Meet our people: Antti Saha on jazz band banking and Finland’s growth momentum

Antti Saha leads Large Corporates & Institutions in Finland, where he orchestrates what he calls “artisan banking” for Nordea’s largest clients. His path to banking started with a rescued email from the trash bin, and he’s been on that journey ever since.

Let’s start at the beginning. What did you dream of becoming when you were younger?

I remember being quoted in our local newspaper during high school. It was a small town, so it didn't take much to make that cut. I said I had two wishes: either to be a successful football player or work in international business as a consultant. My football career ended with a knee injury when I was in my twenties. I was playing in a very low league, and honestly, the talent probably wasn't quite there either. So I had to go for the business side instead.

How did you end up in banking?

Completely by accident. I was finishing my studies and working at an engineering company when someone from Nordea reached out via my university email on recommendation from a professor. I was busy, so I just threw it in the trash bin. Then that evening, for whatever reason, I thought, "Why on earth did I get an email from Nordea?" So I pulled it back out and read it. I'm still on that journey, so you really can't plan these things.

How would you describe your role today as head of LC&I Finland?

LC&I is what I call artisan banking. This is not mass market. We're like a jazz band. We work with  multiple product units and many stakeholders who are all experts in their fields. One person is drumming, another is playing saxophone, someone else is doing a solo. It needs to function together, but they all need to be highly competent experts in what they do.

What’s your strategic focus right now?

Growth is a top priority. That’s what all our business areas are striving for, combined with a winning mindset and collaboration. I’m also specifically focused on connecting the dots, looking at how LC&I can work across different banking areas to serve our clients better. The best way to help clients is to bring our full capabilities to the table. 

What gives you energy in your daily work?

The moments when we can impress our clients with our advice and get their appreciation. We play in the elite league. Our clients expect the best, and when you realise you're doing well in this environment, that's pretty motivating.

What do you see as the biggest opportunities for Finnish corporates?

After years of subdued activity, Finnish companies are turning their growth engine on. It's not only KONE's EUR 29 billion acquisition of TK Elevator, the largest Nordic M&A anyone can remember, but many others, with KONE potentially acting as a bit of a catalyst. Companies have the courage and willingness to grow. For a bank, the easiest way to grow is with clients, and we have an opportunity to help them do exactly that. And the momentum is real – Finland had one of the highest GDP growth rates in the euro area in Q1 this year. 

What do you do to relax after demanding days?

I have two kids who are 6 and 10, so I'm the logistics chief of the family. Basketball, tennis, dancing – there's no problem filling spare time. There's no more important role than facilitating your kids doing the things they want to do. 

What advice would you give to others in their careers?

I've had the pleasure of working with so many talented colleagues and clients over the years. If there’s one thing I’d share it’s this: always pursue learning something new, and make sure you have some fun along the way.