young people need to save more to maintain their lifestyle later on

Young Swedes are leading the way in investing in funds for the future. However, for both them and other young people in the Nordics, much more is needed to maintain their standard of living after retiring.

How we supported our customer's development of an ultra-modern robot sorting line

Family-owned Finnish waste management company Kuljetusrinki aims to support the green transition and help its customers achieve their recycling and sustainability targets.

Denmark’s finance minister: ‘We’re not yet out of the woods’

At a recent event for Nordea’s institutional clients, Danish Finance Minister Nicolai Wammen shared the economic outlook and the government’s 2030 reform plan, while Kristine Rasmussen from Danmarks Nationalbank discussed the country’s funding needs in the coming year.

ESG upskilling to support our customers

Nordea is committed to helping our customers transition to a sustainable future. Employees have a key role to play in this journey of implementing Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) in to our processes, and it's therefore essential to continue investing in building ESG expertise.

What are PSD3 and PSR?

The third Payment Services Directive (PSD3) and the Payment Services Regulation (PSR) are a new set of legislative proposals from the European Commission that will have a significant impact on banks, fintechs, payment service providers and customers, both from a legal and operational perspective.

“Managing your own economy well is about taking care of your own future”

On a yearly basis, Nordea supports more than 200,000 children and young people in building basic financial skills. Already when you have learned to add and subtract, you can understand the value of money and learn how to budget.

Nordic SMEs are looking for support to capture business opportunities in the sustainability transition

Many small and medium-sized companies are now seeing the sustainability transition as an opportunity for growth and a must to meet the demands from customers and other partners in their value chain. This is one of the conclusions in a new survey from Nordea.

Financed emissions: A key lever in the net-zero transition

Financed emissions are the emissions produced by the companies Nordea invests in and lends money to. Find out how we as a bank are working to reduce financed emissions in our lending portfolio.

Being euro-denominated is a benefit

What are the benefits of reporting in euros for a company that operates globally? In the Nordea On Your Mind report, "Euro in the Nordics 2.0," Tomi Hintikka, Group Treasurer of Finnish crane maker Konecranes, shares his perspectives on managing FX risk in a euro-denominated country.

Chief Economist's Corner: A greener agricultural country

Denmark will soon be one of the first countries in the world to introduce a CO2e tax on agricultural emissions. Perhaps others will follow suit given the massive climate challenges, writes Nordea Group Chief Economist Helge J. Pedersen.

Making active ownership count

Nordea gets high recognition for how we practise active ownership in a recent independent report where we are compared to peers. Nordea is ranked number 8 among the 69 largest asset managers in the world.

Beijer Ref: Shaping the future of sustainable heating and cooling

Beijer Ref is on a mission to be preferred provider of sustainable and energy-efficient heating and cooling technology. Nordea has supported the company for over 20 years and recently helped facilitate the company's entry into the US market.

More employees recommend Nordea as a place to work

We strive to make Nordea a great place to work, where people come as they are and are met with opportunities to evolve, develop and move forward in their careers. Our employee survey shows progress in this area with more that recommend Nordea as a place to work.

Can diversity impact climate change and the value of a company?

As a fund company and active owner Nordea is working for diversity in the companies we have invested in. Head of Corporate Governance, Katarina Hammar, shares insights on how we engaged with 75 companies to get more women in their Boards.

Volvo Cars' heritage from a volatile currency

In the latest Nordea On Your Mind, “Euro in the Nordics 2.0,” Johan Trocmé interviews Daniel Aspenberg and Marcus Alfredson from Volvo Cars Treasury about how to manage the significant FX risk of having a major Swedish footprint with global sales.

No more euro introductions likely – for now

What is best for a small, open economy: the euro, a fixed exchange rate or a floating currency? Nordea's chief economists Helge Pedersen, Annika Winsth, Juho Kostiainen and Kjetil Olsen offer us insights on currency choices in the Nordics.

Time to reconsider the euro in the Nordic countries?

For those who prefer easy listening to reading NOYM reports, Johan Trocmé and Viktor Sonebäck talk through the experience with the euro in the Nordic countries since it was introduced in 1999. Will Finland keep it? Could it be introduced in Denmark, Sweden or Norway in the future?

Nordea named world’s best bank for sustainability-linked bonds

Global Finance has once again recognised Nordea’s sustainability leadership in its annual Sustainable Finance Awards for 2024 – this time at the global, regional and Nordic country levels.

A new dawn for nuclear energy

Over the past few years, interest in nuclear energy has made a comeback, with its inclusion in the EU Taxonomy and a COP28 pledge to triple nuclear capacity. In a new report, Nordea’s ESG Research team examines this renewed interest.

Nordea On Your Mind: The euro in the Nordics 2.0

The Nordea On Your Mind team revisits the merits of the euro in the Nordics, which are currently split between the euro and floating currencies.

Growth pause for the Danish economy

Jan Størup Nielsen

After several years of high growth, Danish economic activity has slowed down. The dampening is expected to be relatively mild and soon to be replaced by renewed progress during this year.

Household debt burden on the decline in Sweden

Swedish household debt relative to income is falling for the first time since the mid-1990s – contributing to resilience in the long term, but raising questions about household spending and housing market trends in the near term.

Public finances are rock-solid in Denmark

Jan Størup Nielsen

The trend in Denmark is opposite to that of many other countries where large public deficits have taken hold. The solid finances help to ensure stable, low interest rates in Denmark.

The Norwegian economy and an energy price shock

In the next couple of years, activity in the Norwegian economy will be less affected by petroleum price changes than previously. But large energy shocks will impact price growth and thus Norges Bank’s interest rate decisions.

Nordic sustainable bond market hits all-time high in 2023

2023 was another banner year for the Nordic sustainable bond market, with over USD 60 billion in sustainable issuance for the year and record volumes in three quarters.

Sustainable finance outlook for 2024: It’s all about transition

"Transition finance" has gone from being a bullet point in a list of key themes to being the overarching theme in sustainable finance, says Nordea Sustainable Finance Advisory's Jacob Michaelsen. He explains why and shares the main topics on the agenda in 2024.

Nordea Chief Economist: Increased chances of a soft landing

The prospects for the global economy are still relatively good despite significant monetary policy tightening. Inflation has fallen sharply, and central banks will likely start cutting rates this year. This increases the chances of a soft landing, but uncertainty is high.

Norwegian economic outlook: Better times ahead

Slightly lower interest rates, continued high wage growth and low unemployment will gradually improve households’ purchasing power. We therefore foresee better times ahead for both the Norwegian economy and the housing market.

Finland in search of lost productivity

Finland is in desperate need of investments in education, research and development in order to boost productivity growth, which has stalled for the past 15 years, to being on par with peer countries.

Swedish economic outlook: Thicker ice

Sweden will see weak economic growth in the near term. Inflation will likely normalise and interest rates go down this year, which will provide support and lower the risks of a deep recession. However, the interest rate level will stay higher than before the pandemic.

Handbrake on for the Finnish economy

High interest rates have sent the Finnish economy into a recession. The outlook for the first half of the year is unfavourable for private consumption, construction and exports alike.

Global economic outlook: Turning point

Central banks will be reversing their monetary policies and start cutting rates in the coming months. The weak economic outlook and resultant declining price pressure trend are the biggest reasons for the turnaround.

Fastest growth rate for renewable energy in two decades

The International Energy Agency, IEA, has just published a report on the production of renewable energy which shows strong growth in capacity in 2023 and quite a positive outlook towards 2028. Nordea’s Head of Climate & Environment, Peter Sandahl, comments on the report.

Nordic cleantech: Light at the end of the tunnel

After several difficult years, the Nordic cleantech sector looks set for a comeback. Some of the past headwinds are receding and may even turn into tailwinds, according to a new report from Nordea’s ESG Research team.

Are you on top of quishing? A new fraud method

We have phishing, vishing and smishing. Now we also have quishing. This is a new fraud method where the fraudsters now use a QR code.

Everybody should have equal access to an active life

Lasse W. Madsen, who was last year's winner of our Danish Handipreneur prize, insists that all amputees should be able to afford a prosthetic leg. That has given both himself and other leg amputees all over the world their future back.

What lies ahead – our experts share their views on 2024

Have a look at our different economic comments country by country for 2024.

AI is not likely to replace people, but people with AI may replace those without it

OpenAI’s launch of ChatGPT sparked a surge of interest in artificial intelligence (AI) and its productivity-boosting use cases, as well as fears of human job losses. Don’t panic, says Philip Widegren, Data Science Lead at Nordea’s AI Hub.

Chief Economist's Corner: A challenging year lies ahead

Developments in the world economy and the financial markets in 2023 were fortunately much better than feared. Now a new year awaits us, which already promises to be very challenging, according to Nordea Group Chief Economist Helge Pedersen.

Feeling in control of your finances leads to less worry – regardless of income

Having control over one's finances makes us less worried – regardless of income. This correlation is significant in our Nordic survey, Nordic Pulse, and the result is equally clear in all Nordic countries.

Signs of positive trends in somewhat gloomy startup market

A rather gloomy funding year for startup and growth companies is coming to an end. Have we hit rock bottom and where should we look for bright spots? Our Startup & Growth team share their latest insights.

Unlocking potential: The power of great leadership programmes

Nordea has stringent focus on execution and accountability all over the organisation to achieve its business strategy. This takes a forward-looking leadership and calls for an updated learning catalogue focusing on key leadership transitions with core capabilities designed to strengthen the execution power.

AI taking over our jobs? Don’t panic

The Nordea On Your Mind team takes a deep dive into generative AI in their latest podcast and discusses how generative AI could affect the Scandinavian labour market in the years ahead.

Best of 'Nordea On Your Mind' in 2023

What were some of the hot topics for corporates in 2023? We zoom out and present the key themes from last year's Nordea On Your Mind reports. At least one thing is clear: The year has not been boring.

ChatGPT shares its 'thoughts' on AI

Who better to ask about the future of AI and how it will affect humans than ChatGPT itself? In their latest report on Generative AI, the Nordea On Your Mind team turns to the popular chatbot from OpenAI for answers.

From the family dinner table to the trading floor: Chief Economist Annika Winsth shares her journey

As she approaches 30 years in Nordea and 15 as chief economist, Annika Winsth reflects on her career path, the biggest economic risks on the horizon and her advice for the next generation.

Transforming industrial design with AI

Sweden-based startup Encube wants to challenge the way machine parts are made, using automation and AI in its engineering software to speed up the journey from design concept to manufactured product.

Nordea On Your Mind: Generative AI

The Nordea On Your Mind team returns to the game changer, artificial intelligence (AI), in their latest report. The report investigates the history of AI, the drivers behind its commercial breakthrough in recent years as well as the new hype around natural language processing and LLMs such as ChatGPT.

User-friendly digital tools will be critical to the green transition of SMEs

According to experts and the SMEs themselves, knowledge, specific tools and greater focus on commercial potential are essential factors if SMEs are to attain the objective of green transition.

Giving back power to the first link in the chain

With the help of Nordea, Farmforce contributes to limiting deforestation and child labour in the agricultural sector in Africa, Latin-America and Asia.

Electricity grids: The backbone and bottleneck for the green transition

The green transition will not happen without a radical overhaul of the electricity grid. This urgent need opens up significant opportunities for companies and investors exposed to the theme, particularly in the Nordics. That’s according to a new in-depth report from Nordea’s ESG Research team.

Three decisions that will make COP28 a success

Thina M. Saltvedt

Decision-makers from 200 nations will gather at the UN climate change conference in Dubai to discuss actions needed to bring the world in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. Nordea’s sustainability expert Thina Saltvedt reflects on the agenda and on what to expect from this year’s COP.

Nordea in dialogue with companies about PFAS phase-out

As a responsible investor Nordea has joined the Investor Initiative on Hazardous Chemicals (IIHC) where over 50 asset managers are trying to impact companies to phase out the use of hazardous chemicals.

On the ground in China: Chief economist finds gloomier outlook

Chief Economist Tuuli Koivu recently returned from a week in China – her first trip there since before the COVID-19 pandemic. Local sentiment on the Chinese economy was quite different this time around. She shares her key takeaways and updated outlook.

Helge J. Pedersen: The curious economist always chasing new knowledge

As a young student, Helge J. Pedersen got completely hooked on economics. The Nordea expert never looked back, and today he is one of Denmark’s most well-known economists. But his passion for football and the world of sports never fades.

Sustainable finance markets: Record highs so far in 2023

With the latest quarterly data now in, the Nordic bond market looks set to continue its unbroken trend of sustainable volume growth for another year. Supported by record H1 sustainable volume, the slightly reduced Q3 figures were enough to take Nordic sustainable bond supply to a new year-to-Q3 high.

Nordea sustainability expert: ‘We have to make sure everyone is with us’

Meet Catrine Birkevold Liem, Nordea Sustainable Finance Advisory’s country lead for Norway. She reflects on banks’ role in enabling a real sustainable transition, as well as challenges, trends and game changers in the field.

Help at your fingertips – new customer support feature launched

With the opportunity to do more and more banking in one app, customers need a new kind of support. To meet that need Nordea has recently launched a new Help tab in the mobile banking app and Netbank to ensure that our customers have easy access to support.

Digital inclusion initiative to support newly arrived immigrants

Nordea operates several projects to support newly arrived immigrants and increase inclusion. One example is Nordea's partnership with Telia in the initiative Digital i Sverige.

What are green bonds?

Green bonds are bonds where the money from the bonds are earmarked for green purposes such as financing renewable energy projects, electric vehicles or energy efficient building loans to consumers or businesses.

Energy-efficient homes: good for the climate and your wallet

Energy renovation of homes reduces emissions and heating costs, increases building value and is in some cases subsidised.

EU Green Bond Standard – Slowly getting there

EU lawmakers have approved the final version of the European Green Bond Standard, the first-of-its-kind voluntary standard linked to the EU Taxonomy. We look at some of the challenges with the new regulation and how to overcome them.

Treasurers return to the role of risk manager

“Brave new world” is the title of Nordea’s 2023 Treasury Survey, reflecting a new paradigm of inflation, higher interest rates and geopolitical risks. How are treasurers responding to the changed risk landscape?

Financial targets show what ‘good’ looks like

For a corporate perspective on the importance of financial targets, Nordea’s Johan Trocmé talks to Niclas Rosenlew, CFO of leading global bearing maker SKF.

'Blue bonds': New ICMA guidance aims to bolster credibility and activity

Blue bonds offer a financial mechanism to address pressing challenges relating to marine conservation and sustainable resource management. Practitioner’s guidance recently published by ICMA aims to support issuers, investors and underwriters interested in “blue” formats in order to catalyse investment in the sustainable marine economy.

A maturing Nordic sustainable bond market: lessons learned and expectations for the future

Sustainable bonds further solidified their position as a legitimate part of the global bond market during 2023. While we are seeing greater alignment in sustainable bond practices across regions, there is much to be learned from the Nordic market in particular.

Having no targets sends a weak signal

Kjetil Houg, CEO of Norway's largest domestic institutional investor Folketrygdfondet, offers us a shareholder perspective on financial targets in an interview with Nordea On Your Mind author, Johan Trocmé.

Hitting targets in a more volatile world

The Nordea On Your Mind team takes a deep dive into financial targets in their latest podcast.

Rise in investment scams

Investment scams are on the rise in the Nordics, especially in Finland where the number of cases has increased dramatically over the last months.

Great IT got a 'no' from other banks – then they met Nordea

Ola Ehrstedt had an idea and quit his job to pursue it. The idea was simple – happy IT consultants do a better job. That’s not enough, said the banks. All except Nordea, who recognised the potential.

Empowering our workforce: Nordea launches bespoke ESG training curriculum

Nordea’s Large Corporates & Institutions unit continues to invest in building the ESG expertise and skills of staff to help accelerate the transition. A new modular sustainability training programme allows employees to tailor the curriculum to their specific needs and roles.

Nordea On Your Mind: Crisis targets

The Nordea On Your Mind team returns to a favourite topic: financial targets. They examine how companies’ approach to targets has changed in the aftermath of a global pandemic and amid turbulence from rising geopolitical tension, inflation and interest rates.

What could speed up rate cuts in Norway?

Norges Bank has hiked its policy rate faster and warned of a higher interest rate peak than previ-ously. We think the policy rate will peak in September at 4.25%, but we are not sure it will stop there. The interest rate market is now discounting rate cuts next year. In our view, interest rates will not start to gradually move lower until 2025.

Norwegian economy cooling down

Economic activity in Norway has flattened, and unemployment has risen slightly but is still at a very low level. Higher price and wage growth and a weaker NOK have led to a steeper interest rate increase. Households and the housing market have started to feel the pinch of the rate hikes.

The Danish economy's growth journey

The Danish economy has been on a remarkable growth journey, which has boosted employment to the highest level ever. The current account surplus has risen sharply, and public finances have been positive for six years running. However, signs of an impending slowdown are starting to show.

Swedish economic outlook: Fall frost

A cold wind is still blowing through the Swedish economy. Tight monetary policy will likely gradually impact the domestic economy and Sweden’s important trading partners. Some relief is expected once inflation falls and policy rates are lowered.

Rising sales of electric cars in Denmark

As part of the ambition to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, vehicle taxation has been significantly changed. This has led to a sharp rise in the fleet of electric cars, while the number of diesel cars has declined. Despite this increase, there is still a long way to go to fulfil the ambition of one million zero- and low-emission cars on Danish roads in 2030.

Nordea Chief Economist: It's too early to declare victory over inflation

So far, the global economy has been very resilient to the significant monetary policy tightening. Inflation is still high, however, and there is a good chance monetary policy will need to be tightened further.

Swedish labour market shows fading resilience

The labour market in Sweden has been more resilient than expected, but several signs now indicate that the situation will worsen. There is reason to believe that the deterioration of the labour market will be relatively mild, but a weaker labour market will heighten uncertainties.

Investing in the green transition in Finland

Finland’s investments in the green transition continue, with more money pouring into low-emission industrial production and electric transportation, in addition to wind power.

Global economic outlook: On a narrow path

Central banks are still concerned about inflation, which is slowing down, but is still above the target level. Consequently, it will take time before monetary policy will be eased, and the global outlook continues to be weak.

Autumn chills for the Finnish economy

Economic growth was healthy in the first half of the year, but the outlook going forward is clearly weaker. Higher interest rates will continue to put pressure on consumers, and residential construction. Demand for exports has also deteriorated as global economic growth has slowed down.

With Nordea present on the sideline – poster company chasing the American dream

The Danish startup Poster & Frame sells and distributes posters across Europe. The next step is to set up an identical business in the US. But that requires capital from a solid and competent investor. And such an investor was not easy to find – until Nordea came to the rescue.

Building a circular economy with waste recognised as raw material

Family-owned Finnish waste management company Kuljetusrinki aims to support the green transition and help its customers achieve their recycling and sustainability targets.

“There is always more we can do as employees”

At Nordea, we’re constantly looking for new ways to reduce our environmental footprint and optimise our workplace. A task that the colleagues in Tallinn are driving with innovative solutions and high engagement.

Stay in control of your digital gadgets – don't let the scammers in

The possibility to remotely control a computer was developed to make it easier for users to get IT support. Unfortunately, this has become one of many methods that criminals use.

Field trip to Texas: Nordea in dialogue with oil and gas companies on emissions reduction

In the blistering heat of Texas, Nordea Asset Management went on a week-long field trip to Houston and the Permian Basin to engage 12 important oil and gas companies in reducing their methane emissions.

Sustainable finance markets: H1 2023 in charts

Sustainable bond markets are again showing positive signs, with both global and Nordic sustainable bond volumes beating previous years during the first half of 2023. Nordic sustainable loan markets struggled in the interest rate environment of H1 2023, although Finland and Norway showed strong performance.

Nordea in Shanghai: A one-stop shop for Nordic companies in China

“Newcomers and other customers often find it very helpful to learn and understand the local market from a Chinese angle. We provide that local perspective and can help explain the relevant local policies and regulations,” says the branch’s general manager, Angela Tu.

European Commission adopts European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS)

While many of the reporting areas initially proposed to be mandatory for corporates were diluted to voluntary before being adopted, the European Commission said it aimed to strike a balance between limiting the reporting burden on companies while enabling them to show their sustainability efforts.

Spoofing – the impersonation scam

Spoofing is a common form of fraud. Spoofing means that scammers contact you via e-mails, text messages and calls pretending to be someone else. When a message looks like it’s coming from a sender we know, it’s easier to fall into the trap.

The Nordea Asset Management climate report is out

2022 proved to be a formidable challenge for the investor community, says Nils Bolmstrand, Head of Nordea Asset Management, in his introduction to the report.

Danish startup EIVEE on investor speed dating with Nordea

Christopher Thorsell, Head of Strategy & Partnerships at EIVEE, attended Investor Speed Dating Event organised by Nordea Startup & Growth. We asked him why the company decided to go and what they learned.

Beyond climate: Sustainability-linked loans embrace diverse targets

Loans linking borrowing costs to sustainability targets have surged in recent years. While sustainability-linked loans have tended to focus on climate-related goals, borrowers are increasingly going beyond climate to include social targets in their financing.

Nordea Investor Speed Dating: We want to help you find the right match

For most companies attending, Nordea Investor Speed Dating events are a fast track to one or more meetings with a global venture capital fund, explains Deal Flow Manager Teija Nousiainen who handles all aspects of the match-making process.

ICMA Women’s Network: Together for a brighter and safer Europe

Sustainable finance in stormy times. European security and a warzone witness from Ukraine. Gender equality and women’s rights. The ICMA Women’s Network in Helsinki had it all: expert speakers with a top-notch keynote and panel views.

Staying ahead in volatile markets: Why corporates should have an FX and liquidity strategy for their cash pools

In a world of higher interest rates and currency volatility, companies have an even greater need to monitor and manage their liquidity, cash positions and FX exposure. Our Nordea Markets experts explain why a strategy for cash pool optimisation is now a must-have for treasury and finance departments.

Nordea continues to win top rankings in sustainable finance

Global Finance has once again recognised Nordea's sustainability leadership in its 2023 Sustainable Finance Awards. In addition to country wins for Denmark, Finland and Norway, Nordea was also named top bank for transition/sustainability-linked loans in all of Western Europe.

Protecting Nordea against script kiddies and true hackers

Being a bank means being in the line of fire of cybercriminals. Keen to understand how banks protect themselves, we interviewed Kamil Medzikowski, Senior IT Security Specialist at Nordea Internal Security Testing.

Biodiversity: Investing to preserve nature and ecosystems

Biodiversity is essential for all that is living on earth – on land or in the lakes and oceans. Investors are therefore wise to map and manage the biodiversity risks in their portfolios, as well as look for the investment opportunities that arise to protect and restore nature.

Agile and empowered

Did you know that we’re working agile in big parts of the bank to ensure that we always focus on what matters the most for our customers? Over the years, Nordea has worked intensely to improve the digital experience and ensure ways of working where we never lose sight of the customer.

Chief Economist Kjetil Olsen: Evening calm in stormy times

Russia’s attack on Ukraine. Inflation and higher interest rates. Nordea’s Norwegian Chief Economist Kjetil Olsen is close to the big news. But an evening trip to the forest can make him forget time and place.

Succeeding with PSD3 by learning from PSD2

Let’s face it: PSD3 is soon here, whether you are ready for it or not. The past year’s PSD2 implementation offers valuable experiences that will come in handy for the upcoming PSD3 implementation. In this blog post, Sanela Dulic, Head of Nordea Open Banking Platform, reflects on what has been and what is yet to come.

Cybercriminals can attack through your connected fridge or lightbulb

For the latest Nordea On Your Mind report on cybersecurity, the team was keen to include a law enforcement perspective on cybercrime. They spoke to Philipp Amann, former Head of Strategy at Europol's European Cybercrime Centre (EC3).

Collapse in equity market increases requests for loan financing

Loan financing is the new wine, but do not drink too much of it. You will regret it the day after. Market conditions have seen a shift from investor capital towards loan financing. But is bank financing a good alternative to equity? Håvard Lindtvedt takes us through the pros and cons.

Promises of love and riches – a common trick among scammers

Romance and investment fraud are two types of fraud on the rise. Both play on strong feelings of love or wealth to lure their victims. The ultimate goal is to trick victims into sending money.

How ESG risks affect investments

Investors are facing growing risks in their portfolios due to the effects of global warming and biodiversity loss. These risks are systemic and could destabilise the global financial system. Investors will want to navigate in this new global landscape.

Navigating financial risks in emerging markets: Perstorp’s success story

With production and sales around the world, specialty chemicals company Perstorp has first-hand experience with the challenges that come with doing business in emerging markets. Lars Grimsgård, Vice President of Corporate Finance and Investor Relations at Perstorp, reflects on these hurdles and the importance of having a trusted banking partner in Nordea to help navigate them.

There is much to be done in cybersecurity

For a deep dive into the world of cybersecurity, the Nordea On Your Mind team turns to Pontus Johnson, professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Director of the Centre for Cyber Defence and Information Security.

Will PSD3 boost or hinder innovation?

With PSD3 right around the corner, Gunnar Berger, Head of Open Banking at Nordea, reflects on its possible consequences for innovation. Are regulatory requirements enough to drive innovation, or do all involved parties need to have something to gain to ensure new technology is adapted to improve service offerings?

EU Taxonomy: The period of misalignment for sustainable finance

This year marks the most complete test yet on how well the proposed regulatory elements and labels from the European Commission’s action plan on sustainable finance will work together. In addition to providing transparency to the market, the EU Taxonomy is a cornerstone of the forthcoming European Green Bond Standard (EUGBS) as it provides the definitions of “green” for European Green Bonds.

A check-in on Nordic companies’ EU Taxonomy reporting

This year marked the inaugural year for companies in scope for EU Taxonomy reporting to disclose not only eligibility, but also EU Taxonomy alignment for the objectives included in the Climate Delegated Act. Nordea ESG Research shows that the alignment numbers are surprisingly low for Nordic companies.

'Green sustainability-linked bonds': Getting to the heart of accountability and impact in sustainable financing

As the sustainable finance market has grown, expectations from both investors and society at large have increased. To mitigate challenges faced by the traditional green and sustainability-linked financing formats, issuers of combined structures are paving the way for new “best-in-class” sustainable finance products, both ensuring transparent impacts and intentional sustainable development.

Cybersecurity starts with basic IT hygiene

In this Nordea On Your Mind interview, Juhani Hintikka, CEO of Finnish listed corporate cybersecurity group WithSecure, explains that cybercrime will keep growing, with the vital threat to corporates coming from the 30% of criminal actors who are professional and, in most cases, in it for money.

Waste food becomes quality food

Every year manufacturers throw away 80,000 tonnes of food in Norway, accounting for 3-4% of the total volume of food produced. With Nordea’s support, Plateful will reduce that to a minimum.

Survey shows: the older we get, the more worried we are about the climate crisis

In our recent study the Nordic Pulse, the result shows that age and income level are relevant to how important we rate sustainability. And that the older we get, the more we are worried about the climate crisis.

Cybercrime is a serious business risk, not an IT problem

The Nordea On Your Mind team takes a deep dive into cybersecurity in their latest podcast.

From ambition to action: A call for investment in the green transition

A series of all-star speakers gathered at Nordea’s recent Nordic AAA Seminar in Copenhagen to discuss the imperative for increased green investment and the financial sector’s vital role in the transition.

Nordea On Your Mind: Cybersecurity II

Did you know that global costs for cybercrime are estimated to have reached USD 8tn annually? Corporates are in the firing line, facing a range of threats from different types of cybercriminals. Our Nordea On Your Mind team return to the theme in their latest report, “Cybersecurity II.”

Sailing through rough seas

Last year began optimistically for responsible investors, but their attention was soon captivated by swelling and surging energy prices driven by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. explains Head of Asset Management Nils Bolmstrand in his introduction to the Responsible Investments Report.

Why has the NOK weakened so much?

The NOK has plunged over the past year. The usual NOK drivers, such as oil prices and stock market performance, explain little. The main factor is likely a clearly narrower interest rate differential between Norway and our biggest trading partners. Norges Bank’s NOK sales on behalf of the government has added to the weakening since the autumn.

Norwegian economy more resilient than expected

The Norwegian economy has shown greater resilience to higher rates and inflation than expected. Household consumption and housing prices have held up and unemployment has remained record low. Real wage growth and higher activity in the oil sector help underpin a high activity level also going forward.

Nordea chief economist: Inflation more stubborn than expected

The global economy got off to a good start in 2023, driven by a sharp fall in energy prices, strong labour markets and the reopening of the Chinese economy. This doesn’t mean that growth prospects have improved significantly since the winter, though. Inflation is still high, and monetary policy must be tightened further.

Sweden's ballooning money supply

The volume of money in the Swedish economy has increased much faster than in previous years. At the same time, inflation is higher than it has been for decades. The relationship between money supply and inflation has been questioned for a long time, but now it is seen in a new light.

Decrease in savings to boost consumption in Finland

Household purchasing power has weakened significantly over the past year. However, households have maintained their spending by tapping into their savings.

Tough times for Sweden's economy

The Swedish economy is showing some resilience. Especially the labour market has been stable. But there are still major challenges. Not least, households are struggling with high inflation and increasing interest rates with reduced spending as a result.

A looming recession for the Finnish economy?

The economy has surprised positively in the first months of the year, but the outlook for the rest of the year is clearly weaker. The rise in prices and interest rates will continue to put pressure on consumers, and lower housing demand will decrease the volume of construction.

Danish model proves its worth

After tough negotiations the labour market parties have managed to reach a new collective agreement for the private sector – calling off the risk of a long and costly conflict. Moreover, the agreement will likely make it possible for wage earners to regain lost purchasing power.

Danish economy poised for a soft landing

After a period at full steam, the Danish economy is preparing for a soft landing. Household spending has been limited by high inflation, and the construction industry especially is being affected by high interest rates.

Stubborn inflation in the global economic outlook

China is now one of the bright spots in the global economy thanks to its post-COVID rebound. Developed economies, however, continue to fight against inflation, which is still too high. As central banks tighten their monetary policy it remains to be seen whether they will be able to deliver a soft landing or if many economies will slide into a recession.

Adapting to a challenging market: Three Nordic companies share their financing strategies

A decade of cheap and ample Nordic corporate bond financing came to an abrupt end in 2022 amid soaring inflation and rising interest rates. How are companies adapting to the new normal? Three Nordic corporates shared their approach to funding with Nordea's Henrik Immelborn at the recent Treasury 360 Nordic conference.

Enabling banks to finance the real transition

As a bank, Nordea has a unique opportunity to facilitate our clients' transition towards a more sustainable and net-zero future. Regulations and policy measures must support banks in this task, says Martin Persson, Head of Large Corporates & Institutions, in Views: The Eurofi Magazine.

Sustainable finance markets: Q1 2023 in charts

While the global sustainable bond market made a definite, if somewhat muted, return to growth in Q1 2023, the Nordic market stood out once again, showing strength despite some concerns carried over from 2022. With record sustainable volumes in Q1 and notable traction in the corporate Eurobond market, sustainable financing has found a successful home in the Nordics.

European Sustainability Reporting Standards: the introduction and formalisation of concepts

The European Sustainability Reporting Standards are a core component of the sustainability reporting landscape within the European Union, providing the mandatory reporting framework to be followed under the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive. As alignment across EU regulation increases, it is important to be aware of definitions and concepts introduced under each new proposal.

Energy inefficient commercial real estate at risk of declining market values – get ready for minimum energy performance standards

In-depth building energy renovations can mitigate risks and help property owners seize financial support opportunities.

One-of-a-kind green bond from Landshypotek Bank sets new record

Landshypotek Bank is one of the only banks in the world to issue green covered bonds that exclusively finance sustainable forestry. The bank's recent bond reissuance drew record investor interest, confirming that Swedish forest owners attract investors.

The cost of flexibility is less than the cost of financial distress

For some high-level reflection on a decade of low funding costs and soaring Nordic corporate bond issuance, the Nordea On Your Mind team talked to Nordea's Morten Ristvedt, Head of Large Corporates & Institutions Norway, and Lars Fischer, Head of Debt Solutions & Structuring.

How great service inspires business customers to go private

“It was a gradual process for me – discovering that Nordea has a broad range of services to offer. I was impressed when they supported me with my housing transaction."

How solid banking relationship supports Picosun’s global ambitions

“Since day one, our vision has been to be the best in the world. Not the biggest in terms of size, but in terms of technology and innovation,” says Kustaa.

A credit rating gives access to a very deep pool of capital

Stena AB is one of the largest family-owned companies in Sweden, with global operations in shipping, ferry lines, offshore, real estate and finance. How do you run and fund a capital-intensive business with a sub-investment-grade credit profile that’s investing in a sustainability journey? We asked Stena AB Finance Director Peter Claesson.

Customer tells her story about our digital service: "A seamless experience"

Get to know our customers in a short read. Here Maria Lallerman tells the story about when she bought a home.

Scatec – pushes renewable energy in emerging markets

With Nordea by its side for the past 15 years, Scatec has been at the forefront of renewable power development in emerging markets. Today, it is a leading provider of solar, wind and hydropower, with 4.6 gigawatts of capacity in operation and under construction across four continents.

“Companies with a sustainable focus will grow”

Strong financial muscle to drive the green transition in the right direction is crucial. The Norwegian investment company Verdane will provide this muscle power together with one of Europe’s largest growth funds for sustainable, technology-based companies – and backed by Nordea.

Danish finance minister eyes ‘golden opportunity’

Denmark’s finance minister, Nicolai Wammen, spoke to institutional clients at Nordea’s recent symposium on the Danish economy and government debt. He highlighted the strength of the economy but also the need to tackle some big challenges ahead.

”On a good path”

At Nordea, we’ve committed to becoming a bank with net-zero emissions and have set targets for 2023 and 2025. Now, with less than a year until the end of 2023, we’ve invited Head of Group Sustainability Anja Lidgren Hannerz to a talk about Nordea’s progress.

4 tips on risk and liquidity before you start exporting and importing goods

Geopolitics, market structures and customer relationships all affect the risk you need to consider for your exports and imports. Here are 4 tips before you enter into agreements across borders.

Cash flow must be sufficiently good every year, and better in the good years

For an inside view of a comprehensive funding and leverage journey, the Nordea On Your Mind team talks to Outokumpu’s CFO Pia Aaltonen-Forsell, who shares her thinking behind the company’s new strategy and financial targets introduced in late 2020.

Social bonds: Investing to improve social conditions

Investors have an important role to play to steer capital towards solutions that can improve social conditions. The most direct way to impact social conditions is probably to finance or refinance social projects.

“Diversity on its own doesn’t mean inclusion”

More than 1000 colleagues of 50 different citizenships, work side by side at the offices in Tallinn, making Nordea Estonia a diversity and inclusion frontrunner in Estonia. But how did a relatively small local branch grow into a multicultural mix of people from all over the world?

Using trade instruments to support suppliers’ working capital

As the global economy slows, emerging market suppliers face the prospect of a hard landing. Richard Hayes, Head of Trade Solutions Denmark at Nordea, explains how companies can strengthen their supply chains and support their suppliers’ working capital through the use of traditional trade instruments.

Party over for cheap and ample corporate funding

The Nordea On Your Mind team takes a deep dive into corporate funding in their latest podcast.

Nordea ramps up ESG training to stay relevant towards our clients

Our Large Corporates & Institutions unit at Nordea has scaled up its ESG education efforts for staff to ensure that we can play a material and meaningful role in supporting our clients' transition towards a more sustainable and net-zero future.

The Finnish athlete with her eyes on the ‘red dragon’

As a young orienteering talent in Finland, Tuuli Koivu dreamt about a career in sports. Now the Nordea chief economist strives to be on top of the global economy – and especially the future direction of China.

Nordea On Your Mind: The financial flak vest

Is there a leverage problem in the Nordic region? Will higher interest rates be a source of pain for corporates going forward? Our Nordea On Your Mind team returns to the theme of corporate funding in their latest report, “The financial flak vest.”

Using our voting power to influence how companies are run

Did you know that Nordea is the largest portfolio manager in the Nordics and actively use its voting rights at almost 4,000 annual general meetings with around 50,000 items on the agenda and 1,200 proposed motions each year?

What is PSD2?

PSD2 is an EU directive about payments, data and security. PSD stands for Payment Services Directive, and the number 2 means that it is an update to the original PSD from 2007. PSD2 came into effect in 2018 in Denmark, Finland and Sweden and in 2019 in Norway.

What is Open Finance?

The term Open Finance refers to a future open financial system. Open Finance will continue the development initiated by Open Banking and make your own financial data more accessible to you as a customer in a wider range of services and platforms.

What is Open Banking?

Open Banking is the practice of providing access to financial services, like for example your bank account information and payments, to other providers than your bank.

This is what affects how optimistic we are about our financial future

In our new study, the Nordic Pulse, we asked the people in the Nordics about their financial situation and how they value different areas of life. In some areas, the discrepancies between men and women seem to differ a lot. Our experts explain why.

The net-zero path: updates and outlook

As the need for decisive action on climate change becomes ever more pressing and present, so does the need for corporate accountability and well-defined pathways towards a lower-emissions future. We use SBTi’s latest full-year dataset to bring you insights into the world of net-zero targets.

ECB’s journey to decarbonise its corporate bonds holdings: an update

The European Central Bank (ECB) has committed to strengthening its efforts to combat climate change. With upcoming monetary policy set to dampen the effect of the bank’s existing flow-based approach to decarbonising its corporate bond holdings, we take a look at the proposed stock-based approach and assess progress so far.

European Green Bond Standard: Implications of the provisional agreement

Negotiators from the European Council and the European Parliament reached a provisional agreement last week on a European Green Bond standard. While we are encouraged that the standard brings more clarity to green definitions and transparency to the market, it remains important to ensure sufficient incentives for the standard to become the preferred route for issuers.

How to measure inflation: From in-store collection to web scraping

How does a country choose to define its inflation rate, and how does it work when it is measured? John Eliasson from Statistics Sweden (SCB) dives into these and several other big questions together with the Nordea On Your Mind team.

A drinks company puts social responsibility at the core of its business

Kåska Drinks is a low-alcohol drinks company from Finland that has set out to have a positive impact on the future of drinking – and to do it in a responsible way. Social responsibility is at the heart of Kåska’s business and it’s also the driving force behind the company’s product and service offering.

Get live bond data at your fingertips with our seamless API

Nordea's new fixed income API provides direct access to our raw bond data and models, allowing companies to integrate the data into their own software and systems. The goal? To help you streamline your workflow, save time and maximize returns.

Time for more humility and pragmatism from central banks

Inflation is a dominant theme in the global economy right now. But what is it, why does it hurt the economy and how can it best be controlled? Nordea On Your Mind author Johan Trocmé interviews Chief Analyst Torbjörn Isaksson, an economist in Nordea Markets, for the answers.

Volunteering to create a better start for others: "I know how it feels"

In september Nordea started a new community engagement programme: the refugee programme. The aim is to enable refugees to re-build financial security and better financial wellbeing in the future.

Optimising inflation, employment or both?

Should a central bank single-mindedly focus on keeping the consumer price index (CPI) right on target at all times, or weigh in other key factors for the economy in its monetary policy choices? Find out more in this conversation between Nordea expert Johan Trocmé and Ole Christian Bech-Moen from Norges Bank.

4 hot-button issues that will shape ESG in 2023

The past year brought no shortage of headlines when it comes to environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Nordea's Head of ESG Research Marco Kisic reflects on the top ESG debates to watch in 2023.

What to expect from the sustainable finance market in 2023

As sustainability becomes more mainstream, we expect 2022’s focus on awareness and harmonisation to give way to a focus on implementation and execution. We outline out three key trends for 2023.

Sustainable finance markets: 2022, a year in charts

In a year that was unstable in many ways, the sustainable finance market demonstrated promising resilience. The Nordic sustainable bond market proved relatively more stable than the global market, experiencing 3% year-on-year growth compared to a contraction of 23% year-on-year globally. We outline the developments in some key charts below.

Podcast: Inflation – A revival we never wanted

The Nordea On Your Mind team takes a deep dive into inflation in their latest podcast.

Nordea Group Chief Economist: Central banks face a delicate balancing act

Helge J Pedersen

2023 looks set to be yet another uncertain and challenging year. Although inflation seems to have peaked, it is still an open question how much further monetary policy tightening is needed to lower it substantially.

Nordea On Your Mind: The return of inflation

The Nordea On Your Mind team is out with a new report, and this time the authors are focusing on a topic on the minds of many these days: inflation. Why is it back from the dead? Where does it come from? How do we control it?

It's not too late to protect your business against Sweden’s rising interest rates

The increase in interest rates in Sweden over the past year has been significant, and the upward trend is likely to continue in the near term. There is a way to protect your business against rising interest costs. Nordea's corporate loan with an interest rate cap offers the benefits of a floating-rate loan and the protection of a fixed interest rate ceiling.

Pressure and wage growth in Norway's economy

How much will the pressure on the Norwegian economy affect wage growth and inflation going forward? That is one of the key questions Norges Bank needs to consider when setting interest rates. If labour shortages do not improve significantly ahead of this year’s pay talks, wage growth, and thus the interest rate peak, could exceed Norges Bank’s expectations.

Stagnation ahead for the Norwegian economy

Weaker purchasing power will dampen consumer spending in Norway, and unemployment may rise from a very low level. But we think the Norwegian economy will fare better than many other countries, one reason being sharply higher activity in the petroleum sector.

A turning point in the global outlook?

Global growth is weak at the moment. However, there are signs that 2023 could uncork positive surprises, as mild weather has eased the energy crisis in Europe and China is set to rebound after ending its zero-COVID policy. From the financial markets’ perspective, one of the key questions is how easily inflation will come down in 2023.

Danish housing market in decline

Lower prices and stagnating turnover are dominating the Danish housing market. The decline is especially caused by rapidly rising interest rates, and it is expected to continue until 2024. However, the starting point is strong, and that is why the situation after the financial crisis will not likely be repeated.

Danish economy slows down

The Danish economy is clearly positioned for a period with lower activity. However, there is a risk that the slowdown will be self-reinforcing – not least in the housing market where a significant correction of market prices is taking place.

What is a SWIFT code/BIC?

SWIFT code has now changed name to Business Identifier Code, BIC for short. It’s used to identify the bank among all the other banks in the world, and this helps banks transfer money and communicate with one another through secure messages.

Nordea analyst: Sweden's economy is off balance

The outlook for the Swedish economy is worrying. After many years of debt build-up, the resultant vulnerability is now being tested and will contribute to a decline in the economy in 2023.

Swedish pay talks in the new inflation environment

Half of all wage earners will get new wage deals in early 2023. The unions’ wage claim is 4.4%, while employers’ bid is 2.0% and a one-off amount of SEK 3,000.

Finland heads into a mild recession

The Finnish economy is headed towards a mild recession this winter, but for the full year we forecast zero growth. Consumer purchasing power is constrained at the moment, but easing inflation and rising salaries will boost private consumption towards the end of the year.

Fiscal adjustments needed in Finland

Public spending in Finland has increased so much that the government budget is in balance only when the economy is in an upswing and interest rates are at zero. Large-scale fiscal adjustments are needed to return public finances to a sustainable footing.

10 years with the bank in your phone – we celebrate a digital anniversary

It's time to look back as our mobile bank turns 10 years old. From its first interfaces and features to its current form as an all-inclusive and personalised mobile app, its journey throughout the years reveals true determination to make Nordea a leading digital bank.

How to grow your scaleup in uncertain times (or how to beat competitors over time)

Interest rates are rising sharply, inflation is sky-high and the general outlook is very uncertain. Stefan Thelberg, Holm Security, Erik Lindblad, Zenith Venture Capital, and Maria Smith from Nordea give you their tips on how to plan as a growth company during uncertain times.

Superfinns mentoring programme helps Finnish growth companies go global

Superfinns is here again. The mentoring programme organised by Nordea and Kasvu Open is now open for applications. During the spring of 2023, the growth companies that are selected for the programme will be working with a group of Finnish private equity investors who will coach and challenge the companies.

Why treasury automation is the future

In the latest e-Forex podcast, Matti Honkanen, Head of Next Gen FX at Nordea, reflects on the latest trends in treasury technology and automation.

A growth journey from zero to a hundred million euros

At the start of the century, Minna Åman-Toivio was living in the United Arab Emirates and couldn’t help but notice how fragmented the distribution channels of medical supplies were around the world. In 2008, this observation sparked an idea, which grew into a business that is still flourishing today.

The Paris Agreement for Nature – COP15 and the outcomes

A welcomed achievement of the meeting in Montreal was the adoption of the Global Biodiversity Framework and the associated targets, goals and financing. What is now important is the rapid and consistent progress in implementing what has been agreed.

Don’t panic - 2022 is almost over

When did we last experience a normal year? In this podcast, Johan Trocmé and Viktor Sonebäck review the Nordea On Your Mind topics covered this year and warn that 2023 may not be peaceful and quiet either. But we should not despair; it often takes a crisis to bring positive structural change.

Social impact is back in focus. Here’s how to translate it into financing

When it comes to financing structures focused on social impact, the vast majority currently incorporate gender diversity targets as the social KPI, in part due to the availability of established and comparable data. Looking ahead, we expect a wider range of social targets to be reported on and included in sustainable financing where material.

Ability or ambition: How to speed up progress on biodiversity

We must overcome commitment fatigue and resource constraints if we are to make meaningful progress in understanding and limiting biodiversity risks, argues Nordea Sustainable Finance Advisory’s David Ray.

Top 5 hidden FX risks from doing business in emerging markets

Local regulations in emerging markets can result in time-consuming administrative process and trapped cash. Don't get caught off guard. Jana Poulsenova, Managing Director in Nordea Markets, shares the top risks to be aware of when doing business in these markets.

How financing startups became a success

Financing startups has been considered very risky, but thanks to thorough analysis, careful selection and a strong investor network, Nordea has shown how this can be done. We’ve collected some of the insights into our work and the successes it has led to.

Biodiversity: The next frontier in sustainable finance

The World Bank’s recent issuance of a sustainable development bond raising awareness for biodiversity highlights investors’ growing interest in the issue. Biodiversity loss is directly linked to climate change, both reinforcing each other, with their interaction amplifying the risk of reaching planetary tipping points.

Tracegrow aims for the international market with its circular economy innovation

Can battery waste be turned into a profitable and sustainable business? In 2012, this question was an inspiration for the founders of Tracegrow, a company which started developing fertiliser for agricultural needs from the clean and recyclable chemical elements of batteries.

A holiday read: Best of NOYM 2022

In the latest Nordea On Your Mind, we take a moment to pause, zoom out and look back at some of the key themes that emerged in 2022, another eventful year.

How profit and sustainability can go hand in hand

Leaders from the worlds of business, government and international development gathered at the Nordea Sustainability Summit to discuss the biggest challenge and greatest investment opportunity of our time – saving the planet.

Balancing the dilemmas of ESG

What can corporates do to balance the risks and opportunities that come with the transition to a new, sustainable economy? CEO Mads Nipper, SVP Minna Aila and CEO Frank Vang-Jensen discuss.

All you need to know about the energy crisis

Europe’s ongoing energy crisis is in focus in the latest Nordea On Your Mind podcast.

What is digital banking?

Digital banking is when banking customers use financial apps or websites to carry out financial transactions or activities online. It's about making people’s everyday lives easier and enabling them to be much more in control of their finances.

Three trends that will shape digital banking

Where is digital banking heading? Customers have embraced the digital banking of today with its fast and convenient experience. In the future, the challenge will be to fuse in-person advisory services and digital channels into one seamless experience.

‘A little help can lead to a lot’ – how Nordea employees volunteered in 2022

In 2022 over 1,750 colleagues participated in a community engagement programme, with over half of them supporting refugees. Those who participated say the experience is rewarding – and that even a little help can go far.

What will it take to push the global energy transition forward?

Professor Tomas Kåberger of Chalmers University of Technology has unique insights into the energy system from academic, industrial and regulatory perspectives. In this interview he discusses the paramount driver for renewable energy: reduced cost.

Making sure late payments don’t squeeze your cash flow

For several years the economic climate has been favourable, demand for goods and services has been high and financing costs have been low. But now things have changed and many companies could face increased pressure on their cash flow. Read here what your company can do.

When (not if) Open Banking becomes standard in Treasury

Open Banking has many benefits, and in this guest blog for Nordea, John Fahlvik, Manager FIS Practice at SkySparc, explains how it will benefit the life of the Treasurer and become a standard procedure in Treasury operations of the future: the Instant Treasury.

Our greatest competitor is tomorrow's wind power

Wind has the lowest levelised cost of energy, and it keeps getting better, according to Peter Zachrisson, CEO of SR Energy. The greatest obstacle remains the painfully slow and cumbersome Swedish permitting processes, but the energy crisis could be a catalyst for reforming it.

From unknown to media darling: Benjamin’s battle to get a permanent residence permit

Although Benjamin Schenkel had a permanent job at Nordea, learnt Danish and did lots of voluntary work, he was denied a permanent residence permit. That became the start of a battle to stay in Denmark that lasted several months.

Managing business risk from the Russia-Ukraine war

How are Nordic corporates handling the risks from their business exposure to Russia, Ukraine and Belarus? We asked them in our Treasury Survey 2022: Re-assessing risk.

The problem is a price spike, not market functionality

To get a glimpse from inside the storm, we talk to experts from Swedish state-owned power utility Vattenfall about the volatile European energy markets and what lies ahead.

EU Taxonomy reporting: A first look at the challenges and best practices

The EU Platform on Sustainable Finance's long-awaited Recommendations on Data and Usability of the EU Taxonomy offers valuable insight into emerging best practices.

How sustainability risks factor into credit ratings

The integration of ESG factors into credit ratings is an exercise distinct from the ratings and evaluations carried out by ESG service providers, although the two are often compared and confused. We take a look at the differences between the two approaches.

Never waste a good energy crisis

Are you praying for greater wind speeds? Loading up with blankets ahead of the winter? Sky high electricity prices have made the European energy crisis something real and highly relevant for us all.

Danish bond market offers benefits for investors

Anders Aalund, Head of Trading Strategy in Nordea Markets, shares insights into the current Danish bond market, strategy and golden opportunities.

Thanks to Verde loan from Nordea, Jospak marks new chapter in limiting food plastic waste

Within the next eight years all plastic packaging in the EU must be recyclable – so we need solutions. With a Verde loan from Nordea, Jospak was able to finance new ecological premises to increase their production and accelerate the sustainable transition.

Nordic energy supply: Never waste a good crisis

Is there a way out of Europe’s big energy crisis? What will the next steps be for the world-class electricity systems in the Nordics? Energy supply in the European and Nordic markets is front and centre in the latest Nordea On Your Mind.

Nordea’s climate experts on what to expect from COP27

This year the UN climate summit, COP27 will be held amid rocketing energy and food prices and overall difficult geopolitical circumstances. We have interviewed Nordea’s climate experts Stefan Henningsson and Matti Kahra on what they expect will be the outcome.

Is Xi making the right decisions for China?

Tuuli Koivu

At China’s Party Congress in October, Xi Jinping continued to strengthen his role as China’s leader, and his position is now much stronger than that held by his predecessors. However, it is not clear what this implies for the Chinese economy.

Nordic large corporates re-think risk and supply chains in a harsher new reality

In Nordea Thematics annual treasury study, 160 Nordic large corporates have answered questions about what they consider to be the greatest risks and how they manage them.

EU Platform’s usability recommendations add clarity to EU Taxonomy in practice

The EU Platform on Sustainable Finance on 11 October released one of the last outstanding reports on the usability of the EU Taxonomy. It provides recommendations on interpretation of the existing Taxonomy and guidance for the remaining environmental objectives as well as alignment with other European sustainable finance regulation.

EU Taxonomy Minimum Safeguards: What are they and why do they matter?

The EU Platform on Sustainable Finance published its final report on the functioning of the Minimum Safeguards laid out in the EU Taxonomy Regulation. The Minimum Safeguards ensure that companies engaging in sustainable activities meet certain standards when it comes to human and labour rights, bribery, taxation and fair competition.

Nordic companies react to a new world order

Corporate treasury and finance departments are facing a new reality characterised by geopolitical tension, sky-high inflation and rising interest rates. Find out how they are responding in Nordea’s latest annual Treasury Survey: Re-assessing risk.

Open Finance: the next step on the journey towards Open Economy

Open Finance was first mentioned in the Digital Finance Strategy published by the European Commission in 2020. Since then, it has been a “buzz word” in the financial industry, creating both curiosity and concern. But what do we know about Open Finance at the moment?

Nordea Investor Speed Dating brings international investors to the Nordics

It’s a well-known fact that the Nordics have a thriving ecosystem for startups. Many success stories have emerged from there, with Nordea Investor Speed Dating attracting investors from all around the world to find the next big thing.

Sustainable bond markets: Q3 of 2022 in graphs

After a turbulent first half-year, the third quarter shows a market adapting to the new-normal: persistent inflation and rising interest rates. The energy crisis has not only resulted in a risk of recession in the Euro area but also created ambiguity for corporates’ sustainability ambitions, pushing the financial sector to the forefront of issuing sustainable debt.

How are companies performing on ESG after the pandemic?

The Nordea ESG Research expert team has released the yearly update of its ESG ratings. The update covers insights into disclosure trends and the material ESG risk and opportunity exposures of around 330 Nordic companies. With information based on FY2021 disclosures, the updated report offers new insight into the first full “back to business” year.

ECB announces decarbonisation plan for corporate bond holdings

The European Central Bank has announced that as of 1 October it will start tilting its reinvestments for corporate bonds falling due on its balance sheet towards issuers with higher climate-scoring profiles in order to mitigate the climate-related financial risks within the Eurosystem.

Nordea named best Nordic real estate bank by Euromoney

The results from Euromoney Magazine’s 2022 Real Estate Survey are in, and Nordea has won the awards for best bank for real estate services in the Nordics and Finland.

PostNord invests further in e-commerce growth

Coping with explosive parcel volume growth during the pandemic was a challenge for postal services provider PostNord. Having scale was helpful. PostNord CEO Annemarie Gardshol shares the experience and gives us the fulﬁlment logistics perspective on e-commerce.

Nordea’s diversity champion: Use your superpowers!

He was supposed to work one summer at Nordea, and ended up staying for 37 years, and counting. At the time, he’d already won a gold medal in the Paralympic, and more would come. Meet Pär Boman – multiple champion – in a combination that’s unique.

Online retail: One step back, two steps forward

The COVID pandemic helped online retail come of age in the Nordic region. Daniel Ovin from Nordea Equity Research discusses what to expect next in this interview from Nordea On Your Mind: E-commerce - The new normal.

Learning and development – an important part of your career at Nordea

At Nordea, we share a passion for learning and development and want our people to grow every day. We believe in our vision – that everything is learning.

What's your sustainability profile?

The new MiFID II regulation will not bring big changes to Nordea’s investment advice, but will hopefully give the customer an even better opportunity to consider sustainable alternatives, according to Kerstin Lysholm from Nordea’s Investment Center.

E-commerce is distance selling 2.0

Harald Ström (HS), Managing Director in Corporate Finance at Nordea, has been advising retailers for 25 years and brings a unique perspective on e-commerce in this interview from Nordea On Your Mind.

Manufacturing loses steam in Finland

Although industrial production has been running at full capacity this year, manufacturing output and goods exports volumes are still below the levels seen in 2008. This is due to the fact that production capacity has fallen and the share of value added to the economy by manufacturing has decreased permanently.

Nordea issues innovative bond to fund sustainability-linked loans

The new framework allows investors to invest in Nordea's sustainability-linked loan financing activity that tackles climate change. Investors describe the new bond structure as an "innovative and creative" way to help drive the green transition.

The party’s over for the Finnish economy

Economic growth was strong in the first half of the year but is showing signs of weakness towards the end of the year. High energy prices are sapping consumers’ purchasing power at the same time as the slowdown in global economic growth is hampering exports. Meanwhile, falling housing sales will slow down construction.

Sweden's economy is weakening from a strong position

Rate hikes and high inflation are putting a damper on the Swedish economy, and unemployment will rise. A stabilisation is expected during 2024, but the recovery will be slow as the economy gradually adjusts to higher interest rates.

A stormy housing market in Sweden

Swedish home prices are falling rapidly as households adjust to surging mortgage rates. The situation is not as serious as in the 1990s, but there is risk of a sharp price correction.

Risks are mounting in the global economic outlook

Overheating in the US, the tight COVID stance and real estate sector slowdown in China, the energy market crisis in Europe and geopolitical risks are all denting growth prospects. At the same time, inflationary pressures are strong and will continue to be central banks’ main headache in the coming months.

Sustainability in finance: Experiences one year down the road

Treasury and sustainability experts from leading Danish companies recently gathered at the Cash & Treasury Management Conference in Copenhagen to share their experience and practical advice when it comes to integrating sustainability into corporate financing.

How are Norwegian households affected by rising interest rates?

Kjetil Olsen

Strong price growth and higher interest rates will mean tighter finances for many Norwegian households. Below, we illustrate the consequences this will have on three families with the same income but different debt-to-income ratios. Lower savings, use of accumulated assets and more people in work will mitigate the impact on overall consumer spending.

Tougher times for Norwegian households

The economic outlook is more uncertain than it has been for a long time. High price growth and rising interest rates will make these tough times for Norwegian households. The impact on consumer spending will be mitigated by lower savings and more people in paid work.

Denmark's red-hot labour market set to cool

The Danish labour market has powered ahead in recent years. Job growth has been high and unemployment is approaching the lowest level since the early 1970s. But companies have had big recruitment problems and wage growth has been higher than abroad.

Danish economy faces headwinds

After a period of high growth, rising home prices and record-high employment, cooler winds are now blowing over the Danish economy. Households feel the impact of falling purchasing power and businesses are hurting from the slowdown in the global economy.

Omnichannel makes even more sense after the pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the omnichannel strategy of Nordic consumer electronics retailer Elkjøp. CEO Erik Sønsterud discusses the company's approach to creating a seamless online and in-store customer journey.

Nordea Group Chief Economist: Risk of recession in the Euro area is real

Helge J Pedersen

Inflation has reached the highest level since the early 1980s, and central banks seem determined to fight it through aggressive monetary policy. This is also the case in the Nordic countries where housing markets face a sharp slowdown.

A match to kick off global expansion

How a small Sri Lankan-Finnish business matched with a big Swedish venture capital fund looking for exceptional founders in overlooked customer segments.

E-commerce after COVID: It ain’t over till it’s over

Retail sales have been migrating online from stores for years. The pandemic gave a big boost to this migration, which has now eased off. In this Nordea On Your Mind podcast, Johan Trocmé and Viktor Sonebäck talk about what will come next, how the online share of retail sales could resume its structural growth trend, with demographics as a key driver.

E-commerce: A return to the structural growth trajectory

E-commerce got a major boost during the Covid-19 pandemic as droves of shoppers migrated online. Did the effect last, and what can we expect from Nordic online retail going forward? Nordea Thematics’ Johan Trocmé and Viktor Sonebäck have crunched the numbers and have the answers in the latest Nordea On Your Mind report.

Responsibility is all about taking action

In 2021 Nordea’s ESG experts engaged in more than 1,000 dialogues with companies in the name of Nordea’s funds. The dialogues were held to address issues such as climate change, human rights and governance.

Highlights from the AGM of the “Principles”

The eighth annual general meeting of the ICMA “Principles” – the Green Bond Principles (GBP), Social Bond Principles (SBP), Sustainability Bond Guidelines (SBG) and Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles (SLBP) – saw the publication of additional guidance to support market transparency and development, with key announcements relating to green securitisation, sustainability-linked bonds, and climate transition finance.

The tallest skyscraper in the Nordics is being built – with Nordea as a financier

The skyscraper Karlatornet, with its 245 meters is Gothenburg’s first skyscraper. The construction loan is also the largest in the history of Nordea.

The current status of Open Banking – and a glimpse into the future

In this special guest blog for Nordea, Mounaim Cortet shares the key findings from INNOPAY’s most recent Open Banking Monitor, with a special focus on Nordea as well as the future of Open Finance.

Real-time e-receipts are the future of purchasing

Residential housing development company JM was struggling with the volume of paper receipts its staff processed every month. By shifting to e-receipts, provided by Kwick Expense and its partner bank Nordea, JM was able to simplify its invoice processing and minimise the risk of lost receipts.

A new green financing tool for real estate

Nordea’s green securities finance loans are an attractive source of short-term capital for real estate companies looking to use an investment portfolio to fund green projects.

Danish central bank governor: ‘We haven’t seen normal yet’

Signe Krogstrup, Governor of the Danish National Bank, discussed monetary policy in turbulent times with Nordea's institutional clients.

Podcast: BAFT – 100 years of bringing the financial community closer

The Banker’s Association for Finance and Trade, better known as BAFT, is a global association for organisations engaged in transaction banking around the world. With a 100 year track record of bringing change through dialogue and collaboration, BAFT is a key meeting place for the financial community and its suppliers, helping to shape market practices, provide education and deliver global advocacy.

Formula for success: Nordea helps baby product maker Twistshake go global

By taking an innovative approach to the design and marketing of baby products, Twistshake has become a Nordic success story, exporting to markets all over the world. As Twistshake’s trade and working capital needs became more complex, Nordea’s Trade Solutions team were on hand to provide advice and solutions to optimise liquidity management and ensure continued success.

European Green Bonds: Proposed regulatory tightening aims to curb greenwashing

With the rapid growth of the sustainable bond market and little formal harmonisation, the EU now calls for tighter regulation to combat greenwashing and ensure that proceeds of sustainable bonds translate into real positive impact.

Nordea's Jacob Michaelsen: It’s time to work with the “S” in ESG

Nordea's Head of Sustainable Finance Advisory, Jacob Michaelsen, spoke to Environmental Finance at its recent ESG in Fixed Income EMEA Conference about the rise of social debt, the impact of the EU Social Taxonomy and why specificity is important to avoid any concerns about social washing.

Nordea expert on the EU Taxonomy: It’s a work in progress

As companies begin to report on their eligibility under the EU's ambitious green labelling system, the Taxonomy, many are surprised to find out that their activities are not included. Nordea's EU Taxonomy expert Matilda Persson assures that it's still early days, and the framework will continue to evolve.

Basel IV: Look beyond the average impact

Jonas Bjarke Jensen and Antti Lemberg of Copenhagen Economics share their views on the impact of the Basel IV global banking reforms on banks and corporate borrowers.

How to invest in a fossil-free future

The interest for climate-aware investments has increased hugely during the past years and has led to a broader investment offering. But it can still be fairly difficult for an investor to understand how an investment alternative marketed as fossil-free could help combat climate change.

Why Thule Group went all-in on automation

In recent years, Thule Group has used automation to revamp its approach to cash management and FX handling. Automation itself wasn't the end goal but rather the means to becoming a more strategic treasury. The move has paid off, freeing up time for more complex and value-adding tasks.

Match made at Nordea Investor Speed Dating: ONEiO + Fairpoint Capital

Nordea’s high-paced and efficient investor speed dating set-up made a Swedish technology investment fund take a much closer look at a fast-growing Finnish IT cloud company.

Transition rules unlikely to soften impact from Basel IV

The Swedish Bankers’ Association’s Chief Economist Johan Hansing discusses the impact of the Basel IV global banking reforms on banks and corporate borrowers and what to expect from the transitional rollout.

Chief economist: Norway's housing market rally is over

In the past 20 years, housing prices have more than tripled in Norway. With zero interest rates during the pandemic, the policy rate and thus rates on housing loans bottomed out. We will not see this interest-rate effect again.

Norwegian economy under pressure

Competition for labour and high inflation are pushing up wages in Norway, while the war in Ukraine intensifies the inflationary pressure. With an economy under pressure and rising price and wage growth, Norges Bank will continue its quarterly rate hikes until end-2023.

The power of investors to impact diversity and inclusion

What can companies and investors do to support diversity and inclusion (D&I) in their own business and influence others in the corporate world? We sat down with some of Denmark’s top leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities presented by the S in ESG.

Basel IV: Dumbing down the banks’ risk models

In this Nordea On Your Mind podcast, Johan Trocmé and Viktor Sonebäck talk about how this will affect corporate borrowers, and how they can prepare.

Finnish economy holds ground despite the war

Russia’s attack against Ukraine will slow down economic growth in Finland this year. A strong labour market, the lifting of restrictions and the savings accumulated by households during the Covid pandemic will underpin growth in the service sector.

Wages poised for take-off in Sweden

The tight labour market, record-high demand for workers and recent inflation spike suggest that wage growth will be higher going forward. We revise up our wage forecast, and the Riksbank faces new challenges.

How Finland's economy is maintaining its competitiveness

Export prices in Finland have kept up with rapidly rising import prices, keeping the country’s terms of trade unchanged. Zero-emission electricity generation is becoming a source of competitive advantage in manufacturing, which supports investment growth.

Danish public finances: A break with budget discipline?

The Danish Budget Act is about to be amended at the same time as the green transition and Danish defence spending put an increasing strain on public finances. Is this the beginning of a regime shift in public budget management?

Danish economy affected by uncertainty

Previously, there were fears of the Danish economy overheating, but now focus has shifted to the negative effects of the war in Ukraine, the high inflation level and the rapidly rising interest rates.

Nordea chief economist: Record-high inflation will slow down economic activity

The war in Ukraine and new Covid-related lockdowns in China put the global economy under pressure. Inflation in the Western world has risen to its highest level since the 1980s.

Swedish economic outlook: The test

The Swedish economy is currently stronger than it has been for many years. However, the economy is entering a phase of subdued growth as high inflation and rapid rate hikes are slowing activity.

Neste – on a transformation journey

An oil company included in funds aiming to support more sustainable future might sound controversial. A Nordea fund manager and a ESG-analyst discuss the case of Neste and the company's net zero ambition.

Basel IV: Back to basics

The European Commission has made some changes to the implementation of Basel IV. However, the regulation will still be a gamechanger for both banks and corporate borrowers, according to Nordea On Your Mind.

Global economic outlook: Stressed

The Russian assault on Ukraine, very high inflation and China’s lockdowns imply a high degree of uncertainty in the global economy and take the growth forecasts somewhat lower for 2022.

Alexander’s basement project about to become a mega business: will make larvae part of your diet

There are already more than two billion people eating insects. The start-up Invertapro would also like Norwegians to join the feast and has Nordea on its team.

Supply chain emissions engagement, Part 2: The how

We outline some methods of engaging with supply chain emissions in order to manage risk and generate opportunities.

Sustainable finance propels shipping’s green transition

Shipping accounts for between 2-3% of total global emissions. With demand for global seaborn trade set to grow, pressure to tackle the decarbonisation challenge is mounting from multiple sources, including companies themselves, industry bodies and the financial industry.

A first look at companies’ EU Taxonomy reporting

In the implementation of the EU Taxonomy, companies covered by the Non-Financial Reporting Directive are required to report on eligibility for the first two EU environmental objectives. Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory team takes a look at how companies are approaching the task.

“We wanted to drive change towards a more sustainable food industry”

Mö Foods Oymakes oat-based dairy products for consumers. What sparked the idea for the business was the sisters’ family background and their desire bring new products to the market that would enable consumers to contribute to a more sustainable future.

Nasdaq celebrates 10-year jubilee of Nordea’s Credit Linked Note, Fasträntebevis

On the 25 April, Nasdaq in Stockholm rang its bell to mark the 10-year anniversary of Nordea´s Credit Linked Note (Fasträntebevis).

Finance leaders reflect on the gender gap and how to close it

The 2022 SHE Conference brought together Nordea’s Philip Asp and the International Finance Corporation’s Denise Odaro for a candid discussion on gender equality and the financial industry.

Project ﬁnance has a role to play in a renewable energy investment supercycle

Andreas Kindahl, Global Head of Infrastructure & Utility Ratings and Regional Head for the Nordics, and Michele Sindico, Director and Lead Analyst in the EMEA Infrastructure team, from S&P Global talk to us about the case for project ﬁnance, and how it differs from traditional corporate funding.

Tech used to solve waste problem in Bergen: A race to turn waste into resources

Did you know that 70 per cent of the waste thrown in residual waste bags in Oslo is put there by mistake? In Bergen the startup Carrot, previously known as WasteIQ, has found a solution, and now they want to conquer Norway – and the world.

Project ﬁnance to create bankability

Magnus Nygren from state-owned Swedish power utility Vattenfall explains how the company views and uses project finance and why it has, and will continue to be, critical for the transformation of our energy system.

Matchmaking + capital = accelerating SurfCleaner’s sustainable growth journey

Nordea’s matchmaking event, which connects entrepreneurs and investors, secured contacts and capital for SurfCleaner. “It made our entire growth journey possible,” says the company’s CEO. Now Nordea Investor Speed Dating is back again.

Supply chain emissions engagement, Part 1: Benefits and barriers

In the first article in this series on supply chain emissions engagement, we are outlining benefits of engagement with Scope 3 and some ongoing challenges.

Sustainable bond markets: Q1 of 2022 in graphs

Sustainable debt continues to grow, and the first quarter of 2022 showed that it can be a source of stability in a turbulent market environment.

Top ESG trends in Nordic real estate

Nordic real estate companies are helping to fuel the boom in sustainable debt issuance in the region. Ebba Ramel from Nordea Sustainable Finance Advisory shares the latest ESG and sustainable finance trends in the sector.

Platform on Sustainable Finance: Reports pave way for a broader EU Taxonomy

The Platform on Sustainable Finance has released the EU Taxonomy's Technical Screening Criteria for the remaining four environmental objectives and the Extended Environmental Taxonomy for transitional activities.

What is active ownership?

Active ownership is when shareholders engage in a company they have invested in to influence the company’s strategy and actions. It is a method often used in responsible investing to directly influence a company’s decisions.

Interest rates are rising: Here’s what Swedish companies can do

As central banks begin to tighten monetary policy, companies need to manage their interest rate risk. With Nordea’s corporate loans with interest rate caps, businesses can benefit from today’s low interest rates while also guarding against the higher rates on the horizon.

Podcast: Project Finance

Global green energy transition was already urgent, and then came war in Ukraine, making it necessary for Europe to end its dependence on Russian energy imports. Massive investments will be needed, and in this Nordea On Your Mind podcast Johan Trocmé and Viktor Sonebäck talk about project finance – a potentially crucial tool to help fund the green transition.

ESG: A potential game changer for capex

Global listed corporates in recent years have persistently been spending less than in the past. In this issue of Nordea on Your Mind, we look at one driver that could turn the trend around and potentially revive capex: sustainability.

IceBear: A producer for the circular economy

Recycling champion IceBear has big ambitions for its Dutch operation that produces composite pallet blocks out of recycled waste wood and green energy. After securing financing via a green bond issuance with Nordea’s help, the company recently hit its first major production milestone.

Chief Economist's Corner: The war in Ukraine hits the economy and leads to a new world order

A global recession is not imminent, but shortages of some goods may occur, and inflation will remain high in the coming period, writes Nordea's Group Chief Economist, Helge J. Pedersen.

Project Finance: Potential help for getting to net zero

As companies seek financing for initiatives that contribute to the green transition, project finance could serve as an important tool, according to the latest Nordea On Your Mind report.

Donation scams target people’s generosity

Phishing attempts are often increasing during humanitarian crises. Right now many fraudsters will try to exploit the war in Ukraine for phishing or fake fundraisings. Get our expert’s advice on how to avoid donation scams.

Sustainability reporting: What has changed and what’s to come?

The sustainability reporting landscape is rapidly changing. Cutting through the noise, Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory team has conducted a deep dive to highlight what’s essential. Find the key takeaways and market developments summarised below.

What will payments look like in a post-pandemic world?

It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in changes in almost every aspect of our lives. One of the most notable changes was the level of digitalisation and development that has happened in just 2 years. It’s safe to say that payments and purchasing behaviours weren’t left untouched – ecommerce and the adoption of new payment methods also saw a significant increase.

Volvo Cars: All-electric by 2030

Volvo Cars CFO Björn Annwall discusses the carmaker's plans to transition from fossil fuel to electric propulsion, and how the shift will transform the nature of the company's investments.

Ukraine situation: Stay on top of the latest financial market developments

Get an overview of Nordea analysts' latest research and insights on the economic and financial market impact of what's happening in Ukraine.

The Social Taxonomy: EU Platform on Sustainable Finance publishes final report

After some delays, the EU expert group consisting of individuals from the public sector, industry and academia, released their final report on the proposed Social Taxonomy. The group took into account feedback received last year and aligned the proposal with new and existing legislation in order to facilitate adherence for companies. This proposal consists of structural suggestions for the design of a social taxonomy, as opposed to specific technical screening criteria, and is expected to form the basis for the future legislative proposal.

Sustainability-linked bonds: A status check

In just a few years, sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) have carved out their place in the sustainable bond market, now representing 10% of total issuance for the year to date. As SLBs gain popularity, potential challenges with the format are beginning to emerge. In this article, we examine some of the difficulties relating to the application of the concepts of materiality and ambitiousness within SLBs and highlight some early research into SLB pricing.

Wind – The lowest levellised cost of energy

Henrik Andersen, CEO of wind turbine maker Vestas, reflects on the evolution of wind power and its role in the green transition.

Inclusion of gas and nuclear in the EU taxonomy confirmed

In a controversial move, the European Commission has decided to include specific gas and nuclear activities in the list of sustainable investments covered by the EU taxonomy. Nordea's Head of ESG Research Marco Kisic explains what to expect.

A deep dive on social debt: Formats and applications

The pandemic catalysed an explosion in issuance of social debt, most prominently by sovereign issuers. While the share of social bonds issued has now decreased as pandemic bonds are phased out, investor appetite for the new format remains. We explore how social issues can be integrated into existing debt formats and how they can differ in their application.

Biodiversity reporting: What is on the horizon for 2022 and beyond?

Biodiversity is rapidly climbing investor and corporate agendas. Leaning on years of important but often underutilised work on the importance of biodiversity, recognition is growing, and actors are beginning to align on the issue. In this article, we outline the initiatives likely to shape the conversation and drive more targeted action over the coming years.

5 predictions for sustainable finance in 2022

Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory team has compiled a list of key issues set to shape the sustainable finance markets in 2022.

3 reasons for Denmark’s large green bond premium

The Kingdom of Denmark's first green bond auction in January drew strong investor demand and a large green bond premium, or "greenium," of 5 basis points. Our experts explain why.

Capex and ESG

Large companies have since 2016 invested far less than they used to do historically. In this podcast, our experts from Nordea Thematics talk about how the world’s nations have committed under the Paris agreement to investing in limiting global warming.

Nordea’s Overdues Report 2021 – Time to maintain and strengthen liquidity and risk management capabilities

Nordea's Overdues Report 2021 reveals that large Nordic companies have displayed an incredible amount of resilience in protecting their risk profile and maintaining solid liquidity management. When the previous report was published in 2020, in the midst of the economic crisis generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, Nordea's working capital experts warned about the consequences of such a financial shock on liquidity and overdue payments. This year's analysis finds if COVID-19 proved to be the wake-up call for liquidity and risk management that companies needed, now is the time to maintain and strengthen newly implemented capabilities.

GoMore wins new markets with its concept for cities with fewer cars

Nordea is part of the ride when Danish car sharing platform GoMore expands into more European markets with its solution for city dwellers looking for cheaper and more sustainable transport solutions.

Defining the future of digital financial services

For over 20 years the global industry association Mobey Forum has been empowering banks and financial institutions to shape the future of digital financial services. During that time the forum’s focus has expanded from the early years of mobile payments to a whole range of data related subjects from privacy enhancing technology to the Internet of Things. Assessing the evolution of the Mobey Forum’s focus areas shines a spotlight on the developing path of technological innovation in digital banking.

Ideal Owners: Type of owner matters less than having the right management

Gunnar Axheim, board member of Swedish state-owned mining group LKAB, reflects on how a company's ownership model affects its corporate governance in the latest Nordea On Your Mind.

Sustainable finance expert Isabella Frenning Willis has her eye on the targets

Isabella Frenning Willis, Nordea Sustainable Finance Advisory's Denmark lead, is focused on helping companies select material and ambitious targets for their sustainability-linked loans and bonds.

Helping clients navigate the sustainable finance landscape

Nordea Sustainable Finance Advisory's Juho Maalahti is eager to help companies and investors tackle new challenges in the fast-developing world of sustainable finance.

The mission is to be a strong owner, says Solidium CEO

Antti Mäkinen, CEO of Finnish state-owned company Solidium, describes the company's apolitical governance model and how they exclusively focus on corporate performance

Our Chief Economist: ‘Many things surprised us this year’

Chief economist Helge Pedersen on the challenges that affected your economy in 2021 – and what to expect in 2022.

Ideal owners: Always long-term, always impatient

What are the benefits with family owned businesses? Caroline Berg shares her experience as ﬁfth-generation family owner and chair of the board of Axel Johnson AB.

Entrepreneur about growth success: “will revolutionise the railway industry and sell for NOK 500m by 2025”

Using reasonably priced sensors and artificial intelligence the Norwegian company Cemit aims to increase the efficiency of trains and the railway industry globally. “Teaming up with Nordea was crucial,” says CEO Are Sandersen.

The future role of banks – Finding new areas to stay relevant for society’s trusted pair of hands

2022 promises to be another year of turbo charged change in finance and technology. For banks facing an ever shifting environment driven by digitalisation, regulations, new players, standardisation initiatives and technical innovation, understanding where to stay relevant remains a key objective. Erik Zingmark, Head of Transaction Banking at Nordea, and Ville Sointu, Head of Emerging Technology at Nordea, met to discuss the exciting possibilities for banks that lie ahead.

Podcast: The ideal owners for corporate financial performance

Does ownership matter for corporate value creation? In this podcast our experts talk about who owns Europe’s listed companies and the striking differences in performance for different types of owners.

Podcast: Coronavirus and supply chains

Listen to the podcast episode were Johan Trocmé and Viktor Sonebäck argue it is crucial to have financial contingency plans with funding to be able to weather disruption to supply chains, also if it lasts longer than a few weeks or months.

Podcast: Basel IV – A game changer for bank lending to corporates

Did you think you would find drama in a podcast on bank regulations? Nordea On Your Mind how will Basel IV shape corporate lending in the future.

Podcast: E-commerce and Corona with Adam Schatz, CEO of DIY and BHG Group

Adam Schatz, CEO of e-tailer BHG Group, discusses the explosion in online shopping triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

5 recruiting tips for graduate candidates

What advice can we share with candidates who are interested in joining the programme? We’ve asked Mahrukh Salman Khan, Graduate recruiter and Mette Viddal Øi, Management partner and previous graduate to share their experience with candidates interested in joining the programme.

ECB calls for mandatory EU Green Bond standard

The European Commission this summer released its proposed voluntary standard for European green bonds. Now the European Central Bank argues that the standard should be made mandatory. Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory team takes a closer look at the ECB’s view on risks, benefits and practical implementation.

Science Based Targets initiative launches new net-zero corporate standard

Net-zero commitments from companies have taken off in recent years. Now, the Science Based Targets initiative has launched a new science-based certification for those corporate targets. Can it make net-zero pledges more credible?

What did COP26 achieve? A Nordea climate specialist’s key takeaways

COP26 turned out to be the net zero COP, says Nordea climate specialist Stefan Henningsson, who recently returned from the UN climate summit.

The ideal owners for corporate financial performance

A company's ownership structure can impact its financial performance. So who are the ideal owners? Nordea's Thematics team has crunched the numbers in the latest Nordea On Your Mind report.

What's next for trade and supply chains?

In this podcast, Richard Hayes, Acting Head of Trade Solutions Denmark at Nordea, takes a close look at the current state of global trade and the bumps supply chains have encountered as economic output recovers.

An EaaS-y answer to reducing capital expenditure?

At Nordea's Offline to Online event, the topic of service based business models was on the agenda. Equipment-as-a-Service (EaaS) relates to a whole range of equipment that is used on a “pay as you go” basis rather than by purchasing and owning the machine itself. As technology and the ability to monitor equipment usage rapidly evolves, EaaS presents opportunities and challenges for customers, manufacturers, banks and insurers alike.

Nordea’s Instant Reporting API helps RaskRask stay in great shape

‘Rask’ means healthy in Danish and the health and wellness company RaskRask has certainly seen healthy growth in recent years. With a rapidly increasing volume of bookings, RaskRask needed to automate their processes for reconciling incoming payments. Nordea’s Instant Reporting API was on hand to help the company reduce manual processes and offer more flexibility and less administration for customers and partners.

How to align your investments with the UN Sustainable Development Goals

Steen Winther Blindum

Have you thought about how your investments can have an impact on real-world challenges? Nordea’s latest ESG Investments publication provides a practical guide to sustainability-themed investing.

Staying relevant in a changing digital landscape

At Nordea’s annual Offline to Online digital event, Erik Zingmark, Head of Transaction Banking at Nordea sat down with Johan Trocmé, Director of Thematics in Investment Banking at Nordea, to discuss the latest developments in the rapidly converging worlds of finance & technology and the banking industry’s pragmatic approach to staying relevant both now and in the future.

Positive trends on the horizon as companies shift toward sustainable business

As society transitions towards a sustainable future, Nordic companies are proactively adapting their business strategies. According to the latest Nordea Business Insights report, Swedish companies are progressing the most in this area.

Filling short-term financing needs the green way

Nordea's green securities finance loans are an attractive source of cheap, short-term capital for green projects that can complement longer-term green financing structures companies may have.

Raising awareness of sustainable financing options at COP26

Sustainable finance experts from Nordea, Ericsson and Credit Agricole CIB gathered at the virtual COP26 Backdoor to discuss the upsurge in sustainability-linked debt.

Oslo-based Vev received 50 million kroner: From a wild idea to a one of a kind growth fairy tale

Oslo-based Vev wants to simplify the creation of visual websites. After only four years the company’s customers now include media giants. It is backed by Nordea and has been able to get a large, international investor onboard.

Exciting times for FX automation

FX trading is undergoing a digital transformation, with automated solutions eliminating the manual, repetitive tasks and making more time for brain work. Matti Honkanen, Nordea’s head of Next Gen FX, talks to e-Forex’s Larry Levy in a podcast about the rapid change that’s underway.

Tomorrow’s offices will be rigged for new ways of working

COVID-19 has triggered a rethinking of work life and office space. Ronald Bäckrud, Head of Region Stockholm at Vasakronan, shares the landlord perspective on these changes and what they mean for offices post-pandemic.

Corporate treasuries after COVID

Johan Trocmé, Viktor Sonebäck and Thea Koren from Nordea Thematics talk about their 2021 treasury survey. How has the pandemic impacted financial performance and policies? Are treasuries spending their time on the right things, and if not, what would they need to do? Find out in this podcast.

Podcast: Corporate treasuries after COVID

Are treasuries spending their time on the right things, and if not, what would they need to do? Find out in this podcast.

People and processes need to catch up with technology

How far behind are people and processes compared with our technological developments? In our latest NOYM, Johan Trocmé, talks to, Dr. Thomas L. Hager, who runs IBM's Banking and Financial Services industry segment in Europe.

Usage-based business models require new payment solutions

What does the fourth industrial revolution Industry 4.0 have to do with banks? Ville Sointu and Marina Repo, who lead Nordea's project to develop a pay-per-use platform for manufacturing at Nordea Runway 2019 project helps us answer the questions.

Social debt: A means of driving social impact and change

The COVID-19 pandemic created an urgent need for funding to tackle social issues, which translated to a significant increase in social bonds.

SFDR: What’s new in the updated Regulatory Technical Standards?

Updates to the SFDR Regulatory Technical Standards aim to strengthen disclosure requirements on financial market participants at the product level and detail alignment with environmental objectives under the EU taxonomy.

Cyber Security Month: Being prepared all year round

October is Cyber Security Month and Helena Wall, Head of Fraud Intelligence and Awareness within Fraud Management at Nordea, explains why it is critically important to stay alert against potential fraud attempts all year round and shares some tips to remember in order to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of digital fraud.

The office will be like an espresso – less but stronger

The COVID-19 pandemic has shaken up traditional ways of working - also at Nordea. What will office usage look like post-pandemic?

The post-COVID treasury will need to automate

Treasury departments have been quick to adapt to the challenging circumstances of the COVID-19 crisis, but there's progress to be made.

As inflation risks mount, Swedish companies need to act

Now is not the time to be complacent when it comes to rising inflation and interest rate risk, say Nordea’s experts. Swedish real estate companies in particular should consider hedging their exposure to variable interest rates.

Omnichannel retail will require a revamp of both stores and offices

Office space Russia's largest consumer electronics chain, M.Video-Eldorado, is transforming from a brick-and-mortar retailer with an online presence to a technology company with a physical presence.

Delivering the future today with Foodora

With its innovative and tech savvy approach, Foodora has quickly become one of the leading platforms for online food delivery in the Nordics.

Start-up found solution for unused office space

"Our technology supports employers, employees and workspace providers in a fast-changing world."

Understanding the potential benefits of Open Banking

Ulrika Claesson, Head of Open Banking Community at Nordea, and Agnija Gailane, Community Manager - Open Banking Community at Nordea, were interviewed by Vlad Macovei from 'The Paypers' to discuss educating companies about Open Banking, the solutions being offered and the things fintech partnerships can bring to the table. As Open Banking becomes more understood, Nordic companies are actively identifying areas where APIs can bring value to their customers.

The pandemic has forced people to become more technologically advanced

In the new Nordea On Your Mind report Peter Laurin, Head of Managed Services at Ericsson, describes Ericsson's new flexible hybrid work model with up to 50% remote working.

Another look at green bond premiums

Nordea in early 2021 launched its first investigation into the performance of green bonds and potential spread differences versus their non-green counterparts. Andreas Zsiga, Chief Analyst at Nordea’s Credit Research, follows up on the previous publication in an updated report.

ESG storytelling matters: Meet Nordea's new sustainable finance expert

Companies need to convey their ESG stories in a way that goes beyond large data tables with sustainability-linked metrics, says David Ray.

GRI, SASB, CDP – Making sense of overlapping sustainability and climate disclosures

Need help navigating the jungle of standards and frameworks for voluntary ESG disclosures? Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory team brings you a guide to the most important sustainability reporting initiatives, how they relate to each other and which ones to use.

Nordea On Your Mind: Office Space

Social distancing during the pandemic has sharply reduced our mobility and led to new ways of working and consuming. Will we keep working more remotely going forward? Will we need offices? If so, what will they look like? Find out in this Nordea On Your Mind podcast.

Join the API economy and take advantage of the new banking technology

The banking technology is evolving fast and the trend is going towards making more financial data accessible via APIs – and Nordea is in front, offering customers and partners to use our services in their preferred digital environment via our embedded finance solutions.

The future of office space

The pandemic sent many professionals to work from their home offices. In the new Nordea On Your Mind publication, Nordea experts explore how Covid-19 has transformed our ways of working and what it means for the office of the future.

Five Nordea graduates reflect on the future of banking

The urgent need to transition into a greener economy and the crucial role banks will play in society in the future are two recurring themes brought up by the participants in this year’s Nordea Graduate Programme.

Trade is not out of the woods just yet

As economies around the world begin to get back to pre-pandemic levels, some parts of the global supply chain have struggled to adapt to the return to full speed. Richard Hayes, Acting Head of Trade Solutions Denmark at Nordea, argues that alongside the pandemic, today’s dislocation and fragility in global supply chains originates from a combination of factors that began to impact the global trade ecosystem long before the emergence of COVID-19.

Subscription based business models in corporate banking

With subscription business models spreading across nearly all industry verticals, the financial industry is often described as a laggard in this area. Jean-Francois Tapprest, Large Corporates & Institutions (LC&I) Business Innovation Lead at Nordea, analyses how a large part of the corporate banking business is already “subscription-like” and how banks can gain inspiration from modern subscription-based models.

An effective hedging strategy helped this company dodge FX losses during Covid-19

Newgen Distribution, a leading distributor of Fitbit and other connected technology brands in Northern Europe, decided to implement an FX hedging strategy in 2019 to control its currency risk. The move has paid off, allowing the company to avoid exchange rate losses of up to 10% during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Pandemic overdrive for e-commerce

In the latest issue of Nordea On Your Mind, we explore the COVID-19 pandemic's turbocharging effect on e-commerce

E-tailers' three-to-five year business plans already materialised in 2020

COVID-19 has turbocharged the migration of consumers online. Kinnevik CEO Georgi Ganev discusses the trend in the latest Nordea On Your Mind.

The pandemic has lured reluctant food shoppers online

Nordea Equity Research analyst Daniel Ovin describes why the online shift in food retail should continue, and how far it could go.

The hunt for the right leverage

How does a company's choice of capital structure affect its value? Nordea On Your Mind has analysed the hard data.

Keeping the cash machine lean

Swedish Match has a transparent and consistent approach to capital structure, focused on minimising the cost of capital.

Basel IV: Unintended consequences of levelling the playing field

How will Basel IV change the playing field for corporate funding in the future? Nordea's experts take a look at the unintended consequences.

Basel IV: A delicate act of balancing simplicity, comparability and risk sensitivity

From a regulator perspective, what is the aim with the implementation of Basel IV? Nordea On Your Mind talks to the Swedish FSA to find out.

Principles for Responsible Banking

By committing to the Principles, banks across the globe take on the crucial role of helping to achieve a sustainable future.

Denmark: From deep crisis to risk of overheating

Is the Danish economy on the brink of overheating? Will growing labour shortages become a problem? And can we expect the housing market boom to continue?
Find out all this and more in this podcast with Nordea Chief Analyst Jan Størup Nielsen.

Standardised Request to Pay services will drive fast and frictionless payments

Initiatives in the EU and Nordics are bringing standardised Request to Pay services closer to reality. By removing friction and delivering real time payment messaging functionality across the region, Request to Pay will offer a wave of new payment opportunities and help to make instant payments the norm.

The case for a central bank digital currency varies by country

Ida Wolden Bache, Deputy Governor at Nordes Bank, discusses ongoing testing and ambition for a Norwegian central bank digital currency.

The case for a central bank digital currency varies by country

As the pandemic has accelerated the shift towards digital payments, central banks are exploring whether to launch digital currencies. Norges Bank Deputy Governor Ida Wolden Bache describes the Norwegian central bank's ongoing research into an e-krone.

Cryptocurrency: Do your due diligence with extreme prejudice

Differentiating between legitimate areas and outright scams remains difficult when it comes to cryptocurrency, says Nordea's Head of Emerging Technologies, Ville Sointu.

Growing ecosystem: Finland is one of the hottest startup hubs in Europe

Finland has emerged as one of the hottest startup hubs in the world – a place where new success stories are born

Podcast: All you wanted to know but didn't want to ask about cryptocurrencies

Cryptocurrencies have seen their prices soar in the past 18 months. Listen to our experts explore what cryptos are, what has driven the bonanza and whether there is a use case for them as a means of payment.

Looking for an investor? Join Nordea Investor Speed Dating

Nordea Investor Speed Dating – the matchmaking event bringing together growth companies and investors. Look for events that suits you and apply here.

Cryptocurrencies

Are cryptocurrencies likely to become a mainstream payment option, and what can corporates do to prepare? Find out in the new Nordea On Your Mind report.

Market outlook: Lower gear

Johan Larsson

Risky assets continued to yield great returns over the summer despite uncertainty stemming from peak growth, the delta variant and the inevitability of monetary tightening sooner or later.

Nordic corporates embrace sustainability-linked loans

Sustainability in finance is fast becoming the new normal, and sustainability-linked loans continue to gain momentum among Nordic corporates. This year, the trend has taken off in Denmark, according to speakers at the Cash & Treasury Management 2021 conference in Copenhagen.

Emerging privacy enhancing technologies (PETs) are the new blind spot in digital banking

A report by the Mobey Forum’s AI & Data Privacy Expert Group suggests there is a blind spot in the banking industry regarding the importance of emerging privacy enhancing technologies (PETs) in privacy risk mitigation and business innovation. The report argues emerging privacy enhancing technologies can be used to solve some of the key challenges in this space related to how to process anonymous and encrypted data without losing value even when no details about private data are shared.

We have Industry 4.0, why not Finance 4.0?

Manufacturers have been talking about Industry 4.0 for about a decade. Advances in sensors, networking and artificial intelligence (AI) have enabled them to track and optimise production facilities, cutting lead times, reducing waste and improving safety. But interest isn’t limited to manufacturers: retailers, healthcare companies and many others are looking at how these technologies could improve operations. That raises the question, are these ideas and technologies behind Industry 4.0 relevant to finance transformation?

Creating a global platform for corporate sustainability

In this podcast, Frida Emilsson, co-founder of WorldFavor, discusses the company’s evolution from an initial idea amongst friends into a leading global platform for sustainability reporting.

“Sustainability is becoming more and more important for US companies”

US companies interest in sustainability have grown significantly during the recent years. The Nordea North American Stars fund invests in US companies that work with sustainability issues, and the portfolio manager Joakim Ahlberg has seen how the interest is increasing.

Circular economy champion L&T discovers ease of FX automation

Environmental services company L&T started using Nordea's AutoFX currency robot mid-pandemic in 2020 to reduce the manual work needed to manage its currency risk. FX automation has been a game changer for the company's treasury department.

Market outlook: hot, but not too hot - update

Johan Larsson

The equity-market rally has resumed after a short late-spring spring pause. The Fed signaled monetary tightening might come sooner than some had thought, but this did not move equities much.

Innovator turns musical passion into global business

He has founded two globally successful companies and his favourite artists have become his fans. What advice does he have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Finland’s startup boom breaks records

Last year, Finnish startups attracted a record-breaking amount of growth funding. Despite their small size, these early-stage growth companies play a large role in the economy.

Prioritise substance over form in your ESG work

Marco Kisic and Viktoria Voskressenskaia from ESG Research explain how and why ESG performance matters for corporate value creation.

Podcast: Showing you are sustainable and reaping the rewards

The hype for sustainability and ESG are here to stay. Find out why in the latest podcast episode of Nordea On Your Mind.

Podcast: Creating a global platform for corporate sustainability

Worldfavor’s global platform for sustainability reporting helps companies access to valuable data on their suppliers and partners ESG performance

Engage with rating providers to prepare for the inevitable ESG conversations

Bob Mann, President and COO of Sustainalytics, explains why it's important for corporates to embrace ESG and engage with ESG rating providers.

Surge in ESG investing in the wake of the pandemic

When stock markets nosedived at the start of the pandemic, who could have known that a year later they would be at an all-time high with ESG investing as one of the winners?

ESG analyst: Green buildings is the way of the future

Green buildings have generated a lot of buzz, but do they live up to the hype? Nordea ESG analyst Martin Zistler says yes and explains why building green is the way of the future.

A guide to the EU’s renewed sustainable finance strategy

The European Commission in 2018 adopted its first Action Plan on financing sustainable growth. On 6 July, it released its renewed Strategy for Financing the Transition to a Sustainable Economy. Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory equips you with a pocket summary of the actions included.

EU unveils proposed green bond standard

The European Commission has launched the first official green bond standard linked to the EU taxonomy. Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory team shares its take on the proposed regulation for European green bonds and the implications for bond issuers going forward.

Ask your shareholders which ESG yardstick to use

Remy Briand, Managing Director and Head of ESG at MSCI, explains the surging interest in ESG ratings, what sets MSCI's approach apart and what companies can gain from having a rating.

ESG ratings – welcome to the jungle

How do you determine if a company is good at sustainability? ESG ratings vary greatly among providers, who are all measuring different things with different approaches.

Market outlook: hot, but not too hot

Johan Larsson

The equity market rally has resumed after a short late spring pause. The Fed signalled monetary tightening might come sooner than some had thought, but this did not move equities much.

Ways to tackle fraud in the new banking landscape

Helena Wall, Head of Fraud Intelligence and Awareness within Fraud Management at Nordea, was interviewed by ‘The Paypers’ to discuss the latest trends in financial service fraud attempts and how people can be educated on the tactics being applied by fraudsters.

How to finance growth for Small & Medium sized Enterprises?

Nordea’s Trade and Working Capital team return to their Working Capital Report 2020, this time from the perspective of SMEs (Small & Medium sized Enterprises) to assess their challenges with financing growth and investments and to suggest alternative solutions for funding growth if there is a shortage of capital.

A strong ESG score requires both actual improvement and communication of it

Sustainability has become the norm in ﬁnancial markets. Jacob Michaelsen explains how corporates should engage with ESG rating providers.

ESG: Reaping the rewards

ESG has rapidly gone from being seen as a niche investment philosophy to a business necessity. In the latest Nordea On Your Mind report, Nordea Thematics delves into the role of ESG ratings.

"Eight different investors wanted to meet us”

Nordea’s highly efficient “frog-kissing factory” has been connecting investors and startups all over the Nordics since 2018, and has grown to attract some very large, global investors.

Automating beneficiary account validation with Wärtsilä

A new API based solution known as ‘Beneficiary Account Validation’ provides an effective way for companies to validate the bank account information of their international suppliers before changing payment instructions or adding a new supplier. Developed as the result of close collaboration between Nordea and Wärtsilä, the new service aims to reduce the risk of fraud by adding an extra layer of security to the account verification process.

How climate change will affect the return on your investments

The latest edition of Nordea’s “ESG Investing” series focuses on the implications of climate change for investors.

Nordea elected to Executive Committee for Green and Social Bond Principles

Nordea joins a select group of 24 underwriters, issuers and investors on the Executive Committee, the governing body that decides on any changes to the Green Bond Principles and Social Bond Principles.

Podcast: Turning trash into treasure with Carrot

Carrot is on a mission to revolutionise the waste bin and change how we as a society handle garbage.

The subscription economy requires specific financial services

Driven by new technology and digitalisation, companies in the Nordics are increasingly moving towards subscription based business models as they become mainstream. Jean-Francois Tapprest, LC&I Business Innovation Lead at Nordea, discusses the ways companies can make the change and what this means for the financial services they consume.

Understanding risk: Why treasuries need to evolve

The treasury has long been under pressure to transform — yet, as we found out in our Treasury 2025 report, only 12% of treasuries said that their department has a digitisation strategy. In most companies, the treasury is still operating on the periphery, playing a supporting role to the wider business.

The rise of ESG in leveraged loans

Leveraged loan market participants are increasingly incorporating sustainability targets into their financing deals. With the trend set to grow at a rapid pace, the Loan Market Association brought together experts for a recent webinar to identify best practices for the leveraged market when it comes to engaging with ESG.

Dialogue with companies leads to increased climate efforts

With almost a thousand engagements with companies and countries in 2020, Nordea Asset Management is driving change through active ownership.

Market outlook: growing pains

Johan Larsson

After a strong spring, global equities have traded in a sideways pattern from mid-April. Combined with a continuously improving earnings outlook, this has shaved the worst edge off extended valuations.

Transition finance: Funding the shift to a green economy

Transition finance is one of the most hotly debated topics within sustainable finance. Nordea's Sustainable Finance Advisory team shares its view on the current state of transition finance and where it's headed.

Leading the way to a verifiable data network with Findy

A new joint public and private initiative in Finland known as Findy aims to create a decentralised verifiable data network that solves the challenges of being able to trust identification related information online. Findy’s goal is to enable individuals and organisations connected to the network to manage their own identification credentials and control access to the data.

Sustainability-linked bonds: The investor perspective

Interest in sustainability-linked bonds has surged among issuers, but how do investors feel about the innovative new format? Nordea Sustainable Finance Advisory has taken a deep dive, exploring investor reactions as well as the results of a recent investor survey on the SLB format.

ESG expert lists challenges and opportunities of ESG analysis

Since the end of 2020, Veronica Palmgren heads the ESG analysis team in Group Sustainability at Nordea. Here she explains how our work with ESG develops.

P27 and the ecosystem of instant payments

The race towards instant cross-border payments is crowded. Like the beginning of a bicycle race, participants are lining up, some with a spirit of cooperation and others with a more competitive mindset. Governments, banks and organisations are all vying to get out in front — but the course is long and a winning solution requires both speed and security to succeed.

Corporate lending under Basel IV

How will Basel IV shape corporate lending in the future? Nordea On Your Mind explores the implications for banks and corporate borrowers.

Science-based targets – The new ‘must have’ in sustainable finance?

As momentum in the sustainable finance space picks up, more and more companies are committing to increasingly ambitious sustainability targets. Greenhouse-gas-related targets in particular are in vogue and, with that, a focus on aligning them with the Paris Agreement and the Science-Based Targets (SBT) initiative. In this article, we look at the corporate take-up of SBTs and ask, what is next?

Paving the way for social loans

The Swedish local government funding agency, Kommuninvest, recently launched a social sustainability loan offering for its members. This innovative new product, developed in collaboration with members to promote social sustainability throughout Sweden, finances investments with solid potential to address local challenges. Nordea’s Sustainable Finance Advisory team spoke to Björn Bergstrand, Head of Sustainability at Kommuninvest, to find out more about the agency’s social loan journey.
03 May,

Do companies need to modernise the C-suite?

Ten years ago you’d probably never heard of the 'C-suite', a phrase that refers to a company's key group of senior executives. Now, it’s everywhere. And over that time, the definition has grown more broad. Core roles — like Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chief Finance Officer (CFO) and Chief Operations Officer (COO) — have been joined by new ones, like Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). As we emerge from a period of intense changes, many businesses are asking if this leadership group needs to evolve further.

Garbage tech: A race to turn waste into resources

Did you know that 70% of the waste thrown in trash bags in Oslo ends up there by mistake? In Bergen the startup Carrot has found a solution.

The rise of edge banking in the era of digital commerce

As companies continue their migration towards digital commerce, they will increasingly need to embed financial services into their own customer offerings and value-chain processes. Marina Repo, Head of Partnerships, Nordea Connect, and Jean-Francois Tapprest, LC&I Business Innovation Lead at Nordea, exchange views on the rise of e-commerce and envision the opportunities for re-inventing corporate banking.

The final EU Taxonomy and next steps in sustainable finance

The European Commission has adopted its final screening criteria under the EU taxonomy, a framework for classifying green investments. Nordea's experts share their reflections on the landmark rules and what to focus on in sustainable finance going forward.

Is your company prepared for the 4th industrial revolution?

The fourth industrial revolution has ushered in a whole range opportunities for implementing data driven business models. Mathias Rasmussen, Working Capital Advisory at Nordea, discusses the effects increased data will have on asset life time spans, customer relationships, working capital and value creation.

Empowering businesses with Embedded Finance

The growth of embedded finance has seen an increasing number of financial operations enabled in the user’s own preferred digital environment. As a market leader in Open Banking, Nordea is heading the embedded finance charge by providing a growing selection of premium API solutions that can be embedded in external channels and applications.

Empowering businesses with Embedded Finance

Capital structure should never be a constraint for profitable investments

Who better to ask about aiming for the right capital structure than a company which has in the past few years raised new equity and made payouts through both dividends and share buybacks? Kongsberg CFO Gyrid Skalleberg Ingerø discusses the company's capital structure journey with Nordea Thematics' Johan Trocmé.

The Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation takes effect: What to expect

The Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), effective from 10 March 2021, imposes new transparency and disclosure requirements on financial market participants at both the product and entity level. The regulation is part of a broader wave of EU legislation that aims to stamp out greenwashing and reorient capital flows towards sustainable investment.

Podcast: Capital structure in the real world

Henrik Immelborn, Managing Director, Debt Solutions and Loans at Nordea discuss together with Johan Trocmé and Viktor Sonebäck how Nordic large corporates fund themselves today versus 20 years ago.

AI: With great power comes great responsibility

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming more varied and more widespread. Many of us interact with it every single day: we talk to digital assistants like Siri and Alexa, we let sites like Netflix, Amazon and ASOS suggest our next purchases, and we let AI sort our emails and even suggest replies. But AI isn’t without its problems and even companies with large teams of researchers are struggling with some of the challenges.

How can retailers adapt in a post-pandemic world?

Lots has been written about the future of retail. And not just since the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2019, a study by HUI Research in collaboration with the Trade Council found that in Sweden 4,222 stores had closed in the past year. This was offset by 1,957 openings, but still represents a significant fall.

Using the financial markets to close the gender gap

The importance of gender equality is getting a lot of attention, not least from the financial markets. That was the message at a recent fireside chat from the 2021 SHE Conference, featuring Heike Reichelt from the World Bank Treasury and Elin Ljung from Nordic Capital.

The true value of P27 are the things that can be added on top

Tino Kam, Head of Transaction Banking Product Management at Nordea, spoke to P27 Nordic Payments to share his take on the value of P27, the platform’s expected benefits, and the importance of having a robust and resilient payments platform that serves the entire Nordic region. This article was independently edited by P27 Nordic Payments and is reshared here on Insights.

Diversity and inclusion: Lessons from top business leaders

What is the business value of gender diversity, and how do you put inclusiveness into practice? Top leaders from companies including Nordea, Telenor and Ernst & Young shared their thoughts at a recent SHE Conference event.

Redefining the treasury through automation

Automation is a strategic opportunity for finance and treasury departments to move closer to the business in their companies and drive innovation. FX automation is one clear place to start.

It’s good to share, but is it good for business?

The term “sharing economy” has come to be used for a lot of different things. From community-based initiatives like The Green Village to multi-billion-dollar unicorns like Uber. With people increasingly concerned about the environment and ownership not being the status symbol it once was, sharing resources or renting things rather than buying them looks set to grow.

All-star leader panel tackles gender equality in the wake of Covid-19

State leaders from around the world gathered at the 2021 SHE Conference to discuss Covid-19’s impact on gender and equality and how to respond going forward.

Online food retail is all about convenience

Johan Lagercrantz, CEO of MatHem, discusses the rise in online food retail during the Covid-19 pandemic and why the trend should continue.

Companies face growing pressure to set science-based climate targets

Europe’s largest asset manager Amundi has announced that it will push companies to adopt science-based targets verified by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). The move highlights growing pressure from investors for companies to release specific emission-reduction targets aligned with the Paris Agreement. What are science-based targets, and how can companies adopt them?

ESG ratings: What you need to know

ESG ratings have grown in popularity as a way for investors and other financial stakeholders to assess companies’ environmental, social and governance performance. What goes into these ratings, and why do they matter?

Better AI Requires Human Intelligence

At the recent Stockholm Fintech Week, the session on AI in Insurtech focused heavily on how not to work with artificial intelligence. It seems there are so many misconceptions, empty buzzwords and broken promises that the credibility of the field needs to first be defended before it can be explored.

Frictionless Cross-border Payments: Let’s Start in the Nordics

The realm of Payments is going through a rapid transformation. Whether the inevitable result of a decades-long drive toward digitalisation or the unintended consequence of third-party technological leaps forward, we are currently witnessing a confluence of major changes to the industry, with Nordic markets at the forefront.

How do we measure risk after a pandemic?

Sustainability isn’t just about the environment. Companies strive to be robust and able to take change in their stride. But few were prepared for a global pandemic on the scale of COVID-19. Businesses around the world were forced to shut their doors. Supply chains, sales models, and support services were all thrown up in the air.

Are we living in a digital bubble?

Technology has enabled incredible progress. For many of us it’s hard to imagine not being able to communicate, look up information and even manage our bank account from anywhere at any time. Welcome to the digital bubble. Not everyone has access to, or the skills to take advantage of the wonders of all this technology. The digital divide has been on the agenda for a number of years, but recent global events have reignited the conversation.

Nordea On Your Mind: E-commerce and corona

In the latest issue of Nordea On Your Mind, we explore the COVID-19 pandemic's disruption of business models and turbocharging effect on e-commerce.

Open Banking — a gateway to a financially healthy and resilient community

Esther Groen, Adviser to the Board at Holland Fintech, discusses how Open Finance is the natural next step for Open Banking and the benefits this can have for both consumers and the wider economy.

The future of liquidity management – Hunting for efficiency

A new study from Nordea on the outlook for liquidity management in the next 3 to 5 years suggests companies will continue to move towards real time, benefitting from API technology, increased automisation and centralised set ups in order to increase efficiency and free up time for developing their business.

Textile recycling champion Renewcell suits up with tailor-made financing

Renewcell is on a mission to green the fashion industry with Circulose®, its ground-breaking product made from the cotton from worn-out clothes. Nordea drove the company’s successful IPO in December, while also securing comprehensive export and project financing that enables Renewcell to move into large-scale commercialisation. The tailor-made financing, a unique mixture of equity and debt, highlights the critical role of financial actors in financing the ‘Industrial Evolution’ towards circularity and sustainability.

A closer look at green bond premiums

Do green bonds perform better than non-green ones? Andreas Zsiga, chief analyst in Nordea Credit Research, recently examined that question. He discusses his findings and the outlook for green premiums going forward.

Currency volatility ahead – SME’s should assess and manage currency risks immediately

Too many small and mid-sized companies continue to underestimate their currency risks, according to a recent Nordea study.

Covid-19 was a wake-up call for this company to manage its currency risk

When Covid-19 hit, Finnish furniture company Pohjanmaan Kaluste Oy decided to start hedging its currency risk. The move has allowed the company to set currency worries aside and focus on running its thriving business in challenging times.

Business strategy: Just “set it and forget it” — or dynamic and adaptive?

Taru Möller, Head of Transaction Banking Value Propositions at Nordea, discusses how the changing preferences of customers means companies should be looking to make their operations more dynamic and adaptive with real-time capabilities able to respond to shifting demands.

Financial stakeholders are key to shipping’s green transition

Andrew Stephens, Executive Director of the Sustainable Shipping Initiative, kicked off Nordea's online Sustainable Finance and Shipping Forum on 20 January. He shares his thoughts on the transformational impact of ESG and sustainable finance on the shipping industry.

Why the next 18 months in Open Banking will be game changing with new innovative financial services customised for specific customer segments

Brendan Jones, Chief Commercial Officer at Konsentus, discusses the practical implications of how PSD2 (the Revised Payment Services Directive) and Open Banking will change the way financial services are distributed.

Working Capital improves for Nordic companies

Nordea’s Working Capital Study 2020 has analysed the working capital performance of 9300 companies between 2016-2019 by using data from publicly available financial reports. The study found that overall the level of working capital improved across companies which mitigated an overall decrease in Return on Capital Employed.

Active ESG ownership generates improved returns and increased sustainability

How efficient is active ESG ownership compared to other investment strategies and how can personal investors make a real impact through engagement?

How an e-com pioneer grew to SEK 1 bn in turnover in just a few years

Mobile phone accessory maker Ideal of Sweden has been on a whirlwind growth journey, from a small garage operation to an e-commerce leader. Discover the company’s keys to success and how it is using Nordea’s AutoFX currency robot to make more time for what matters – its core business.

P27: Simpler cross-border payments and much more

Twenty-seven million people live in the Nordic region. The constituent countries are very closely aligned, especially when it comes to cross-border trade and travel. But this cohesion doesn’t extend to currency and payment systems.

Industry 4.0 describes how companies will stay competitive in the digital era

How companies will stay competitive in new the digital era? We meet with Niklas Arvidsson, Associate Professor in Industrial Economics and Management at Stockholm's KTH Royal Institute of Technology to find out

Industry 4.0 is a business model revolution, not a technological revolution

Sandik's Hugo Nordell, Vice President of Strategy & Business Development, and Ulf Hermansson, Director of Strategic Execution share their view on level of digitalisation within Sandvik and what AMT actually does.

The sustainable loan market: A snapshot of recent developments

Since the publication of the Sustainability-Linked Loan Principles in 2019, global sustainability-linked loan volumes have shot past green loan levels. Sustainability-linked loans provide a good complement to green loans for companies pushing a broader sustainability strategy and are a relevant alternative for entities within sectors that are not green by nature.

Why CFOs need to stay in the driving seat of digital transformation

When we discussed the CFO’s contribution to digital transformation a little over a year ago, we argued that they should be taking a leading role. It might have only been a year, but a lot has happened since then and so it seems like a good time to revisit the topic.

Investing in the fight against food waste

Investments that reduce food loss and waste can deliver two big wins: improving food security and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, according to the World Bank, which recently issued two bonds to raise awareness of the issue.

Finding the key to digital identities

As the digital age and enhanced connectivity makes banking more accessible and convenient for users than ever before, banks need to support ease of access while prioritising security. Adaptive authentication with digital identities confirmed from multiple devices may provide a way of ensuring banks can rely on the information being shared digitally in the future.

Podcast: Ever heard about Industry 4.0?

Industry 4.0 refers to the upcoming fourth industrial revolution, which is urgently needed to revive growth.

Delivering innovation fast and on time

The ground-breaking ‘Helix’ innovation model developed by Norway Post & Bring is helping the company find new and faster ways of bringing ideas and solutions to life. Keeping up with the pace of change also means expanding innovation hubs to make room for more co-creation in the future.

Industry 4.0 – Evolution, revolution or something else?

Industry 4.0 is the fourth industrial revolution, which is badly needed to revive stalled productivity growth in the G7 economies.

New equity capital was a matter of ‘safety first’

What do you do when a global pandemic breaks out while you are right in the midst of a major working capital reduction programme to bring down leverage? Stein Eriksen, CFO of XXL, highlights their rights issue, accelerated customer migration from stores to online shopping, and stronger preferences for staycation.

Nordea launches its own ESG ratings for Nordic companies

The ratings system caters to a variety of investment strategies, allowing investors to tailor the output for their specific preferences. Marco Kisic, Nordea’s Head of ESG Research, explains the ins and outs.

Lessons from the infant sustainability-linked bond market

In September 2020, the first bonds aligned to the Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles (SLBPs) were issued. Even though the fledgling market provides endless opportunities for structuring sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), a comparison of the current issuers and their bonds reveals unexpected similarities.

Getting round to the circular economy

In the circular economy, products and services are based on the sharing, renting and recycling of resources. Companies of all sizes can already now begin to take steps towards circular business models, gaining both an economic and competitive advantage.

Capital markets discount a V-shaped recovery from COVID-19

We explore what kind of recovery from COVID-19 is being forecast and and what is actually priced in by markets.

Moving towards real-time in the Nordics

Breakthroughs in technology, combined with regional initiatives and increasing standardisation, are moving the Nordic region even closer to real-time payments as the norm. For Nordea, leveraging evolving infrastructure and technology is all about bringing greater value to customers.

Coronavirus: Plan B – Hope for the best, prepare for the worst

Covid-19 has given an unprecedented shock to the world economy, as lockdowns caused sudden and sharp declines in demand, and we cannot safely assume that development of a vaccine or other therapy will make it go away entirely.

Aviation: The extreme of the extremes

Finnair CEO Topi Manner discusses the difficult decision to be first in the industry to do a big equity issue.

Sustainable investment – good for your assets and for the planet

At Nordea we're now seeing broad interest in sustainable companies as an attractive long-term investment theme.

Podcast: Coronavirus – Plan B

Capital markets have rebounded from the COVID-19 shock, and consensus forecasts expect 2021 to be even better than the pre-pandemic 2019.

Risk management: The top 12 risks every business owner should know

Knowing the most common hurdles facing your business can inform your risk management strategy and improve your company’s chances of success.

Keep your online customers coming back: Three myths debunked

When e-commerce puts the world at every consumer’s fingertips, how can you make sure they choose your online store? And not just once, but time after time?

How to manage financial risk when starting and growing a business

Nordea’s leading Startup & Growth experts walk you through the most common financial risks when launching or growing a business and how to avoid them.

It’s time to give overdues an extra look

An in depth analysis of 124 large Nordic companies in 2019 showed aggregated overdue payments of EUR 18.5 billion, equal to 22% of total gross accounts receivables. With total overdue payments already increasing by 4% from 2018, the after effects of the coronavirus are expected to create an even larger growth in overdue payments in the coming months.

ESG analyst about the importance of ESG in credit risk assessment

Sheida Palmelind, ESG analyst at Nordea Group Sustainable Finance, irons out why ESG factors are important to consider during credit risk assessment.

The sustainable sovereign bond market heats up

Ever since Poland became the first sovereign to issue a green bond back in December 2016, the race has been on to see which countries would follow. Now the market looks set to grow rapidly, with Sweden recently publishing its Green Bond Framework, Germany planning to issue its inaugural green bond in September and Denmark exploring an innovative new model for sovereign green bonds.

Industry engagement in India paying off

“Engagement with the companies and industries, where we are invested, is a backbone of our Responsible Investment strategy. In that perspective we are very proud of being recognised, receiving the ‘ESG Engagement initiative’ award."

Flower power – Open Banking help Majblomman track donations in real time

Majblomman is a well-known Swedish charity that raises money with the annual sale of special paper flower pins. When Majblomman implemented a fully digital campaign, Nordea’s Open Banking team enabled a real time overview of all incoming donations.

Oil: Black gold or black hole?

Nordea's Johan Trocmé and Viktor Sonebäck take a look at the outlook for the oil industry, which is facing its third major shock in only 12 years.

Podcast: Oil – Black gold or black hole?

In the latest podcast episode of Nordea On Your Mind Johan Trocmé, Viktor Sonebäck and Shirin Haddad discuss how the oil industry will deal with likely persistent price volatility.

COVID-19 bonds – a market and investor perspective

The current corona crisis has given rise to a new label of sustainable bonds: COVID-19 bonds. With no established market practices for these bonds, issuers and investors are working together to find existing and new solutions for COVID-19-related funding, while safeguarding the integrity of the sustainable finance market.

Do green bonds outperform in ‘risk-off’ periods? Yes, but beware the nuances

We find that green bonds have been more resilient than traditional bonds in times of crisis, but there are things to keep in mind when doing the analysis.

Corona bonds: What are they and why do they matter?

The COVID-19 pandemic has spawned a new bond label, so-called "corona bonds," opening opportunities not only for sovereign and supranational issuers, but also for corporates.

Podcast: The case for a credit rating

How do corporate borrowers benefit from having a credit rating? When is it worth the effort and expense?

Nordea helps public sector borrowers finance COVID-19 response

Public sector borrowers are issuing bonds to finance the emergency and stimulus response to the coronavirus outbreak, and Nordea is on the front line.

Our FX APIs take care of the boring stuff so you don’t have to

Automating your daily FX tasks is no longer a luxury but a strategic necessity. With Nordea’s newest FX API covering post-trade reporting and accounting, the process is easier than ever.

Supply chains: Become less lean or step up risk management

Nordea's Viktor Sonebäck interviewed Patrik Zekkar, Global Head of Trade Finance & Working Capital Management at Nordea, to hear more about how the COVID-19 outbreak will disrupt global supply chains, as occurred during the SARS outbreak in 2003-04 and the Fukushima accident in 2011. Patrik elaborates on how China plays a greater role today, how corporates should think about their supply chains and how Nordea can offer short-term help.

Sustainable balanced funds attract significant inflows

The last mile is no longer driven in the dark

Budbee CEO and founder Fredrik Hamilton explains how the company's data-driven business model is disrupting the home delivery field.

The growing importance of green bond funds

The dramatic growth in green bond issuance and investor demand is driving a rise in dedicated green and sustainable bond funds. While low levels of supply and diversification were initially seen as a limitation for these funds, that’s changing.

EU taxonomy: What’s new in the final recommendations?

The European Commission’s expert group on sustainable finance has published its final recommendations on the EU taxonomy, a framework for classifying green investments. We take a deep dive into what’s new in the latest report, including sector-specific highlights.

Selecting KPIs – Empowering finance departments by measuring what matters

Nordea’s Treasury KPI Report showed that treasuries are increasingly embracing KPIs to monitor the effectiveness of their activities. For Treasurers and CFO’s in the process of selecting operational and strategic KPIs, choosing the right mix can often be dependent on company size.

More time for the human touch thanks to robotics

Nordea has been successfully introducing robots to take care of manual repetitive processes in order to create more time for employees to focus on value adding tasks. After a period of development, the bank now has one of the most advanced robotics programmes in the Nordics.

Improving user experiences with Open Banking

Although it was regulatory requirements that sparked the move towards Open Banking, Sofia Ericsson Holm, Head of Strategic Partnerships and Open Banking at Nordea, explains how it is the demand for instant and better user experiences that will really drive innovation.

Taking a holistic approach to equipping the modern Treasurer

Nordea aims to stay one step ahead of the rush to deliver new products and services by understanding and anticipating the needs of customers, elevating traditional functional transaction banking offerings to dynamic tools that support strategic decision making.

Unscrambling the alphabet soup of ESG reporting

Need help decoding the dizzying array of acronyms when it comes to reporting on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues? Here’s your guide.

Owning to influence – a field visit to a city engulfed in smoke

Water risk – a growing concern for investors

What skill sets will be critical in the treasury of the future?

As digitalisation progresses and the financial landscape evolves, treasury teams face rapidly changing demands. Employees will require an increasingly diverse range of skills to succeed and thrive — and to ensure the treasury’s future relevance.

Getting into gear with the Internet of Things

Industry 4.0 is the name broadly used for the fourth industrial revolution, which has seen entire industries starting to move towards fully digital value chains and manufacturing processes. Ville Sointu, Head of Emerging Technologies at Nordea, discusses how linking industrial IoT data streams to payments and financing will make it possible to create innovative new solutions and services.

Your guide to bond issuance and loan transactions

Need a brush-up on the ins and outs of debt financing? Here's what you need to know.

Keeping pace with the changing Nordic payments landscape

During a busy Sibos conference in London, Tino Kam, Head of Transaction Banking Solutions at Nordea, met up with Lauren Jones from InstaPay, to discuss the latest developments in Nordic payments. This article was independently edited by InstaPay and is reprinted here.

Beyond the hype: How far away is the real-time treasury?

Many treasuries are still reliant on end of day reports and manual processes. But change is within sight. Here are some exciting innovations that are bringing treasuries closer to being truly real-time — from open banking APIs to robotics and artificial intelligence.

Managing corporate invoicing with Ropo Capital

The Finnish company Ropo Capital specialises in managing the corporate invoicing process right along the invoice lifecycle. At a restaurant in Helsinki harbour, Maija Rinttilä, Cash Management Adviser from Nordea met Toni Rönkkö, CFO at Ropo Capital, and Ilkka Sammelvuo, CTO at Ropo Capital, to hear how Ropo are re-imagining traditional business models and helping their customers turn invoices into cash faster.

Fast fashion – tackling the problem of low wages for garment workers

Fast fashion and inexpensive clothing has caused an enormous increase in global clothing production, often with adverse consequences for the garment workers. In this article, Olena Velychko, ESG Analyst at Nordea Asset Management, talks about how to tackle the problems and ensure sustainability.

Smarter and easier payment solutions with Yonoton

The Finnish technology company Yonoton specialises in providing mobile solutions to improve the digital ordering and buying process for both consumers and businesses. At MS Louisiana restaurant in Helsinki, Teemu Karenius, Founder and CEO of Yonoton, met Juha Risikko, Head of Mobile & Emerging Payments at Nordea, to discuss Yonoton's partnership with Nordea and how Yonoton's versatile platform is simplifying and streamlining the customer experience.

Wallenstam turns to Nordea for sustainable financing

Giving financial decision makers a clear view

Providing businesses with an instant and easy overview of their key financial figures is an important aim of banks in leveraging new digital tools to help their customers make more empowered decisions. Nordea’s new Dashboard promises to help financial decision makers from companies of all sizes move to centre stage in the strategy making process.

Building a great future together with H+H

After the construction company H+H switched bank for the first time in 110 years to join Nordea, the implementation of a new global cash pool has given the company direct access to all of their liquidity in one place.

P27 – On the way to becoming a reality

Project 27 began as a multibank initiative to establish a Nordic cross border payment infrastructure that will bring real benefits to the 27 million inhabitants of the region. After a series of milestones, P27 is now well on the way to creating the world’s first area for domestic and cross-border payments in multiple currencies.

Why automation is the new kid on the FX block

Spreadsheets may have been your FX go-to when trading in the past but, as Nordea's Kristoffer Jansell explains, automation in tandem with digitalisation is changing the way we trade.

Can banks become the guardians of personal data?

As society’s traditional safe place to store assets and wealth, the role of banks as the potential guardians and facilitators of sharing personal data has gained traction. If data is the new asset class of the digital age and ‘personal data management’ is a natural direction for banks, creating a system that can work in practice is not without its challenges.

What’s the role of today’s CFO in digital transformation?

Many CFOs still spend the majority of their time on traditional finance roles. But as the gatekeepers of critical finance data, CFOs should also play a leading role in their company’s digital transformation. This article explores how CFOs can achieve this.

How to drive sustainability with supply chain financing

Sustainability is becoming a major priority for corporates. As consumers become more environmentally aware, businesses are striving to reduce their impact on the world around them. We discuss why the supply chain plays such a crucial role in sustainability.

How treasuries can capitalise on the opportunities of digitalisation

Every treasury is on a digital transformation journey. And while there can be challenges involved, these are vastly outweighed by the benefits of new technologies. Here’s how treasuries can plan for a smooth transition and work with partners effectively to achieve the best results from digitalisation.

How can corporate treasuries fund digitalisation?

Businesses in every industry are undergoing digital transformation. They’re using technology to improve how they interact with customers, differentiate products and services, and drive internal efficiencies. In some cases, digitalisation is paving the way for entirely new business models. But that’s putting increasing pressure on corporate treasuries.

Time for open payments

Open Banking offers a future of fast, direct and transparent data flows that can change the way people use and consume financial services. Built around the concept of strong customer authentication, a range of new solutions are possible including specific enablers that can make Request to Pay an everyday reality.

Open Banking – the basis of a new digital banking backbone

Banks are transforming to become fully digital. For the traditional banks, the journey is long and will take years. Luckily, they are not alone. External partners like Fintechs, non-traditional financial services providers, technology companies and even regulatory requirements are helping banks to take the steps towards the target state. Mikko Päivinen, Enterprise Architect at Nordea, explains how Open Banking is one of the drivers which can help the digital transformation, if architected and implemented correctly.

Transforming cross border payments with SWIFT gpi

SWIFT global payments initiative (gpi) is set to become the new standard for making cross border payments. Offering a range of benefits for banks and their customers, full SWIFT gpi compliance is expected to be achieved by the end of 2020.

The Internet of Things – Making sense of the data

As more devices become connected to the Internet of Things, ever growing quantities of data are produced. Ville Sointu, Head of Emerging Technologies at Nordea, explains how this data has the potential to transform financing models and business decisions for companies and individuals alike.

Nordea FX algo: Learnings from BIS

Key trends in FX algos according to the Bank for International Settlements.

The benefits of Swish for businesses in Sweden

As Sweden continues to move towards being a cashless society, the Swish mobile app has seen an explosion in popularity. It’s now used by over two thirds of the country’s population. Here’s what businesses in Sweden have to gain from offering Swish as a mobile payment solution.

How to future-proof your payment factory

You may already have a centralised payment and collections hub, but it’s important that you regularly review and improve its processes. By continually upgrading your payment factory, your business can scale, evolve and navigate new risks. Here are our key recommendations.

Latest trends in Working Capital revealed

Nordea’s Working Capital Report analysed the performance data of 9300 companies from publicly available financial reports between 2013 to 2017. The report found that overall the working capital level remained fairly stable during the four years. However, large deviations were uncovered below the surface.

How Volvo’s treasury is becoming a strategic player

Treasuries want to be more strategic—but it’s not an easy road. They’ll need to recruit the right skill sets, take a leading role on digitalisation and be early adopters of new technologies. Nordea’s Erik Seifert met with Elisabeth Mosséen, Group Treasurer at Volvo Cars, to learn from her experience of building a strategic treasury that’s actively engaging with the business to support corporate goals.

7 practical steps treasuries can take against cyber threats

Cybercrime increasingly threatens finance departments across the Nordics. With attacks on the rise , what can you do to stay secure? Here are actionable steps that won’t break the bank or require a complete infrastructure overhaul.

Is it time your business adopted an Information Security Management System?

For companies throughout the Nordics, cybercrime is a growing concern. Attacks can have a long-lasting impact on companies—from major financial losses to reputational damage. To battle the myriad risks, is it time your company established an Information Security Management System (ISMS)?

Banking on blockchain

Despite the often negative headlines related to cryptocurrencies, blockchain technology offers far more than just new forms of digital cash and gives banks the opportunity of creating all sorts of new value adding services.

The rise of FX algos at Profit & Loss

Profit & Loss Magazine’s annual Scandinavia event last week didn’t disappoint. We pick up the buzz.

3 ways to prepare for SEPA Instant Credit Transfers

The new SEPA Instant Credit Transfer scheme could benefit your business in a number of ways—but are you ready? In this article we offer three key recommendations to help your business prepare for the upcoming changes and get the most out of instant payments.

How will SEPA Instant Credit Transfer benefit your business?

The new SEPA Instant Credit Transfer scheme is a world-first in terms of its scale and reach. As it’s rolled out across Europe, it could benefit your business immensely; by helping you deliver better customer experiences, optimise your cash management and streamline your operations.

FX Algorithms – putting the computers to work

Algorithmic trading has become popular for foreign exchange trading in recent years, driven by strong demand.