20-F 1 a17-28733_120f.htm 20-F

Table of Contents

 

As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 26, 2018

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

FORM 20-F

 

(Mark One)

 

o

REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR 12(g) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

OR

 

 

x

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

 

 

OR

 

 

o

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

 

OR

 

 

o

SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

Date of event requiring this shell company report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

 

For the transition period from                       to                        

 

Commission file number: 001-08382

 

AKTIEBOLAGET SVENSK EXPORTKREDIT

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

 

(SWEDISH EXPORT CREDIT CORPORATION)

(Translation of Registrant’s name into English)

 

Kingdom of Sweden

(Jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

 

Klarabergsviadukten 61-63, Stockholm, Sweden

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

Susanna Rystedt, Swedish Export Credit Corporation,

P.O.Box 194, SE-101 23 Stockholm

Email: Susanna.Rystedt@sek.se

Phone 46-8-613 85 64, Fax 46-8-20 38 94

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

 

Title of each class

 

Name of each exchange on which registered

ELEMENTSSM Linked to the SPECTRUM Large Cap U.S. Sector Momentum Index developed by BNP Paribas due August 8, 2022

 

NYSE ARCA, Inc.

 

 

 

ELEMENTSSM Linked to the Rogers International Commodity Index® — Agriculture Total ReturnSM due October 24, 2022

 

NYSE ARCA, Inc.

 

 

 

ELEMENTSSM Linked to the Rogers International Commodity Index® — Energy Total ReturnSM due October 24, 2022

 

NYSE ARCA, Inc.

 

 

 

ELEMENTSSM Linked to the Rogers International Commodity Index® — Metals Total ReturnSM due October 24, 2022

 

NYSE ARCA, Inc.

 

 

 

ELEMENTSSM Linked to the Rogers International Commodity Index® — Total ReturnSM due October 24, 2022

 

NYSE ARCA, Inc.

 

 

 

ELEMENTSSM Linked to the MLCX Biofuels Index (Exchange Series) — Total Return due February 13, 2023

 

NYSE ARCA, Inc.

 

 

 

ELEMENTSSM Linked to the MLCX Grains Index — Total Return due February 14, 2023

 

NYSE ARCA, Inc.

 

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

 

None

(Title of Class)

 



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Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act:

 

Debt Securities

(Title of Class)

 

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report:

Shares

3,990,000

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

x Yes   o No

 

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

o Yes   x No

 

Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days:

x Yes   o No

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

 

Large accelerated filer o

 

Accelerated filer o

 

Non-accelerated filer x

 

Emerging growth company o

 

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. o

 

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

 

U.S. GAAP o

 

 International Financial Reporting Standards as issued
by the International Accounting Standards Board
x

 

Other o

 

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

o Item 17   o Item 18

 

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

o Yes   x No

 

(APPLICABLE ONLY TO ISSUERS INVOLVED IN BANKRUPTCY PROCEEDINGS DURING THE PAST FIVE YEARS)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed all documents and reports required to be filed by Sections 12, 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 subsequent to the distribution of securities under a plan confirmed by a court.

 

o Yes   o No

 



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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

PART I

4

 

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS

4

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

4

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

4

ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE GROUP AND THE PARENT COMPANY

11

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

22

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

29

ITEM 7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

37

ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

39

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

39

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

40

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

43

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

43

 

 

PART II

44

 

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

44

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

44

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

44

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

45

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

45

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

46

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTION FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

46

ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS

. 47

ITEM 16F. CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

47

ITEM 16G.CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

47

 

 

PART III

48

 

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

48

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

48

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

48

 

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INTRODUCTORY NOTES

 

In this annual report on Form 20-F (the “annual report”), unless otherwise specified, all amounts are expressed in Swedish kronor (“Skr”). See Item 3, “Key Information,” for a description of historical exchange rates and other matters relating to the Swedish kronor.

 

In this annual report, unless otherwise indicated, all descriptions and financial information relate to the consolidated group consisting of Aktiebolaget Svensk Exportkredit (publ), (Swedish Export Credit Corporation) (the “Parent Company”), including the Swedish system for officially supported export credits (the “CIRR-system”), which is described herein, and the Parent Company’s wholly owned subsidiary Venantius AB (and its wholly-owned subsidiary VF Finans AB) (the “Subsidiaries” and together with the Parent Company, “SEK,” the “Consolidated Group” or the “Group”). Venantius AB is no longer engaged in any active business; Venantius AB together with its wholly owned subsidiary is being wound down.

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements of SEK included in Item 18 (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”) comprise the financial statements of the Parent Company and the Subsidiaries. In certain cases, comparable figures for earlier financial periods are reported in parentheses after the relevant figure for the current period. For example, “(2016: Skr 10 million)” means that the relevant figure for 2016, or as of December 31, 2016, as the context requires, was Skr 10 million.

 

The Parent Company is a “public limited liability company” within the meaning of the Swedish Companies Act (2005:551). A Swedish limited liability company, even if its shares are not listed on an exchange and are not publicly traded, may choose to declare itself a “public limited liability company”. Only public limited liability companies are allowed to raise funds from the public through the issuance of debt instruments. A public limited liability company is required to add the notation “publ” to its name, unless it is evident from the company’s name that the company is a public limited liability company.

 

Additional information about SEK, including investor presentations and the Annual Report for the financial year of 2017, is available at www.sek.se/en/investor-relations. Information available on or accessible through SEK’s website is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

 

This annual report contains forward-looking statements. SEK has based these forward-looking statements on its current expectations and projections about future events. These statements include but are not limited to:

 

·         statements regarding financial projections and estimates and their underlying assumptions;

·         statements regarding plans, objectives and expectations relating to future operations and services;

·         statements regarding the impact of regulatory initiatives on SEK’s operations;

·                          statements regarding general industry and macroeconomic growth rates and SEK’s performance relative to them; and

·         statements regarding future performance.

 

Forward-looking statements are generally identified by the words “expect”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “intend”, “estimate”, “should”, and similar expressions.

 

Forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections, and therefore readers should not place undue reliance on them. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and SEK undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement in light of new information or future events, although SEK intends to continue to meet its ongoing disclosure obligations under the U.S. securities laws (such as the obligations to file annual reports on Form 20-F and reports on Form 6-K) and under other applicable laws. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond SEK’s control. Readers are cautioned that a number of important factors could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, forward-looking statements. These factors include, among others, the following:

 

·                  disruptions in the financial markets or economic recessions, including as a result of geopolitical instability, may have an adverse effect on SEK’s financial performance;

·                  disruptions in the financial markets or economic recessions may negatively affect the credit quality of borrowers and cause risk to other counterparties, which may cause SEK to incur credit losses or affect the value of its assets;

·                  reduced access to international capital markets for the financing of SEK’s operations, or less favorable financing terms, may negatively impact SEK’s profitability and its ability to fulfill its obligations;

·                  changes in laws, regulations or accounting standards may adversely affect SEK’s business;

·                  SEK may experience negative changes in the value of its assets or liabilities and may incur other losses related to volatile and illiquid market conditions;

·                  SEK’s hedging strategies may not prevent losses;

·                  fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could harm SEK’s business;

·                  increasing competition may adversely affect SEK’s income and business;

·                  SEK is exposed to significant operational risk;

·                  risk related to financial reporting and other deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting and disclosure processes could result in regulatory action, legal liability and damage to the Group’s reputation;

·                  developments in emerging market countries may adversely affect the Group’s business; and

·                  negative interest rates may have an impact on SEK’s profitability.

 

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PART I

 

ITEM 1. IDENTITY OF DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND ADVISORS

 

Not required as this 20-F is filed as an Annual Report.

 

ITEM 2. OFFER STATISTICS AND EXPECTED TIMETABLE

 

Not required as this 20-F is filed as an Annual Report.

 

ITEM 3. KEY INFORMATION

 

A                   Selected Financial Data

 

The following selected consolidated financial data should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes. The Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income data for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position data as of December 31, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014 and 2013 have been derived from SEK’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) (herein “IFRS”).

 

While complying with IFRS, SEK also complies with the additional requirements of the Swedish Annual Accounts Act for Credit Institutions and Securities Companies (1995:1559) (ÅRKL), the Recommendation RFR1 Supplementary Accounting Principles for Groups, issued by the Swedish Financial Reporting Board (RFR), and the accounting regulations of Finansinspektionen (the Swedish FSA) (FFFS 2008:25).

 

The following information should be read in conjunction with the more detailed discussion contained in Item 5 “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects”.

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

(In Skr mn, unless otherwise stated)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Net interest revenues

 

1,683

 

1,747

 

1,662

 

1,578

 

1,555

 

Operating income

 

1,553

 

1,608

 

2,056

 

2,078

 

1,958

 

Operating profit

 

1,007

 

1,002

 

1,535

 

1,629

 

1,408

 

Net profit (after taxes)

 

772

 

780

 

1,187

 

1,260

 

1,090

 

Dividend per share (Skr)

 

58.05

(A)

58.65

 

89.22

 

94.74

 

81.96

 

Total comprehensive income

 

672

 

664

 

1,049

 

1,494

 

823

 

Ratios of earnings to fixed charges (B)

 

1.46

 

1.70

 

2.31

 

1.74

 

1.54

 

 


(A) The dividend for the year ended December 31, 2017 is to be proposed to the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on April 24, 2018, and is subject to approval at that meeting.

 

(B) For the purpose of calculating ratios of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of net profit for the year, plus taxes and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of SEK’s interest expenses, including borrowing costs. See also Exhibit 7.1 Statement of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

 

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION DATA

 

 

 

Year Ended December 31,

 

(In Skr mn, unless otherwise stated)

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Total loans outstanding (C)

 

195,120

 

208,700

 

205,097

 

218,222

 

201,477

 

Total assets

 

264,392

 

299,442

 

280,411

 

325,166

 

306,554

 

Total debt

 

226,873

 

255,214

 

235,644

 

284,137

 

270,822

 

of which subordinated

 

2,040

 

2,266

 

2,088

 

1,945

 

1,607

 

Equity

 

17,574

 

17,136

 

16,828

 

16,157

 

14,990

 

of which share capital

 

3,990

 

3,990

 

3,990

 

3,990

 

3,990

 

Number of shares

 

3,990,000

 

3,990,000

 

3,990,000

 

3,990,000

 

3,990,000

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

264,392

 

299,442

 

280,411

 

325,166

 

306,554

 

 


(C) Loans outstanding consist of loans due from commercial and financial institutions including loans in the form of interest-bearing securities. Certain deposits with banks and states are not a part of total loans, although they are included in the items Loans to Credit Institutions and Loans to the Public in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. For a reconciliation of loans outstanding, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

B                   Foreign Exchange rates

 

The Group’s presentation currency is the Swedish kronor. The following tables set forth, for the periods and dates indicated, information concerning the noon buying rates for cable transfers in Swedish kronor, expressed in Skr per $1.00, as certified for customs purposes by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.

 

Calendar Year

 

High

 

Low

 

Average (A) 

 

Period End

 

2017

 

9.1970

 

7.9331

 

8.4872

 

8.1950

 

2016

 

9.3909

 

7.9202

 

8.5571

 

9.0698

 

2015

 

8.8390

 

7.8117

 

8.4477

 

8.3524

 

2014

 

7.8117

 

6.3392

 

6.9339

 

7.8117

 

2013

 

6.8360

 

6.2940

 

6.5221

 

6.5084

 

 


(A) The average of the exchange rates on the last day of each month during the period.

 

Calendar Month 2017

 

High

 

Low

 

September

 

8.1797

 

7.9388

 

October

 

8.3746

 

8.0502

 

November

 

8.4819

 

8.2860

 

December

 

8.4963

 

8.1950

 

 

Calendar Month 2018

 

High

 

Low

 

January

 

8.2496

 

7.8403

 

February 1st until February 16

 

8.1225

 

7.8588

 

 

The noon buying rate on February 16, 2018 was $1.00 = Skr 7.9440

 

No representation is made that Swedish krona amounts have been, could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars at the foregoing rates on any of the dates indicated.

 

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C                   Risk Factors

 

The following discussion provides a description of the most significant risk factors that could affect SEK’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition and could cause SEK’s results to differ materially from those expressed in public statements or documents. Some of these risk factors, many of which are outside the Group’s control, are inherent in the financial services industry and others are more specific to SEK’s own businesses. There are also other factors beyond those discussed below or elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 20-F, that could affect SEK’s businesses, results of operations and financial condition and, therefore, the risk factors below should not be considered a complete list of all potential risks that SEK may face.

 

Disruptions in the financial markets or economic recessions, including as a result of geopolitical instability, may have an adverse effect on SEK’s financial performance.

 

SEK’s business and earnings are affected by general business, economic and market conditions, especially within Sweden and Europe. Uncertainties remain concerning the outlook and the future economic environment related to recent events in those regions, such as a continuing weak economic outlook in certain European countries and the uncertainty surrounding the economic effect of the United Kingdom (the “UK”) submitting formal notification under Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to the European Council of the intention of the UK to withdraw its membership in the European Union (commonly referred to as “Brexit”). Furthermore, political uncertainty related to the impact of the US presidential administration, including on free trade agreements between the US and other countries, could have a negative impact on SEK’s business and earnings.

 

Additionally, even in the absence of slow economic growth or recessions, other economic circumstances — including, but not limited to, volatility in energy prices, contractions in infrastructure spending, fluctuations in market interest or exchange rates, and concerns over the financial health of sovereign governments and their instrumentalities — may have negative consequences for the companies and industries that the Group provides financing to (as well as the financial condition of SEK’s financial counterparties) and could, in addition to the other factors cited above, have material adverse effects on the Group’s business prospects, financial condition or ability to fulfill its debt obligations.

 

Disruptions in the financial markets or economic recessions may negatively affect the credit quality of borrowers and cause risk to other counterparties, which may cause SEK to incur credit losses or affect the value of its assets.

 

Risks arising from the credit quality of borrowers and counterparties and the recoverability of loans and amounts due from counterparties in derivative transactions are inherent in SEK’s businesses. Consequently, SEK may incur credit losses or delinquency in debt repayments even in normal economic circumstances. Financial market disruptions or economic recessions may further affect SEK’s customers and counterparties, negatively affecting their ability to fulfill their obligations. Market and economic disruptions may affect, among other things, business and consumer spending, bankruptcy rates and asset prices, creating a greater likelihood of impact on an increased number of SEK’s customers’ or counterparties’ credit demand or that they may become delinquent in their loans or other obligations to SEK. For example, following the financial crisis, SEK was forced to write down the value of some of its assets as a result of disruptions in the financial markets. Such disruptions may affect the recoverability and value of SEK’s assets and may necessitate an increase in SEK’s provisions for delinquent and defaulted debt and other provisions, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on SEK’s business and/or its ability to repay its debts.

 

Reduced access to international capital markets for the financing of SEK’s operations, or less favorable financing terms, may negatively impact SEK’s profitability and its ability to fulfill its obligations.

 

In order to finance its operations, SEK is dependent on the international capital markets, where it competes with other issuers to obtain financing. Although SEK has been able to successfully finance its operations to date, factors outside SEK’s control may have material adverse effects on the Group’s continued ability to obtain such

 

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financing or could cause the cost of such financing to increase. In addition, much of SEK’s new lending during 2017 was concentrated in Asia, so financial market performance, geopolitical instability and other similar factors in Asia might adversely affect SEK’s continued ability to obtain financing. For example, liquidity investments declined in 2017 when strong performance by the Japanese stock market caused substantial early redemptions of structured debt that SEK issued in Japan.

 

A key factor affecting the cost and availability of financing is SEK’s credit rating. Although the Group currently has favorable credit ratings from various credit rating agencies, those credit ratings depend on many factors, some of which are outside of SEK’s control. Significant factors in determining SEK’s credit ratings or that otherwise could affect its ability to raise financing include its ownership structure, asset quality, liquidity profile, short- and long-term financial prospects, risk exposures, capital ratios, and prudential measures, as well as government support and SEK’s public policy role. Notwithstanding regular confirmation from SEK’s owner (the Swedish State) of its continued support for SEK’s current public policy role, there is a risk that this view could change in the future. For example, similar export institutions in the Nordic region have recently experienced dramatic changes in their respective government’s definitions of their public policy role. Deterioration in any one of these factors or in any combination of these factors may lead rating agencies to downgrade SEK’s credit ratings. If the Group were to experience a downgrade in its credit ratings, it would likely become necessary to offer increased interest margins in the capital markets in order to obtain financing, which would likely substantially lower the Group’s profit margins and earnings, harm its overall liquidity and negatively affect its business and its ability to fulfill its obligations.

 

Changes in laws, regulations or accounting standards may adversely affect SEK’s business.

 

SEK’s business is subject to regulation and regulatory oversight. Any significant regulatory development could affect the manner in which SEK conducts its business and SEK’s results of operations. SEK continues to monitor new local, regional and international regulations in an effort to remain compliant with the governing law.  Changes to existing laws, or the interpretation or enforcement of laws, may directly impact SEK’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

 

In particular, SEK is subject to financial services laws, regulations, administrative actions and policies in each location in which it operates. Financial regulators around the world have responded to the recent crisis by proposing significant changes to the regulatory regime applicable to financial service companies such as SEK. Changes to the current system of supervision and regulation, or any failure to comply with applicable rules (and particularly those in Sweden), could materially and adversely affect SEK’s business, financial condition or results of operation and/or ability to repay its debt. For example, in 2017, the Swedish FSA required most financial institutions in Sweden, including SEK, to pay a higher resolution fee to a fund to support the recovery of credit institutions, which adversely affected SEK’s results of operations.

 

The European Bank Recovery and Resolution Directive (the “BRRD”) provides an EU-wide framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions and investment firms, their subsidiaries and certain holding companies.  In Sweden, the requirements of the BRRD generally were implemented into Swedish law by the Resolution Act 2016 (as amended, the “Resolution Act”) as of February 1, 2016. In accordance with the BRRD, SEK is subject to a minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities, which is a parallel requirement to the CRR. SEK is currently in compliance with the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities determined for it by the national resolution authority, which in Sweden is the Riksgäldskontoret (the Swedish National Debt Office), but if SEK does not comply in the future, the Swedish National Debt Office may require SEK to fulfill the requirements by issuing capital that is subordinated to SEK’s outstanding senior debt. SEK may experience difficulties in issuing this subordinated debt or the interest rate on this subordinated debt may be considerably higher than on senior securities issued, which would negatively impact SEK’s profitability. For more information, see Item 4 “Information on the Group and the Parent Company–B. Business Overview–Swedish Government Supervision–Supervisory Authorities”.

 

The Resolution Act confers substantial powers on the Swedish National Debt Office to enable it to take a range of actions in relation to Swedish financial institutions that are considered to be at risk of failing, including a debt write-down tool. The exercise of any resolution power, or any suggestion of the exercise of any resolution power, may have a material adverse effect on the SEK’s ability to obtain financing, or could cause the cost of financing to increase and/or could affect SEK’s ability to fulfill its obligations

 

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In addition, in the wake of the financial disruptions from 2008 and onwards, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision (the “Basel Committee”) has revised the Basel regime to provide for new, stricter regulations with regard to capital adequacy and liquidity coverage. These stricter regulations (many of which have already come into force, while others are expected to become effective in the near future) will mean that, in general, financial institutions will need to maintain relatively more own funds (capital base) in relation to their risk-weighted assets as well as better matched borrowing in relation to their obligations. Furthermore, tighter rules on which assets can be defined as liquidity reserves as well as stricter requirements on clearing of derivatives may also affect international capital markets. In addition, the European Union legal framework MiFID II (Markets in Financial Instruments Directive) became applicable in the European Union on January 3, 2018. Among other requirements, MiFID II imposes new requirements on the issuance and distribution of bonds and, therefore, may affect international capital markets, as well.  Compliance with these new rules and regulations may increase the costs of borrowing for all financial institutions, including SEK. For more information, see Item 4 “Information on the Group and the Parent Company–B. Business Overview–Swedish Government Supervision” below.

 

The Basel Committee issued in December 2017 final revisions to the Basel III capital framework (the “2017 Revisions”). The main objective of the 2017 Revisions is to reduce variability of risk-weighted assets within the banking system. The 2017 Revisions include an output floor, altered standardized approaches for credit risk and operational risk, constraints on the use of internally-modelled approaches and changes in the leverage ratio. It is expected to enter into force on January 1, 2022. From a Swedish perspective, the 2017 Revisions must first be implemented through EU legislation before they could impact SEK’s capital requirements. Even though SEK is expected to meet the revised requirements based on current market assumptions, the 2017 Revisions, once implemented, may materially constrain SEK’s business plans and negatively impact profitability.

 

European Market Infrastructure Regulation (EMIR), a regulation regarding OTC-derivatives, central counterparties and trade repositories, came into effect on August 16, 2012. Since then, various parts of the regulation have become effective. During 2018, additional parts of the regulation related to central clearing of certain OTC-derivatives will come into effect. SEK may be required to post additional collateral related to its derivatives and may face higher costs as a result of these regulatory requirements.

 

Certain changes in accounting standards that could also have a negative impact on SEK include IFRS 9, which replaced IAS 39 on January 1, 2018, with regard to accounting rules for financial instruments. Even if the transition to IFRS 9 does not have a material negative impact on SEK´s equity, the implementation of a new model for expected credit loss is expected to increase the volatility of SEK’s earnings over time.

 

SEK may experience negative changes in the value of its assets or liabilities and may incur other losses related to volatile and illiquid market conditions.

 

Market volatility, illiquid market conditions and disruptions in the credit markets have made it difficult to value certain of SEK’s assets and liabilities during certain periods. For example, SEK is exposed to changes in fair value due to changes in credit spreads on its own debt and due to changes in currency basis spread, which it has not hedged, and such changes in fair value can have a negative impact on SEK’s results as reported under IFRS, even though SEK historically has not experienced any material realized losses related to such exposures. Subsequent valuations, in light of factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the value of such assets or liabilities in future periods. In addition, at the time of any sale of any such assets, the prices SEK ultimately realizes will depend on the demand and liquidity in the market at that time and may be materially lower than such assets’ current fair value. Any of these factors could require SEK to negatively change the carrying amount of such assets or liabilities, which may have an adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition in future periods.

 

SEK’s hedging strategies may not prevent losses.

 

SEK uses hedging instruments in an attempt to manage interest rate, currency, credit, basis and other market-related risks. If any of the variety of instruments and strategies the Group uses to hedge its exposure to these various types of risk is not effective, the Group may incur losses, impairing its ability to timely repay or refinance its debts. In addition, there can be no assurance that the Group will continue to be able to hedge risks related to current or future assets or liabilities in accordance with its current policies in an efficient manner or at all. Disruptions such as market crises and economic recessions may put a strain on the availability and

 

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effectiveness of hedging instruments or strategies and could have an adverse effect on SEK’s financial condition and its ability to fulfill its obligations.

 

Fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates could harm SEK’s business.

 

As an international lending institution, the Group is subject to some exchange-rate risk. The adequacy of the Group’s financial resources may be impacted by changes in currency exchange rates that affect the value, in Swedish currency, of the Group’s foreign-currency obligations. For example, during 2017, there were fluctuations in major currencies due to political unrest, even though that did not have a significant impact on SEK’s financial condition during the year. The values of a majority of the items presented in the Consolidated Statements of Financial Position are subject to fluctuations as a result of changes in the exchange rate between the Swedish krona and other currencies, such as the U.S. dollar and the Euro. Countries could undertake actions that could significantly impact the value of their currencies such as “quantitative easing” measures and potential withdrawals from common currencies. Higher inflation in certain countries, including in Europe, may also result in devaluation of currencies. Even though the Group carefully monitors and hedges its foreign currency exposures, changes in currency exchange rates adverse to the Group could harm SEK’s business, its profitability and its ability to repay its debts. Furthermore, SEK does not hedge its exposure towards currency exchange-rate effects related to unrealized changes in the fair value of its assets and liabilities. Also, any strengthening of the Swedish krona against other currencies may reduce demand for the products sold overseas by SEK’s Swedish clients and thus reduce demand for its loans from end-purchasers of such products, or cause such clients to experience increased difficulty in repaying their loans to SEK. Such eventualities could therefore have an adverse effect on SEK’s financial condition and its ability to fulfill its obligations.

 

Increasing competition may adversely affect SEK’s income and business.

 

Competition in the Group’s business is based on service, product innovation, product features, price, commission structures, financial strength and name recognition. The Group competes with a large number of other credit institutions, including domestic and foreign banks, as well as with the direct or indirect financing programs of exporters themselves. Some of these institutions offer a broader array of products or have more competitive pricing or greater financial resources than SEK. Increasing competition may have significant negative effects on the Group’s financial performance if the Group is unable to match the products and services of its competitors or has to lower its prices or rates in order to compete for customer business, investments or financing. Such changes could have material adverse effects on SEK’s business and its ability to repay its debts.

 

SEK is exposed to significant operational risk.

 

Broadly, operational risk can arise from fraud, errors by employees, failure to document transactions properly or to obtain proper internal authorizations, equipment failures, natural disasters, information security failures, data loss, cyber-attacks and breaches from known malware or malware that may be developed in the future or the failure of external systems such as, for example, those of SEK’s suppliers or counterparties. SEK’s businesses are dependent on the ability to process complex transactions efficiently and accurately. Failure to address operational risk may lead to additional costs, losses or damages to SEK’s reputation which may negatively affect customers’ and investors’ confidence, and thus SEK’s business, financial performance and/or ability to repay its debt. SEK has in the recent past seen additional costs related to enhancement of IT-systems due to increased regulatory burdens. If, for example, SEK failed to properly comply with its obligations under financial guarantee contracts or other credit risk reducing arrangements or if the contracts were not properly drafted, this could result in SEK not being able to effectively seek recourse to such guarantees or other arrangements in the event the relevant borrower was unable to repay its debt to SEK.

 

There is also a risk that SEK’s reputation will be damaged if SEK fails to comply with current legislation and best practices or in any other way fails to meet its commitments, including those that are not explicit. Although operational risks can be reduced by properly documented processes, adequate systems, a culture of sensitivity to risk, compliance with regulations, effective corporate governance and other factors supporting internal control, such procedures may not be effective in controlling each single operational risk SEK faces. A significant failure in managing SEK’s operational risk could materially and adversely affect the company’s business, financial condition, results of operation and/or ability to repay its debt.

 

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Risk related to financial reporting and other deficiencies in internal control over financial reporting and disclosure processes could result in regulatory action, legal liability and damage to the Group’s reputation.

 

SEK’s external reporting of financial and non-financial data is reliant on the Group’s internal control over financial reporting including the integrity of systems and people. Failure to report data accurately and in compliance with external standards could result in regulatory action, legal liability and damage to the Group’s reputation. For additional information on SEK’s internal control over financial reporting see Item 15.

 

Developments in emerging market countries may adversely affect the Group’s business.

 

The Group operates in a number of emerging markets. Economic and political developments in emerging markets, including economic crises or political instability, may have material adverse effects on the Group’s business prospects, results of operations and financial conditions.

 

Negative interest rates may have an impact on SEK’s profitability.

 

Negative interest rates may result in lower net interest income and might negatively affect the value of assets and liabilities. For example, negative interest rates may render hedges less effective if interest rate is to be paid on the hedge while there is no compensation on the hedged item. Furthermore, increased prepayments on loans and lower spread between rates on assets and liabilities might also have a negative impact on net interest income. Negative interest rates lead to valuation risk due to potential changes in market practice for how to incorporate negative interest rates in the valuation. Relatively low interest rates create a risk that the bond market may be adversely affected due to lower turnover and less liquidity, even though the general upturn in interest rates in recent times has slightly mitigated this risk. Finally, low interest rates translate into greater risk of increased debt levels, rising asset prices and heightened financial risk taking.

 

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ITEM 4. INFORMATION ON THE GROUP AND THE PARENT COMPANY

 

A                   History and Development

 

Aktiebolaget Svensk Exportkredit (publ) (Swedish Export Credit Corporation) is a “public limited liability company” under the Swedish Companies Act. It is wholly owned by the Swedish State through the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation (“Sweden”, the “Swedish State” or the “State”).

 

The Parent Company was founded in 1962 in order to strengthen the competitiveness of the Swedish export industry by meeting a need for long-term financing for both exporters and their foreign customers. SEK’s objective is to engage in financing activities in accordance with the Swedish Banking and Financing Business Act and, in connection therewith, to promote the development of Swedish commerce and industry as well as otherwise engaging in Swedish and international financing activities on commercial terms. The duration of the Parent Company is indefinite.

 

SEK’s mission has evolved since it began its operations in 1962. SEK’s range of products has expanded from its roots in export loans; however it remains a niche operator in the financial markets.

 

The address of the Parent Company’s principal executive office is AB Svensk Exportkredit (Swedish Export Credit Corporation), Klarabergsviadukten 61-63, Stockholm, Sweden; and the Parent Company’s telephone number is +46-8-613-83 00. The Parent Company’s authorized representative in the United States is Business Sweden. Business Sweden’s contact information is as follows:

 

Business Sweden New York

The News Building,

220 E 42nd Street

Suite 409A,

New York, NY 10017

Tel. No.: (212) 507-9001

usa@business-sweden.se

 

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B      Business Overview

 

SEK’s mission is to ensure access to financial solutions for the Swedish export industry on commercial and sustainable terms, with the aim of promoting the development and international competitiveness of Swedish industry and trade. Its mission includes, as a public policy assignment, administration of the Commercial Interest Reference Rate-system (the “CIRR-system”). Pursuant to agreements established in 1978 and amended from time to time thereafter, the Group administers the CIRR-system on behalf of the Swedish State in return for compensation.

 

SEK extends loans on commercial terms at prevailing fixed or floating market interest rates as well as loans on State-supported terms at fixed interest rates that may be lower than prevailing fixed market rates in the CIRR-system. The compensation from the CIRR-system to SEK is recorded as a part of interest revenues in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income. See Note 1(f) to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Because Sweden is a member of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the CIRR-system is designed to comply with the Arrangement on Guidelines for Officially Supported Export Credits of the OECD (the “Export Credit Guidelines”).

 

SEK’s product offerings are aimed at Swedish exporters and their customers and, currently, the customers are mainly found among the 100 largest Swedish exporters with sales exceeding Skr 4 billion. Starting in 2015, SEK has also expanded its product offerings to reach medium-sized exporters with sales of more than Skr 500 million.

 

SEK works mainly in lending and as a result, SEK acts as a complement to, and works in cooperation with, Swedish and international banks as well as other financial institutions. SEK also has close partnerships with other export promotion agencies in Sweden such as Almi, Business Sweden, the Swedish Exports Credit Guarantee Board (the “EKN”) and Swedfund.

 

SEK can provide loans in a number of different currencies and with different maturities. The majority of its lending is in Swedish kronor, US dollars or euros, but SEK also offers loans in several other currencies.

 

SEK’s borrowing activities in the international capital markets have given SEK expertise in financial instruments.

 

SEK’s niche specialization in long-term export-related financing, combined with its financial capacity and flexible organization, are key factors in the management of its operations.

 

2017

 

·                  SEK’s new lending to Swedish exporters and their customers amounted to Skr 89.3 billion (2016: Skr 54.8 billion), of which new lending to Swedish exporters was Skr 21.6 billion (2016: Skr 18.1 billion) and new lending to exporters’ customers amounted to Skr 67.7 billion (2016: Skr 36.7 billion). During the year, export credits in the form of officially supported export credits (“CIRR loans”) were significant, primarily in the telecom sector.

·                  SEK has focused on broadening its client base and product offerings. SEK has performed strongly in soliciting new clients and the customer base has significantly increased. These 13 new customers are in both of SEK’s customer groups: large and medium-sized companies.

·                  SEK’s new lending to green projects totaled Skr 2.4 billion in 2017 (2016: Skr 3.3 billion).

·                  SEK’s net interest revenues amounted to Skr 1,683 million (2016: Skr 1,747 million). Net interest revenues were affected negatively by a higher resolution fee of Skr 193 million (2016: Skr 102 million) which SEK is required to pay to a fund to support the recovery of credit institutions.

·                  SEK has a credit facility with the Swedish National Debt Office of Skr 125 billion, renewed through the end of 2018 by the Swedish Parliament, in order to further enhance the ability to promote the Swedish export industry. SEK has not yet utilized the credit facility. The credit facility is only available for CIRR loans.

·                  The Board of Directors (the “Board”) has resolved to propose at the Annual General Meeting that a total dividend of Skr 232 million (2016: Skr 234 million) be paid in accordance with SEK’s dividend policy of 30 percent of the profit of the year.

 

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Competition

 

SEK is the only institution authorized by the Swedish State to grant export financing loans under the CIRR-system. With support from the State, SEK helps Swedish export companies compete with other export companies within OECD member countries, which have similar support from their respective domestic export credit agencies and which also provide government-supported export credits. SEK’s lending, excluding the CIRR-system, faces competition from other Swedish and foreign financial institutions, as well as from the direct and indirect financing programs of exporters themselves.

 

The following table summarizes SEK’s loans outstanding and debt outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Changes in percent

 

Total loans outstanding(A)

 

195,120

 

208,700

 

-7

%

of which CIRR-system

 

49,124

 

49,802

 

-1

%

Total debt outstanding (B)

 

226,873

 

255,214

 

-11

%

of which CIRR-system

 

49,252

 

49,991

 

-1

%

    


(A) Loans outstanding consist of loans due from commercial and financial institutions including loans in the form of interest-bearing securities. For a reconciliation of loans outstanding, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(B) Debt outstanding includes subordinated debt of Skr 2,040 million and Skr 2,266 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

 

Lending Operations — General

 

The following table sets forth certain data regarding the Group’s lending operations, including the CIRR-system, during the two-year period ending December 31, 2017:

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Changes in percent

 

Offers of long-term loans accepted

 

89,305

 

54,856

 

63

%

Total loan disbursements

 

-61,157

 

-61,350

 

0

%

Total loan repayments

 

75,109

 

72,214

 

4

%

Total net increase/ (decrease) in loans outstanding

 

-13,580

 

3,603

 

NM

 

Loans outstanding

 

195,120

 

208,700

 

-7

%

Loan commitments outstanding but undisbursed(A)

 

72,914

 

54,783

 

33

%

 


(A) If a loan has been accepted by the borrower it can be disbursed immediately. However, disbursement may be delayed due to a number of factors. In some cases, including as a result of changes in the commercial and financial institutions’ need for funds, an accepted loan may never be disbursed. Currency exchange-rate effects also impact the amount of loan commitments that will result in loans outstanding. Therefore, the volume of loans accepted does not equal the volume of loans disbursed as presented in the Statement of Cash Flows in the Consolidated Financial Statements for a single fiscal year. Loans accepted but not yet disbursed are presented under the heading “Commitments” as “Committed undisbursed loans”, see Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Total loans outstanding by type of loan:

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

2014

 

2013

 

Lending to exporters’ customers

 

102,060

 

113,738

 

118,284

 

128,165

 

155,137

 

of which CIRR-system

 

49,124

 

49,802

 

43,128

 

47,377

 

42,419

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lending to Swedish exporters

 

93,060

 

94,962

 

86,813

 

90,057

 

46,340

 

of which CIRR-system

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

195,120

 

208,700

 

205,097

 

218,222

 

201,477

 

of which CIRR-system

 

49,124

 

49,802

 

43,128

 

47,377

 

42,419

 

 

Most of the loans granted by SEK are granted to purchasers of Swedish exports. Western European markets are the largest markets for exported Swedish goods by revenue. However, exports to other markets, including less developed markets, are also important. Accordingly, the need for export financing may be related to transactions involving buyers in many different countries, with varying levels of creditworthiness. Pursuant to its credit risk exposure policy, SEK is selective in accepting such risk exposure. This policy seeks to ensure that SEK is neither dependent on the creditworthiness of individual buyers of Swedish goods and services, nor on the countries in which they are domiciled, but rather on the creditworthiness of individual counterparties to which SEK accepts credit risk exposure. SEK relies to a large extent on guarantees in its lending. For additional information on SEK’s approach to risk, see Note 27 and Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

SEK has no exposure to subprime, Alt-A, negative amortizing or other loans that it would characterize as high-risk lending, including loans which have been modified or would otherwise qualify as distressed debt, other than the limited amount of such assets disclosed in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

CIRR-system

 

SEK treats the CIRR-system as a separate operation for accounting purposes. Although the deficits (or surpluses) of programs under the CIRR-system are reimbursed by (or paid to) the Swedish State, any loan losses that may be incurred under such programs are not reimbursed by the Swedish State. Accordingly, SEK has to obtain appropriate credit support for those loans as well. All of the lending under the CIRR-system is reported on SEK’s Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. SEK has consequently presented the operations of the CIRR-system in the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income as the amount of net commission received, accounted for as interest income rather than presenting the gross amounts collected and paid in accordance with the agreement with the Swedish State. In general, loans under the program are guaranteed by the EKN. All such loans granted by SEK must also undergo SEK’s customary approval process.

 

Pursuant to an owner instruction adopted by the sole shareholder, the Swedish State, at the Annual General Meeting in April 2016, the difference between interest revenues related to lending and liquid assets under the CIRR-system on the one hand, and interest expenses related to borrowing, all other financing costs and any net foreign exchange losses incurred by SEK under the CIRR-system, on the other hand, are reimbursed by (or paid to) the Swedish State.

 

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SEK reports loans in the following categories:

 

Loan Types and Underwriting Policies

 

(a) Lending to Swedish exporters

 

(b) Lending to exporters’ customers

 

·                  export credits;

 

·                  loans for the funding of export lease agreements;

 

·                  trade finance; and

 

·                  project finance.

 

Within the CIRR-system, SEK extends loans only for the medium and long-term financing of durable goods exports. CIRR-system lending includes financing in collaboration with intergovernmental organizations and foreign export credit agencies.

 

SEK’s credit underwriting policies and requirements are similar regardless of loan type, and pertain equally to the CIRR-system. The majority of SEK’s loans are guaranteed by export credit agencies or banks, or by credit default swaps issued by banks or other financial institutions.

 

SEK’s initial loan offer and subsequent commitment set forth the maximum principal amount of the loan, the currency in which the loan will be denominated, and the repayment and disbursement schedule.

 

For more information, see the table under the heading “Outstanding loans as per product type” under Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Interest Rates

 

Outside the CIRR-system, export financing is extended at prevailing market rates of interest. The Group normally makes loan offers at a quoted interest rate that is subject to change prior to acceptance of the loan offer (a non-binding offer). When a borrower accepts a non-binding loan offer, the interest rate is normally set at the then-prevailing market rate (which might have changed since the loan commitment was made), and a binding loan commitment arises. Binding offers can also be provided and are offers with a higher degree of commitment to the customer with regard to disbursement of the loan than non-binding offers, regardless of whether the interest rate is fixed or not.

 

Because Sweden is a member of the OECD, the CIRR-system is designed to comply with the Arrangement on Guidelines for Officially Supported Export Credits of the OECD (the “Export Credit Guidelines”). The Export Credit Guidelines establishes minimum interest rates, required down payments and maximum loan periods for government-supported export loan programs.

 

SEK offers CIRR loans established by the OECD in accordance with the Export Credit Guidelines. The CIRR rates for new loans are subject to periodic review and adjustment by the OECD. The Export Credit Guidelines stipulates that loan offers may remain valid for a period of not more than 120 days. EU rules and Swedish regulations state that the commercial contracts must be signed within that 120-day period. Thereafter, the CIRR rate can be locked in for a maximum period of six months in order for the loan agreement to be finalized. No commitment fee is charged by SEK for CIRR loans. SEK receives compensation from the Swedish government in the form of an administrative fee of 0.25 percent per annum, which is calculated based on the loan amount outstanding. The arranging or agent-bank, generally a commercial bank, receives compensation in the amount of 0.25 percent per annum, based on the loan amount outstanding, to cover its costs for arranging and managing loans.

 

SEK participates with government agencies in an export-financing program (the “Concessionary Credit Program”) financed by the Swedish State to promote exports to certain developing countries, incorporating a foreign aid element of at least 35 percent. SEK has a portfolio of concessionary credits but Sweden is no longer

 

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providing new concessionary credits under the program. Terms varied according to the per capita income of the importing country.

 

The aid element is reflected in the form of lower rates of interest and/or deferred repayment schedules. The Swedish government reimburses SEK through the CIRR-system for the costs incurred as a result of SEK’s participation in the Concessionary Credit Program as well as any costs for CIRR financing.

 

Guarantees and Credit Default Swaps

 

SEK relies to a large extent on guarantees in its lending. The guarantors are principally made up of government export credit agencies, such as the EKN, the Export Import Bank of the United States (“USEXIM”), the Exports Credits Guarantee Department of the United Kingdom (“ECGD”), Compagnie Financière pour la Commerce Exterieure (“Coface”) of France and Euler Hermes Kreditversicherungs AG of Germany, as well as financial institutions and, to a lesser extent, non-financial corporations. Credit risk is allocated to a guarantor in accordance with SEK’s policy and therefore, when disclosing net credit risk exposures, the majority of SEK’s guaranteed credit exposure is shown as exposure to sovereign counterparties. In general, loans under the CIRR-system are guaranteed by the EKN.

 

Total credit exposures for SEK covered by guarantees

 

 

 

Year ended December 31,

 

Skr bn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Government export credit agencies

 

151.3

 

151.8

 

of which covered corporate exposures

 

101.1

 

97.0

 

of which covered exposures to financial institutions

 

0.4

 

2.6

 

of which covered exposures to regional governments

 

0.5

 

0.6

 

of which covered sovereign exposures

 

49.3

 

51.6

 

 

As of December 31, 2017, government export credit agencies guaranteed 46.2 percent of SEK’s total credit exposures.

 

If a guarantee or credit default swap is entered into for risk-mitigating purposes, the instrument protects a pre-defined amount of SEK’s exposure with respect to the principal amount of the underlying loan (and in some cases interest) as long as the issuer of the guarantee or credit default swap is financially sound. The protected amount is ordinarily 75–100 percent of the principal amount. Most of the counterparties against whom SEK accepts net exposures are rated by one or more of the internationally recognized rating agencies.

 

For information regarding SEK’s gross and net credit exposures to counterparties, broken down by geography and type of counterparty (taking into account applicable guarantees but not collateral), see Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Loan Maturities

 

SEK’s historical role and competitive advantage (and one that continues today) has been in the provision of long-term financing in order to promote the Swedish export industry. Since many of the projects the export industry engages in are long-term projects, both with regard to disbursement periods and repayment periods, SEK’s loans often have longer terms than those of loan products offered by commercial banks. However, SEK also meets its customers’ needs by providing short-term financing when required. Consequently, SEK’s loan maturities range from very short-term loans (with terms of three to six months) to loans for as long as 20–30 years. Under the CIRR-system, loan maturities generally range from one year up to 20–30 years.

 

Currency

 

SEK extends loans in different currencies, depending on the needs of its borrowers. Before the Group makes any loan commitment, it ensures that the currency in which the loan is to be funded is expected to be available for the entire loan period at an interest rate (taking into account the costs of foreign exchange derivatives) that, as of the day the commitment is made, results in a margin that the Group deems sufficient. The Group borrows, on an

 

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aggregate basis, at maturities corresponding to or exceeding those of prospective loans. Accordingly, the Group may decide not to hedge particular loan commitments due to movements in interest rate risk until sometime after they are made. Interest rate risks associated with such unhedged commitments are monitored closely and may not exceed interest rate risk limits established by the Board. SEK’s policies are described in Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The following table shows the currency breakdown of loan offers accepted for loans with maturities exceeding one year for each year in the two-year period ending December 31, 2017.

 

 

 

Percentage of loan offers accepted

 

Currency in which loan is denominated

 

2017

 

2016

 

Swedish kronor

 

34

%

35

%

Euros

 

14

%

13

%

U.S. dollars

 

50

%

48

%

Other

 

2

%

4

%

Total

 

100

%

100

%

 

Credit Support for Loans Outstanding

 

The Group’s policies with regard to counterparty exposures are described in detail in Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The following table illustrates the counterparties for the Group’s loans and guarantees outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. Although most loans fall into more than one category for any given loan, this table only reflects the counterparty (either the borrower or the guarantor) that SEK believes to be stronger in terms of creditworthiness.

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

Loan credit exposure to Swedish State guarantees via EKN (A)

 

35

%

34

%

Loan credit exposure to Swedish credit institutions (B)

 

4

%

4

%

Loan credit exposure to foreign bank groups or governments (C)

 

15

%

22

%

Loan credit exposure to Swedish counterparties, primarily corporations (D)

 

30

%

27

%

Loan credit exposure to municipalities

 

3

%

3

%

Loan credit exposure to other foreign counterparties, primarily corporations

 

13

%

10

%

Total

 

100

%

100

%

 


(A) EKN guarantees are in substance insurance against losses caused by the default of a foreign borrower or buyer in meeting its contractual obligations in connection with the purchase of Swedish goods or services. In the case of a foreign private borrower or buyer, coverage is for “commercial” and, in most cases, “political” risks. Coverage for “commercial” risk refers to losses caused by events such as the borrower’s or buyer’s insolvency or failure to make required payments within a certain time period (usually six months). Coverage for “political” risk refers to losses caused by events such as a moratorium, revolution or war in the importing country or the imposition of import or currency control measures in such country. Disputed claims must be resolved by a court judgment or arbitral award, unless otherwise agreed by EKN. In the table above only the particular amount of any given total loan that is guaranteed is listed as such. The amount of any such loan that is not covered by the relevant guarantee is excluded. EKN is a State agency whose obligations are backed by the full faith and credit of Sweden.

 

(B) At December 31, 2017, loans in this category amounting to approximately 1 percent (2016: 1 percent) of total loans were obligations of the four largest commercial bank groups in Sweden, including guarantees in the form of bank guarantees or credit derivatives. The remaining 3 percent (2016: 3 percent) of total loans represented loans to various financial institutions and minor commercial banks in Sweden, including guarantees in the form of bank guarantees or credit derivatives.

 

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(C) At December 31, 2017, principally obligations of other Nordic, Western European or North American bank groups, together with obligations of Western European governments, including guarantees in the form of bank guarantees or credit derivatives.

 

(D) At December 31, 2017, approximately 12 percent (2016: 12 percent) of the total loan credit exposure represented loans to the 20 largest Swedish corporations.

 

See “— Lending Operations — General” for information on the geographical distribution of borrowers, see also Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Disclosure pursuant to Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

SEK has not entered into any new business in or with Iran since 2005.

 

However, it was one of a number of minority sub-participants via assignment in a single legacy Euro-denominated financing arrangement dating back to 2005 that is led by a major European bank and guaranteed by a European government export credit agency. The purpose of the financing arrangement was to finance the acquisition by the National Petrochemical Company (“NPC”) of Iran of certain equipment exported from Germany. The obligations of NPC under the arrangement are secured by the assignment of certain receivables from oil products exported by NPC and its trading subsidiaries to buyers, mostly in Asia. No funds under the arrangement (which has a contractual maturity of 2019) have been provided to NPC since 2010 and the financing arrangement was prepaid full on December 29, 2017.

 

SEK’s only relationship to this legacy financing arrangement was as a holder (by means of an assignment by the lead bank) of a sub-participation interest representing less than 10 percent of the total facility. SEK’s acquisition of this minority sub-participation interest in 2005 did not violate the provisions of any sanctions or related regulatory regimes applicable to SEK at that time. SEK is not (and never has been) a party to the contractual arrangements with NPC, has never had any contact with NPC, nor has it ever had any involvement in the contractual arrangements related to, or in the physical settlement of, the oil product exports mentioned above.

 

During 2017, SEK’s sub-participation in this single legacy financing arrangement generated gross revenues of Euro 106.53 and net interest revenues of Euro 24.45. These amounts represent less than 0.03 percent of SEK’s gross revenues and net interest revenues for the year.

 

Swedish Government Supervision

 

Supervisory Authorities

 

SEK operates as a credit market institution within the meaning of the Swedish Banking and Financing Business Act (2004:297). As such, it is, individually and on a consolidated basis, subject to supervision and regulation by Finansinspektionen (the Swedish FSA), which licenses and monitors the activities of credit market institutions to ensure their compliance with the Swedish Banking and Financing Business Act, including the regulations linked to it, and such institutions’ corporate charters.

 

Among other things, the Swedish FSA requires SEK to submit reports on a daily, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual basis and may conduct periodic inspections. The Swedish FSA may also (but currently does not) appoint an external auditor to participate with SEK’s independent auditors in examining the Group’s and the Parent Company’s financial statements and the management of the Group.

 

The Swedish National Debt Office requires information from the credit institutions based on a resolution framework that came into force on February 1, 2016, the Resolution Act (2015:1016). The Resolution Act originates from the BRRD, which provides an EU-wide framework for the recovery and resolution of credit institutions, among others. The BRRD requires all EEA member states to provide their relevant resolution authorities with a set of tools to intervene sufficiently early and quickly in an unsound or failing institution so as to ensure the continuity of the institution’s critical financial and economic functions, while minimizing the impact of an institution’s failure on the broader economy and financial system. The information is used to set the minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities for the credit institution. The Swedish National Debt Office’s has concluded that Swedish institutions, including SEK, have business activities that are critical to the

 

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Swedish financial system and have prepared plans that outline the measures that the Swedish National Debt Office intends to take in the event of resolution. The Swedish National Debt Office has also set a minimum requirement for own funds and eligible liabilities for those institutions. Pursuant to the Swedish National Debt Office’s decision, the minimum requirement of total eligible liabilities and own funds for SEK is 7.1 percent, as calculated in accordance with the resolution regime. The requirement applies from January 1, 2018, and at the time of introduction was well met by SEK.

 

The Swedish National Audit Office may audit the activities that are conducted by the Swedish State in the form of limited companies if the State as owner has a controlling influence over the activities. The State has controlling influence over the activities of the Parent Company, which is a limited company. Accordingly, the Swedish National Audit Office may appoint an Authorized Public Accountant, in order to get access to the same information as the external auditors, but has not yet done so.

 

As a credit market institution, SEK is also subject to prudential regulations relating to, among other things, its capital adequacy, its maximal exposure to any group of interconnected clients and its liquidity position.

 

Capital adequacy regulations

 

As of January 1, 2014, the revised capital adequacy rules of the Basel Committee, referred to as Basel III, came into force within the European Union. Basel III was introduced by a legislative package consisting of the Capital Requirements Regulation (CRR)(1) and the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD IV)(2). The CRR is directly applicable in Sweden and contains detailed requirements pertaining to capital adequacy, liquidity, large exposures, leverage ratio and supervisory reporting. The CRD IV was incorporated into Swedish legislation as of August 2, 2014 and covers areas such as principles for prudential supervision, internal assessments of risk and capital, corporate governance, capital buffers, sanctions and remuneration. In November 2016, the EU Commission presented a proposal to revise the CRD IV and the CRR. The proposal includes, along with other changes, a binding leverage ratio as well as a binding net stable funding ratio. The Basel Committee recently adopted the 2017 Revisions to the Basel III capital framework. The main objective of the 2017 Revisions is to reduce variability of risk-weighted assets within the banking system. The 2017 Revisions include an output floor, altered standardized approaches for credit risk and operational risk, constraints on the use of internally modelled approaches and changes in leverage ratio requirements. It is planned to enter into force on January 1, 2022. From a Swedish perspective, the 2017 Revisions must first be implemented through EU legislation before they could impact SEK’s applicable capital requirements.

 

The current regulations introduced by the CRR and CRD IV replace regulations based on the previous revision of the Basel accord, Basel II, which had been the prevailing standard since 2007, as it was incorporated into EU and Swedish legislation. However, on several topics, Basel II rules are still partially or completely in force due to transitional periods in the CRR or CRD IV. The CRR, as amended, and the CRD IV, as incorporated into national legislation, apply to credit institutions, including SEK, within Sweden and the European Union.

 

The main structure of Basel III, consists of three “Pillars”, as follows:

 

(iPillar 1 deals with minimum capital requirements for credit risks, credit valuation adjustment risks and market risks as well as for operational risks, based on explicit calculation rules. Under Pillar 1, an institution must at all times have own funds that in size and composition are sufficient to meet those minimum capital requirements. The capital requirements and the own funds are calculated in accordance with the CRR. Pillar 1 allows institutions to choose between some alternative methods based on their level of development. For credit risk, the standardized approach is the simplest approach, containing risk weights, all of which are established by national authorities. Institutions can expand upon the supervisory authorities’ risk weights by using risk assessments from recognized credit rating agencies such as Moody’s, Standard & Poor’s and Fitch. The next level of sophistication under Pillar 1 regarding credit risk is called the foundation internal rating-based (IRB) approach. Under the foundation IRB approach, the risk weights, and therefore the capital requirements, are partially based on institutions’ internal risk

 


(1) Regulation (EU) no 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, 2013, on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) no 648/2012.

 

(2) Directive 2013/36/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, 2013, on access to the activity of credit institutions and the prudential supervision of credit institutions and investment firms, amending Directive 2002/87/EC and repealing directives 2006/48/EC and 2006/49/EC.

 

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classifications. SEK’s permission to base its capital requirement for credit risk on the IRB approach covers most of the company’s exposures.

 

(ii) Pillar 2 pertains to national supervisory authorities’ evaluation of risks and describes requirements for institutions’ processes for risk and capital management. It also establishes the supervisory authorities’ functions and powers. Further, under Pillar 2 each financial institution must identify risks and assess risk management from a wider perspective, to supplement the capital requirements calculated within the scope of Pillar 1. This Internal Capital Adequacy and Liquidity Assessment Process (ICAAP) also takes qualitative risks into account. SEK annually assesses the development of its future capital and liquidity requirements and available capital primarily in connection with the update of its three-year business plan . Furthermore, each quarter, the Swedish FSA publishes the result of its assessments on the capital adequacy reflecting additional requirements for risks not covered by the first pillar for the ten largest financial institutions in Sweden, including SEK. This publication covers additional estimates of concentration risk, sovereign risk, market risk and pension risk. Moreover, it reflects the ICAAP, where the additional risks are included and evaluated annually.

 

(iiiPillar 3 concerns, and places requirements on, openness and transparency and how institutions, in a broad sense, should report their operations to the market and the public. The disclosure of capital and risk management must follow the requirements of the CRR and some additional regulations issued in Sweden, most notably the Swedish FSA’s regulations FFFS 2014:12 regarding prudential requirements and capital buffers. SEK reported in accordance with Pillar 3 for the first time in the Annual Report for 2007. Since 2008, SEK has also published a separate report in accordance with Pillar 3: “Capital Adequacy and Risk Management Report, Pillar 3”.

 

Liquidity standards

 

As mentioned above, the CRR also introduces new liquidity standards: the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) and net stable funding ratio (NSFR). The LCR requires that a bank holds enough high quality liquid assets to cover its projected net cash outflows over a 30-day stress scenario. The EU Commission has adopted a delegated act on LCR. The detailed LCR rules came into force on October 1, 2015 with phase-in of 60 percent in 2015, 70 percent in 2016, 80 percent in 2017 and 100 percent in 2018. The NSFR requires that a bank maintain a stable borrowing profile in relation to the composition of its assets and off-balance sheet activities under both normal and stressed conditions. However, minimum requirements will not come into force until 2019 at the earliest. The EU Commission’s proposal to revise the CRR would fully implement the NSFR.

 

Measures of capital adequacy

 

The principal measure of capital adequacy, according to the current standard (Basel III as implemented by the CRR), is a capital-to-risk exposure amount ratio, which compares the own funds, as defined in the CRR, to the total of risk-weighted exposures, that is assets and off-balance sheet items measured according to the risk level.

 

According to the CRR, own funds consist of three components with different levels of quality from a loss absorption perspective:

 

·        the highest quality is the Common Equity Tier 1 capital, which includes equity capital after certain adjustments and deductions;

 

·        the next level is the Additional Tier 1 capital which, subject to detailed requirements, consists of certain types of highly subordinated, perpetual debt or hybrid capital (Tier 1 capital is the sum of Common Equity Tier 1 capital and Additional Tier 1 capital); and

 

·        Tier 2 capital constitutes the third level and consists of, subject to detailed requirements, certain types of subordinated debt that, among other things, must have an original maturity of no less than five years.

 

The minimum total capital ratio requirement under Pillar 1 is 8.0 percent, a requirement that has not changed with the CRR. However, the CRR introduced additional requirements on the higher quality components of capital, with a minimum requirement of 4.5 percent and 6.0 percent relating to Common Equity Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 capital, respectively. According to the CRR’s transitional rules regarding the Basel I floor, which were applicable until the end of 2017, a capital requirement for total own funds should be calculated in parallel, on the basis of the Basel I rules. To the extent that the capital requirement calculated based on the Basel I based rules exceeds the capital requirement based on the CRR, the capital requirement under the Basel I based rules constitutes the minimum capital requirement. Other transitional arrangements, according to the CRR, have no

 

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significant effect on SEK, since the Swedish FSA has required financial institutions, including SEK, to fulfill them as from January 1, 2014.

 

 

 

Minimum Capital
Requirement

 

Minimum Capital
Requirement including
Buffers Requirement

 

SEK Capital
Ratios

 

Capital ratios

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio

 

4.5

%

4.5

%

8.4

%

8.0

%

20.6

%

22.1

%

Tier 1 capital ratio

 

6.0

%

6.0

%

9.9

%

9.5

%

20.6

%

22.1

%

Total capital ratio

 

8.0

%

8.0

%

11.9

%

11.5

%

23.0

%

25.1

%

 

In addition to these minimum ratios, SEK must meet certain capital buffers requirements. Failure to meet the additional buffers requirements triggers, among other things, restrictions on distributions. SEK is also expected to cover the supplementary capital requirements estimated under the second pillar. SEK’s policy is to maintain own funds well in excess of both the regulatory minimum requirements under the first pillar and the supplementary capital requirements under the second pillar.

 

The main reason for the decrease in SEK’s capital ratios as of December 31, 2017 was due to the fact that SEK transferred from the standardized approach to apply the IRB approach to exposures to central and regional governments and to multilateral development banks in 2017. See Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on the capital adequacy and capital buffers of SEK.

 

Large exposures

 

According to the CRR, a large exposure refers to an exposure that accounts for at least 10 percent of an institution’s eligible capital, which effectively for SEK is the total of own funds.

 

As percentage of

 

2017

 

2016

 

Large exposures as percentage of the own funds

 

230.6

%

199.0

%

 

The aggregate amount of SEK’s large exposures as of December 31, 2017 consisted of risk-weighted exposures to 18 different counterparties, or counterparty groups, the majority of which relate to combined exposures for which more than one counterparty is responsible for the same payments.

 

In order to monitor large exposures, SEK has defined internal limits, which are monitored daily, along with other limits.

 

C                                                                              Organizational Structure

 

SEK organizes its activities in one Lending function which serves all customers with all products within SEK’s product range. The Lending function is responsible for all customer relations contacts and cooperates with a Credit function and a Treasury group. SEK also maintains a risk control unit and a compliance function as well as staff and support functions.

 

Risk Control, Compliance and Internal Audit

 

SEK maintains a risk control unit and a compliance function which operate independently of the business areas. See also Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In November 2011, upon the recommendation of the Audit Committee, SEK’s Board decided, that the independent internal audit function would be outsourced to an external company beginning in 2012. SEK’s Board appointed KPMG to be responsible for the independent internal audit function and they commenced their assignment in January

 

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2012. Their assignment was extended for 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018 as well. In appointing an external party to perform the internal audit, SEK benefits from significant competence and experience in auditing SEK’s compliance with applicable regulations, particularly those regarding capital adequacy and the company’s internal risk model. SEK’s Risk and Compliance Committee, of which the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) is the chairman, has overall responsibility to establish the internal rules for the internal control of the financial reporting and follow-up compliance with the internal control regulations.

 

D                               Property, Plant and Equipment

 

SEK’s current headquarters, which occupy approximately 4,490 square meters of office space in central Stockholm, are leased. SEK also leases office space in Gothenberg, which occupies approximately 14 square meters.

 

ITEM 4A. UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

 

None.

 

ITEM 5. OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS

 

A                               Operating Results

 

A major part of SEK’s operating profit derives from net interest revenues, which are earned mainly on loans to customers, but also to a lesser extent on liquidity investments. Funding for these assets comes from equity and from securities issued in international capital markets. Accordingly, the key determinants of SEK’s operating profit are: the interest rate on interest-bearing assets, the interest rate of issued securities, the outstanding volume of interest-bearing assets and the proportion of assets financed by equity.

 

SEK issues debt instruments with terms that may be fixed, floating or linked to various indices. SEK’s strategy is to economically hedge these terms at floating rates with the aim of matching the terms of its debt-financed assets. The quality of SEK’s operating profit, its relatively stable credit ratings and its public role have enabled SEK to achieve borrowing at levels that are competitive within the market. Another factor affecting net interest revenues is the size of the resolution fee, which SEK is required to pay to a fund to support the recovery of credit institutions.

 

In addition to net interest revenues, another key influence on SEK’s operating profit has been changes in the fair value of certain assets, liabilities and derivatives. The factors that mainly impact unrealized changes in fair value are credit spreads on own debt and cross-currency basis spreads. The credit spread on own debt is related to SEK’s creditworthiness, as perceived by its investors. Cross-currency basis spread is the deviation in the nominal interest rate between two currencies in a currency interest rate swap caused by the difference between the base interest rate of the currencies.

 

Operating expenses also have an important impact on SEK’s operating profit. Operating expenses are mainly affected by personnel expenses, including employee incentive schemes such as the new variable remuneration program for certain permanent employees, spending on information technology and other administrative expenses.

 

Total other comprehensive income is mainly affected by effects attributable to cash-flow hedges.

 

SEK’s general business model is to hold financial instruments measured at fair value to maturity. The net fair value changes that occur are mainly related to changes in credit spreads on SEK’s own debt and basis spreads and are recognized in net results of financial transactions. The changes could be significant in a single reporting period, but are not expected to affect profit over time, since the changes in the instrument’s market value will be zero if it is held to maturity and is a performing instrument. When financial instruments are not held to maturity,

 

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realized gains and losses can occur, for example, when SEK repurchases its own debt, or if lending is repaid early and the related hedging instruments are terminated prematurely.

 

For Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates and Recent Accounting Pronouncements Issued and Other Accounting Related Announcements, see Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Assets and Business Volume

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Skr bn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Changes in
percent

 

Total Assets

 

264.4

 

299.4

 

-12

%

Liquidity Investments

 

55.7

 

72.3

 

-23

%

Loans outstanding and disbursed

 

195.1

 

208.7

 

-7

%

-Percentage in the CIRR-system

 

26

%

24

%

 

 

 

Liquidity investments and outstanding loans decreased compared to the end of 2016. Liquidity investments decreased during the fourth quarter of 2017 due to early redemption of structured debt related to the Nikkei Index and the strong performance of the Japanese stock market. SEK has not replaced this debt yet because of continued strong new lending capacity. Maturities and repayments caused outstanding loans to decrease, which was not significantly offset by the new lending because new lending was primarily attributable to export credits of which only a small portion had been disbursed as of December 31, 2017.

 

New lending (offers accepted)

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Skr billion

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Lending to Swedish exporters (1)

 

21.6

 

18.1

 

19.3

 

of which CIRR-system

 

 

 

 

Lending to exporters’ customers (2)

 

67.7

 

36.7

 

85.3

 

of which CIRR-system

 

36.9

 

10.8

 

50.8

 

Total

 

89.3

 

54.8

 

104.6

 

 


(1) Of which Skr 0.7 billion (year-end 2016: Skr 0.1 billion) had not been disbursed at period-end.

 

(2) Of which Skr 35.1 billion (year-end 2016: Skr 8.3 billion) had not been disbursed at period-end.

 

The high level of new lending in 2017 was due to a number of large export credits and high demand in SEK’s various product areas from different parts of the Swedish export industry. In 2015, the new lending was extremely high due to new lending to the Brazilian government to purchase Saab’s Gripen aircraft amounting to Skr 41.9 billion.

 

Binding offers outstanding of lending

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Skr bn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Volume of binding offers outstanding

 

1.2

 

4.6

 

CIRR loans as percentage of volume of binding offers outstanding

 

52

%

63

%

 

Commitment of undisbursed loans amounted to Skr 89.3 billion in 2017 (year-end 2016: Skr 54.8 billion).

 

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Counterparty Risk Exposures

 

SEK’s exposures to central and regional governments as well as to financial institutions have decreased as exposures to corporates have increased. For information, see the table “Total net exposures” in Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Total counterparty exposure

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Counterparty Risk Exposures in Skr bn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Central governments

 

167.1

 

173.7

 

Regional governments

 

11.4

 

19.9

 

Multilateral development banks

 

0.0

 

1.9

 

Public Sector Entity

 

0.4

 

 

Financial institutions

 

38.6

 

45.2

 

Corporates

 

109.7

 

100.0

 

Total counterparty exposure

 

327.2

 

340.7

 

 

Other exposures and risks

 

SEK’s hedging transactions are expected to be effective in offsetting changes in fair value attributable to hedged risks. The determination of the gross value of certain items in the statements of financial position, particularly derivatives and issued unsubordinated securities, which effectively hedge each other, requires complex judgments regarding the most appropriate valuation technique, assumptions and estimates.

 

If different valuation models or assumptions were used, or if assumptions have changed, a different result may arise. Excluding the impact on the valuation of spreads on SEK’s own debt and basis spreads (which can be significant), such changes in fair value would generally offset each other, with little impact on the value of net assets.

 

SEK maintains a conservative policy with regard to market exposures, interest rate risks, currency risks and operational risks. For quantitative and qualitative information about risks and exposures, see Note 27 and Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Results of Operations

 

Net Interest Revenues

 

Skr bn, average

 

2017

 

2016

 

%

 

2015

 

%

 

Total loans

 

201.9

 

206.9

 

-2

%

211.7

 

-2

%

Liquidity investments

 

64.0

 

65.5

 

-2

%

72.7

 

-10

%

Interest-bearing assets

 

265.9

 

272.4

 

-2

%

284.3

 

-4

%

Interest-bearing liabilities

 

241.0

 

245.4

 

-2

%

259.9

 

-6

%

 

2017 compared to 2016

 

Net interest revenues amounted to Skr 1,683 million (2016: Skr 1,747 million), a decrease of 4 percent compared to the previous year. Net interest revenues were affected negatively by a higher resolution fee of Skr 193 million (2016: Skr 102 million), which SEK is required to pay to a fund to support the recovery of credit institutions. The higher fee was partially offset by higher market interest rates and lower borrowing costs.

 

2016 compared to 2015

 

Net interest revenues amounted to Skr 1,747 million (2015: Skr 1,662 million), an increase of 5 percent compared to the previous year. Borrowing costs margin decreased compared to the previous year, while average margin on interest-bearing assets increased as a result of somewhat higher lending margins. In addition, the average market interest rate slightly increased year-on-year. This was offset by a lower average volume of interest-bearing assets.

 

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Commission earned and commission incurred

 

2017 compared to 2016

 

Commission earned and commission incurred amounted to Skr -28 million (2016: Skr -29 million). Commission earned amounted to Skr 3 million (2016: Skr 3 million). Commission incurred amounted to Skr -31 million (2016: Skr –32 million).

 

2016 compared to 2015

 

Commission earned and commission incurred amounted to Skr -29 million (2015: Skr -6 million). Commission earned amounted to Skr 3 million (2015: Skr 2 million). Commission incurred amounted to Skr -32 million (2015: Skr –8 million).

 

Net results of Financial Transactions

 

2017 compared to 2016

 

Net results of financial transactions amounted to Skr -102 million (2016: Skr -110 million), mainly due to unrealized losses related to changes in the fair value of the credit spreads on SEK’s own debt, where increased credit spreads have had a negative effect on net profit. This was partially offset by unrealized gains related to the fair value of currency swaps.

 

2016 compared to 2015

 

Net results of financial transactions amounted to Skr -110 million (2015: Skr 400 million), which was primarily due to unrealized losses in value attributable to currency swaps and basis spreads. This was offset by a positive impact from repurchases and early redemption of SEK’s own debt. During the previous year, the change in fair value of SEK’s debt, which originated from changes in SEK’s credit spread, made a positive contribution. Unrealized gains on financial instruments at fair value, which are included in hedges, also had a positive impact the previous year.

 

Operating expenses

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

%

 

2015

 

%

 

Personnel expenses

 

-320

 

-308

 

4

%

-295

 

4

%

of which provision to the EIS

 

7

 

4

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

Other administrative expenses

 

-232

 

-236

 

-2

%

-164

 

44

%

Depreciation and impairment of non-financial assets

 

-45

 

-46

 

-2

%

-98

 

-53

%

Total Operating expenses

 

-597

 

-590

 

1

%

-557

 

6

%

 

2017 compared to 2016

 

Operating expenses increased somewhat compared to the previous year, mainly due to increased personnel expenses, which were partially offset by a decrease in other administrative expenses. In 2017, a provision of Skr 7 million was made for the individual variable remuneration (“IVR”) in the system, compared to a reversal of Skr 4 million in 2016 for the previous employee incentive scheme (“EIS”). Beginning in 2017, SEK introduced a system in which SEK could offer permanent employees with customer or business responsibility, with the exception of members of the executive management, the possibility of IVR. The outcome at Company level is capped at a maximum of two months’ salary, calculated on the basis of all company employees entitled to IVR.

 

2016 compared to 2015

 

The increase in other administrative expenses was primarily due to intensive development work on methods and processes for market risk measurement. This led to development of IT systems with increased use of consultants. Furthermore, a larger proportion of this expenditure was expensed compared to previous year. There was no provision taken for the employee incentive scheme in 2016 (2015: Skr – million). However, a Skr 4 million reversal of earlier provisions for the employee incentive scheme was recorded in 2016 (2015: Skr 6 million). The yield from the scheme for employees was based on return on equity, and must not exceed two months’ salary. For 2016, the scheme covered all permanent employees with the exception of the CEO, other members of the executive management and employees working in risk and compliance functions.

 

In autumn 2016, the Board decided that the existing employee incentive scheme would cease to apply from the end of 2016.  In parallel, the Board decided to implement the IVR system described above.

 

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Depreciation and impairment of Non-financial Assets

 

2017 compared to 2016

 

Depreciation and impairment of non-financial assets amounted to Skr -45 million, which was in line with previous year.

 

2016 compared to 2015

 

The decrease in depreciation and impairment of non-financial assets was due to a Skr -55 million impairment of intangible assets taken in the previous year.

 

Net Credit Losses

 

2017 compared to 2016

 

Net credit losses amounted to Skr 51 million (2016: Skr -16 million). In 2017, a provision of Skr -59 million was made for anticipated credit losses relative to individually-assessed counterparties. During 2017, a previous reserved loss of Skr 47 million was realized. The collectively-assessed credits reserve decreased by Skr 80 million during the year. The decrease was due to improvements in the assessment basis in preparation for the introduction of the new process under IFRS 9 beginning in 2018 (see Notes 1 and 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The collectively-assessed credits reserve amounted to Skr 90 million at December 31, 2017 (year-end 2016: Skr 170 million).

 

2016 compared to 2015

 

Net credit losses amounted to Skr -16 million (2015: Skr 36 million). The year-on-year change was mainly attributable to the reversal in 2015 of Skr 70 million from the collectively-assessed credits reserve (formerly known as the portfolio-based reserve). The collectively-assessed credit reserve amounted to Skr 170 million at December 31, 2016 (year-end 2015: Skr 170 million).

 

Taxes

 

2017 compared to 2016

 

Tax costs amounted to Skr -235 million (2016: Skr –222 million), of which Skr -262 million (2016: Skr -382 million) consisted of current tax and Skr 27 million (2016: Skr 156 million) consisted of deferred tax (see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The effective tax rate was 23.3 percent (2016: 22.2 percent), while the nominal tax rate for 2017 was 22.0 percent (2016: 22.0 percent). The difference between the nominal tax rate and the effective tax rate is primarily due to the fact that the interest expense for subordinated loans beginning in 2017 is no longer deductible due to a change in the Swedish tax rules that became effective as of January 1, 2017.

 

2016 compared to 2015

 

Tax costs amounted to Skr -222 million (2015: Skr –348 million), of which Skr -382 million (2015: Skr -348 million) consisted of current tax and Skr 156 million (2015: Skr 0 million) consisted of deferred tax (see Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements). The effective tax rate is 22.2 percent (2015: 22.7 percent), while the nominal tax rate for 2016 was 22.0 percent (2015: 22.0 percent).

 

Operating and net profit

 

2017 compared to 2016

 

Operating profit amounted to Skr 1,007 million (2016: Skr 1,002 million). Operating profit increased due to an improvement in net credit losses, which was largely offset by a decrease in net interest revenues.  Net profit amounted to Skr 772 million (2016: Skr 780 million).

 

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2016 compared to 2015

 

Operating profit amounted to Skr 1,002 million (2015: Skr 1,535 million), mainly due to a decrease in Net results of financial transactions from Skr 400 million to Skr -110 million. Net profit amounted to Skr 780 million (2015: Skr 1,187 million).

 

Other comprehensive income

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Items to be reclassified to operating profit

 

-124

 

-123

 

-225

 

of which available-for-sale securities

 

-33

 

46

 

-8

 

of which other comprehensive income effects related to cash-flow hedges

 

-91

 

-169

 

-217

 

Items not to be reclassified to operating profit

 

-4

 

-26

 

49

 

Other comprehensive income before tax

 

-128

 

-149

 

-176

 

 

2017 compared to 2016

 

A major part of the items to be reclassified to operating profit related to cash flow hedges. The effect was related to reclassification from other comprehensive income to net interest revenues due to the fact that hedging instruments previously were included in cash flow hedges. Items not to be reclassified to operating profit were related to revaluation of defined benefit pensions.

 

2016 compared to 2015

 

Many of the items to be reclassified to operating profit were related to previously terminated cash flow hedges. These items were reclassified from other comprehensive income to net interest revenues. Items not to be reclassified to operating profit were related to revaluation of defined benefit pensions. The negative impact was caused by the lower discount rate.

 

B                                                                              Liquidity, Capital Resources and Borrowing

 

SEK’s policy for liquidity and borrowing risk requires that for all credit commitments outstanding as well as agreed but undisbursed credits, there must be borrowing available through maturity. For CIRR loans, which SEK manages on behalf of the Swedish State, the company counts its credit facility of Skr 125 billion with the Swedish National Debt Office, which in December 2017 was extended for 2018, as available borrowing, despite the fact that no funds have been drawn under this facility. As a consequence, SEK continues to have a high level of liquid assets and a low borrowing risk. The aggregate volume of funds and equity exceeded the aggregate volume of loans outstanding and loans committed during each future time period. Accordingly, SEK considers all loan commitments to be funded through maturity. As of December 31, 2017, SEK had 15 months of available funds to meet potential disbursements under new lending agreements, as compared to nine months as of December 31, 2016. See the section titled “Liquidity risk and refinancing risk” in Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and the Liquidity risk discussion in Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Borrowing

 

Skr bn

 

2017

 

2016

 

New borrowing

 

82.4

 

70.4

 

Repurchase of own debt

 

2.7

 

4.1

 

Early redemption of borrowing

 

36.0

 

10.9

 

 

Capital markets in 2017 were stable with high liquidity. SEK completed several public financing transactions during the year as well as a large volume of structured debt, mainly in the Japanese Uridashi market. SEK’s borrowing over the course of the year took place in a total of 12 different currencies across a number of different geographic markets. Japan and North America were the largest borrowing markets in 2017, but SEK also undertook significant new borrowing in Europe outside the Nordic countries.

 

During the fourth quarter, an unusually high volume of structured debt was redeemed as a consequence of an

 

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upswing in the Japanese stock market. In combination with the maturity and disbursement of new lending, the unusually high volume of structured debt redemption has led to a reduction in liquidity investments. However, SEK continues to have strong liquidity for new lending, and it believes it remains well-prepared to meet the future financing needs of the Swedish export industry.

 

Debt Maturities

 

The following table illustrates SEK’s debt maturity profile for different types of senior and subordinated debt. Repayments are assumed to occur on the maturity date and reflect nominal amounts.

 

Debt Maturities:

 

Skr million

 

2018

 

2019

 

2020

 

2021

 

2022

 

Thereafter

 

Total

 

Senior debt

 

49,285

 

52,250

 

42,046

 

15,830

 

28,326

 

37,096

 

224,833

 

of which fixed-rate

 

30,495

 

35,148

 

31,192

 

10,322

 

20,241

 

14,125

 

141,523

 

of which variable-rate

 

12,232

 

15,416

 

10,854

 

3,460

 

8,085

 

22,971

 

73,018

 

of which formula-based

 

6,557

 

1,687

 

 

2,048

 

 

 

10,292

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Subordinated debt

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,040

 

2,040

 

of which fixed rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,040

 

2,040

 

of which variable rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total debt

 

49,285

 

52,250

 

42,046

 

15,830

 

28,326

 

39,136

 

226,873

 

 

 

 

As of December 31,

 

Skr million

 

2017

 

2016

 

Fixed-rate (1)

 

141,523

 

139,661

 

Variable-rate (1)

 

10,292

 

33,463

 

Formula-based (1)

 

73,018

 

79,823

 

of which interest rate-linked

 

69,928

 

44,552

 

of which currency-linked

 

2,198

 

11,221

 

of which equity-linked

 

779

 

23,906

 

of which commodity-linked

 

113

 

144

 

of which credit-linked

 

 

 

Total senior debt

 

224,833

 

252,948

 

 


(1) As of December 31, 2017 the interest rate ranges for fixed-rate senior debt and variable-rate senior debt were 0 percent to 10 percent (2016: 0 percent to 9 percent) per annum, respectively. The wide range of interest rates reflects the fact that the debt is issued in many different currencies and with different maturities. Due to the exceptionally low interest rate levels in 2017 SEK has also experienced negative variable interest rates on its funding, especially funding denominated in Swiss Francs and Japanese Yen.

 

SEK’s economic hedges are expected to be effective in offsetting changes in fair values attributable to hedged risks. Certain assets and liabilities in such hedges require complex judgments regarding the most appropriate valuation models and assumptions. The gross values of certain assets and liabilities (primarily derivative and senior securities issued by SEK), which effectively hedge each other, are affected by this complexity. If different valuation models or assumptions were employed instead of those used in the valuations in this report, or if assumptions were changed, this could produce different results regarding the gross value of such securities issued and hedging derivatives. Changes in the fair value of derivatives will usually be offset by changes in the fair value of securities issued, and the connected change in the fair value will thus not have a material effect on either results or equity except the impact on valuation of credit spreads on SEK’s own debt and basis spreads.

 

The outstanding volume of debt with remaining maturities of one year or less decreased during 2017. At December 31, 2017, outstanding debt with remaining maturities of one year or less amounted to Skr 49 billion, compared with Skr 70 billion at December 31, 2016.

 

Contractual Commitments

 

For maturity analysis of SEK’s financial assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017, see the table entitled “Contractual Flows” in Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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C                             Trend Information

 

SEK’s future development is based on a number of factors, some of which are difficult to predict and generally beyond the company’s control. Some significant factors for 2017 are presented below:

 

·            Despite favorable access to other financing solutions, demand for SEK’s financing offerings is healthy.

·            During the year, SEK continued its efforts to reach new clients and to broaden its business with existing clients. Solicitation of new clients has been successful and SEK has concluded deals with new clients including large companies and medium-sized companies, the latter being a relatively new customer group.

·            During 2017, SEK worked together with other export promotion agencies on the Swedish government’s Team Sweden initiative. SEK also works with other government export promotion agencies to improve the communication with companies, especially in providing information on the Swedish export credit system.

·            In 2017, SEK concluded internal efforts to improve methods and implement new systems for risk measurement. Due to these efforts, SEK now has a stable foundation for more effective risk management.

·            SEK has adopted the Equator Principles, a globally recognized framework for assessing and managing environmental and societal risks in conjunction with financing projects.

·            During the year, credits were granted to six larger international projects where SEK conducted separate sustainability reviews in line with international guidelines for export credits. In 2017, new lending that qualified for classification as green loans, as per SEK’s definition, amounted to Skr 2.4 billion, which was below the target of Skr 3.0 billion.

·            In collaboration with clients and business partners, SEK has continued to clarify its commitment to human rights in conjunction with export credits.

 

For additional information on the trends affecting SEK and the risks it faces, see the discussions under “Business Volume” above and the “Risk Factors” in Item 3.

 

D                             Certain Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

 

In 2017, SEK had a credit facility in place with the Swedish National Debt Office of up to Skr 125 billion. To date, SEK has not utilized the credit facility. The credit facility can only be utilized for loans covered by the CIRR-system. In December 2017, the Swedish Parliament confirmed that the credit facility will continue to be available in 2018 in an amount up to Skr 125 billion.

 

ITEM 6. DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANGEMENT AND EMPLOYEES

 

The Board of Directors of the Parent Company (the “Board”) is responsible for the management of the Parent Company.

 

The Parent Company’s Articles of Association currently provide that the Board shall consist of six to eight directors. The State, as holder of all the shares, elects the directors. The Chairman of the Board is appointed at each Annual General Meeting. The Board may appoint a Vice Chairman of the Board.

 

The Board meets at least six times a year.

 

The members of the Board are elected at each Annual General Meeting to serve for a term of one year, which expires at the next Annual General Meeting. An Annual General Meeting is required to be held not later than June 30 of each year.

 

Certain information with respect to the Parent Company’s directors and executive officers is set forth below. Unless otherwise indicated, such information is given as of the date of this report.

 

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A                                                                              Director and senior management

 

A1.                                                                    The Board

 

Board of Directors and Executive Officers

 

Name

 

Age(1)

 

Position(1)

Lars Linder-Aronson

 

64

 

Chairman of the Board and Director

Cecilia Ardström

 

52

 

Director

Jan Belfrage(2)

 

73

 

Director

Anna Brandt(5)

 

56

 

Director

Reinhold Geijer(3)

 

64

 

Director

Hans Larsson(3)

 

56

 

Director

Susanne Lithander

 

56

 

Director

Lotta Mellström

 

47

 

Director

Ulla Nilsson

 

70

 

Director

Teppo Tauriainen(4)

 

56

 

Director

Magnus Uggla(2)

 

65

 

Director

Catrin Fransson

 

55

 

Chief Executive Officer

Per Åkerlind

 

55

 

Head of Treasury & Capital Management & Executive Vice President

Karl Johan Bernerfalk

 

45

 

General Counsel

Stefan Friberg

 

49

 

Chief Risk Officer

Theresa Hamilton Burman

 

55

 

Chief Credit Officer

Johan Henningsson

 

52

 

Head of Sustainability

Petra Könberg(6)

 

48

 

Head of Marketing & Business Development

Jane Lundgren Ericsson

 

52

 

Head of Lending

Ingela Nachtweij

 

51

 

Acting Head of IT

Sirpa Rusanen

 

53

 

Chief Human Resources Officer

Susanna Rystedt

 

53

 

Chief Administrative Officer

Edvard Unsgaard(7)

 

43

 

Head of Communication

 


(1) As of December 31, 2017

(2) Resigned March 22, 2017

(3) From March 22, 2017

(4) Resigned November 21, 2017

(5) From November 21, 2017

(6) From April 18, 2017

(7) Resigned April 18, 2017

 

Mr. Linder-Aronson was appointed director in May 2011. He is currently Chairman of the Board at Nordisk Renting AB. He serves as a director of Facility Labs AB and Morco Förvaltning AB. He has previously served as Managing Director at Enskilda Securities AB and Deputy Managing Director at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB.

 

Ms. Ardström was appointed director in May 2011. She is currently Member of the Board at Guldsillen AB and Stockholms Stads Brandförsäkringskontor AB. She has previously served as Chief Financial Officer and Head of Asset Management at Länsförsäkringar AB, Head of Treasury at Tele2 Group and Head of Asset Management and CIO of Folksam Group.

 

Ms. Brandt was appointed director in November 2017. She is currently Sweden’s Ambassador to Dublin (based in Stockholm). She has previously served as Executive Director and Member of the Board at the World Bank, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), and European Investment Bank (EIB), Ambassador for Agenda 2030 at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Sweden’s Ambassador to Nairobi.

 

Mr. Geijer was appointed director in March 2017. He is currently Chairman of the Board at BTS Group AB and a Board Member of The British Swedish Chamber of Commerce BSCC, The Sweden American Foundation, Eterna Invest AB, Zacco A/S and Livförsäkringsaktiebolaget Skandia. He has previously served as Chief Executive Officer at The Royal Bank of Scotland, Nordic Branch, Chief Executive Officer at Nordisk Renting AB, Executive Vice President at Telia AB and Chief Executive Officer at Swedbank. He has also previously

 

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worked in Ericsson Radio Systems AB, SSAB Swedish Steel and Weyerhaeuser Integrated Forest Company, USA.

 

Mr. Larsson was appointed director in March 2017. He is currently Chief Executive Officer at Linderyd Advisory AB and Lunda Advisory AB. He serves as Chairman of the Board of Nordnet AB and Linderyd Advisory AB and as Board Member at Intrum Justitia AB. He has previously served as Head of Group Strategy & Business Development at SEB, Executive Vice President and Chief of Staff at Lindorff Group and Board Member at Nordax AB and Nordax Bank AB.

 

Ms. Lithander was appointed director in April 2015. She is currently CFO at BillerudKorsnäs AB. She has previously served as VP Finance, Projects at SCA Group, CEO at Mercuri International Group and as VP Head of Advisory Services at Ericsson, BU Global Services.

 

Ms. Mellström was appointed director in May 2011. She is currently Investment Director and Senior Adviser at the Division for State-Owned Enterprises at the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation. She serves as Board Member at Swedavia AB, Jernhusen AB and SOS Alarm Sverige AB. She has previously served as Management consultant at Resco AB and Controller at Sydkraft Group and ABB Group.

 

Ms. Nilsson was appointed director in July 2011. She is currently President and CEO at the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in London. She has served at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB, Global Head of SEB Futures in London, Chairman of Enskilda Futures Limited in London, Head of Trading & Capital Markets in Singapore, Head of Treasury in Luxemburg and Skånska Banken.

 

A.2                                                                    Management — Executive Officers

 

Ms. Fransson has been Chief Executive Officer since April 2014. Prior to that she held several positions within Swedbank between 2000 and 2013; member of group executive committee (2004-2013), Head of Group Products (2013), Head of Retail Banking Sweden (2010-2012), Head of Customer Offerings & Products (2007-2010), Region Manager — Northern Region (2004-2007), CRM Manager (2000-2002), and several positions at Föreningssparbanken; Area Manager Stockholm (2003-2004) and various management positions (1997-2000).

 

Mr. Åkerlind has been Executive Vice President and Head of Treasury & Capital Management since 2015. Prior to that he served as Executive Director, Chief Operating Officer since January 2011. Prior to that he was Executive Director, CFO and Head of Capital Markets since June 2002. Prior to that he served as Executive Director, Treasurer and Head of Debt Capital Markets beginning in 1997. Prior to that he served in various capacities within the Debt Capital Markets group, beginning in 1990.

 

Mr. Bernerfalk has been Executive Director, General Counsel since 2015. Previously he was Head of Legal Lending since 2007. Prior to that he served as legal counsel of SBAB and served as legal counsel with leading Swedish law firms.

 

Mr. Friberg has been Executive Director, Chief Risk Officer since May 2015. Previously he held the position as Head of Group Risk Control at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken (“SEB”) from 2008. Prior to that he served as Head of Credit Portfolio Management at SEB from 2006. Prior to that he held various positions in Trading within SEB and Nordea, primarily in Derivatives Trading, since 1996.

 

Ms. Hamilton Burman has been Executive Director, Chief Credit Officer since August 2015. Previously she held several positions within Swedbank e.g. Regional Credit Manager, Head of Corporate Banking, Head of Credit analysis. In addition she has been a director representing Swedbank in several of its subsidiaries such as Swedbank Financial Services AB, Swedbank Card Services AB and some partly owned saving banks and the credit bureau UC AB.

 

Mr. Henningsson has been Executive Director, Head of Sustainability since January 2015 and has served as Head of Sustainability since 2010. Previously he was a Director at SEK Financial Advisors (2006-2009). Prior to that, he served, among other professions, as Head of Corporate Sales at ABN Amro Bank Stockholm Branch and Head of Treasury Management at N&G Financial Management.

 

Ms. Könberg has been Executive Director, Head of Marketing & Business Development since April 2017. Prior to that she served as Head of Internal communications (2016-2017) and Head of consumer communications

 

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(2014-2016) at Telia. Before that she served as Head of communications, Group Products at Swedbank (2013-2014) and prior to that she served in other capacities at Swedbank.

 

Ms. Lundgren Ericsson has been Executive Director, Head of Lending since January 2015. Prior to that she was Deputy Chief Operating Officer (2011-2014), Executive Director since April 2005 and served as Chief Executive Officer, AB SEK Securities (2002-2014). Previously she served as SEK’s Head of Legal and Transaction Management, beginning in 1993 and held the position for seven years.

 

Ms. Nachtweij was Executive Director, Acting Head of IT from January 2017 to January 2018. Prior to that, she has served as Senior Director, Senior specialist and Head of Operations at Treasury and Capital Management within SEK beginning in 2010. From 2003 to 2010 she served as Adviser and Head of Back Office at Sveriges Riksbank, and before that she served in other capacities at Enskilda Securities, SEB and Sparbanken Finans, beginning in 1991.

 

Ms. Rusanen has been Executive Director, Chief Human Resources Officer since 2005. Prior to that, she served as Human Resource Manager at Ericsson, beginning in 1997.

 

Ms. Rystedt has been Executive Director, Chief Administrative Officer since March 2009. Prior to that, she served as Head of Business Development & IT at SEB Life beginning in 2005. From 2002 to 2005, she served as Head of IT at SEB Trygg Liv, and before that she served in other capacities at SEB Trygg Liv and Enskilda Securities and as a member of the Group Staff within the SEB Group, beginning in 1990.

 

SEK hired a full-time Head of IT in February 2018, Ms. Madeleine Widaeus.

 

B                                                                              Compensation of Directors and Officers

 

Remuneration, Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Aggregate remuneration of all directors and executive officers as a group(1)

 

27.1

 

24.3

 

22.8

 

Chairman of the Board

 

0.7

 

0.7

 

0.6

 

Each director(2)

 

0.0-0.3

 

0.0-0.2

 

0.0-0.3

 

CEO Catrin Fransson(3)

 

4.7

 

4.6

 

4.5

 

Other executive officers of the Parent Company(4)

 

20.2

 

17.9

 

16.5

 

Pension plan with an insurance company on behalf of all executive officers

 

7.1

 

6.3

 

5.9

 

 


(1) In the form of salaries, fees and other benefits in the case of executive officers. In the form of fees and other benefits in the case of directors.

 

(2) Since April 29, 2010, remuneration is not paid from the company to the representatives on the Board who are employed by the owner, the Swedish State.

 

(3) Remuneration and other benefits. The CEO did not receive any variable compensation.

 

(4) Remuneration and other benefits.

 

For information on amounts set aside or accrued by SEK to provide employee pension benefits, see also Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

C                             Board Practices

 

Activities and Division of Responsibility within the Board

 

The Board is responsible for the organization and the administration of SEK’s affairs, of which sustainability forms an integral part.The Board is also tasked with ensuring that the company’s financial statements, as well as its sustainability reporting, are prepared in accordance with legislation, applicable accounting standards and other requirements. The Board must continually assess SEK’s financial position and ensure that SEK is structured in such a way that its accounting, management of funds and SEK’s other financial circumstances are governed by satisfactory controls. The Board adopts the operating targets and strategies for the operations, including sustainability, and issues general internal regulations in policies and instructions, in which

 

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sustainability issues are integrated. The Board ensures that an efficient system is in place to monitor and control SEK’s operations. In addition, the Board is tasked with appointing, and dismissing if necessary, the CEO and the Chief Risk Officer, and deciding on the remuneration of these individuals and other members of executive management.

 

The Board’s work follows the rules of procedure and the Board’s annual plan, each of which is adopted each year at a statutory Board meeting. The Board met on 11 occasions in 2017. The CEO attends all Board meetings except those addressing matters in which there is a conflict of interest, such as when evaluating the CEO’s work or determining the CEO’s compensation. The rules of procedure govern such matters as reporting to the Board, the frequency and form of the meetings of the Board, and delegation and assessment of the work of the Board and the CEO. In addition to this, the Board monitors financial developments and has ultimate responsibility for internal control, compliance and risk management.

 

The Board is responsible for a well thought-out and firmly established policy and strategy for dealing with respect for the environment, social responsibility, human rights, corruption as well as equal opportunities and diversity.

 

The Chairman of the Board leads the work of the Board and is responsible for ensuring that the other members of the Board are provided with the necessary information.

 

When required, the Chairman of the Board participates in important meetings and represents the company in ownership matters. The tasks of the Chairman of the Board conform to applicable legislation and the rules of procedure of the Board. Auditors are invited to participate at meetings of the Board at least once a year. The auditors appointed by the Annual General Meeting have attended one of the meetings of the Board. The General Counsel acts as secretary to the Board.

 

The Board has established a credit committee (the body that deals with credit-related matters), a finance and risk committee (the body that deals with other financial matters besides those relating to credits as well as risk issues), an audit committee (the body that deals with the company’s financial reporting, internal control, etc.) and a remuneration committee (the body that deals with certain remuneration matters). Besides the Board committees and the work for which the Chairman is responsible, work is not divided within the Board.

 

Appointing the Board and Auditors

 

The nomination procedure for Board members complies with the State’s ownership policy and is conducted and coordinated by the Division for Corporate Governance and Analysis at the Swedish Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation. A working group analyzes the skills requirements based on the composition of the Board as well as the company’s operations, status, future challenges and completed Board training. Any recruitment needs are then established and the recruitment process initiated. The State’s ownership policy sets out that the government seeks to achieve an even gender balance and the target is a minimum of 40 percent board representation for both women and men. Boards with six to eight directors elected by the general meeting of shareholders must include at least three persons of each gender. Directors are to be selected from a broad recruitment base with the aim of utilizing the expertise of women and men, as well as of individuals with various backgrounds and experience. Discrimination based on gender, transgender identity or expression, ethnic affiliation, religion or other belief, disability, sexual preference or age is prohibited.

 

SEK carries out a suitability assessment of Board members and senior executives pursuant to the regulatory framework issued by the European Banking Authority (EBA). SEK’s assessment of potential new Board members is based on the owner having identified the candidate in question according to a job specification. The owner is informed of the outcome following SEK’s assessment. When the procedure is complete, the nominations are disclosed publicly in accordance with the provisions of the Swedish Corporate Governance Code.

 

At the Annual General Meeting in April 2017, Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB (“PwC”) was appointed as external auditors, with Peter Nyllinge as principally responsible auditor for a period of one year. The Board has decided to propose PwC as SEK’s auditors for 2018 at the next Annual General Meeting.

 

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In 2017, SEK’s Board and committees adopted the following policies and instructions:

 

Policy documents

 

Issued by

The Board’s rules of procedure

 

The Board

Authorization and Delegation Rules

 

The Board

Financial Reporting Instruction

 

The Board

Code of Conduct

 

The Board

Sustainable Business Policy

 

The Board

Risk Policy

 

The Board

Credit Policy

 

The Board

Remuneration Policy

 

The Board

Instruction for the CEO

 

The Board

Instruction for the Chief Risk Officer, CRO

 

The Board

Instruction for the Internal Audit function

 

The Board

Instruction for the Compliance function

 

The Board

Instruction for the assessment of the suitability of Board members, the CEO and senior executives

 

Remuneration Committee

Financing Strategy

 

Finance and Risk Committee

Liquidity Strategy

 

Finance and Risk Committee

Limits for market and liquidity risks

 

Finance and Risk Committee

Credit Instruction

 

Credit Committee

The Board’s rules of procedure

 

The Board

Authorization and Delegation Rules

 

The Board

Financial Reporting Instruction

 

The Board

 

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Board’s work during the year

 

During the year, the Board’s work has largely focused on monitoring how the company is adapting operations to meet new regulatory frameworks. The project to improve measurement of market risk was completed at the beginning of the fall of 2017 following over two years of intensive efforts. The Board has also addressed questions pertaining to the company’s adaptations to new accounting policies, reporting to regulatory bodies and resolution regulations.

 

The Board held its annual strategy meeting in early summer 2017. The focus was on the company’s long-term efforts to substantially broaden the customer base and provide a digital customer offering.

 

Representatives of the Swedish FSA attended the Board meeting in April 2017 and presented their work and assessment of SEK. On the same occasion, the Board decided to wind down SEK’s subsidiaries, Venantius AB and VF Finans AB.

 

In autumn 2017, the Board visited SEK’s Gothenburg office and met clients and business partners in Gothenburg and Borås. The Board also adopted a new business plan for the company for the 2018—2021 period.

 

In addition to the scheduled meetings in 2017, the Board participated in targeted training activities on four occasions. The training encompassed the regulatory framework for the CIRR-system, an in-depth review of new regulations, a presentation of how the company manages market risks as well as a presentation of the rules pertaining to and the company’s measures to combat money laundering and terrorism financing, including anti-corruption.

 

Quality assurance of financial reporting

 

To ensure correct and reliable financial reporting, SEK has developed a management system for financial reporting based on the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) framework for internal control (2013 version). This internal control framework is divided into five components: Control Environment, Risk Assessment, Control Activities, Information and Communication, and Monitoring Activities.

 

Evaluation of the work of the Board and the senior executives

 

A separate assessment of the work of the Board and executive management is carried out once a year under the leadership of the Chairman. The results of this assessment were reported to the Board and, by the Board’s Chairman, to the owner, the Swedish State. An evaluation is also performed by the owner in conjunction with the nomination of Board members. The Chairman and Board members check assessments regularly during the year.

 

The Board Committees

 

The Board has established the following committees. Credit Committee, Finance and Risk Committee, Remuneration Committee and Audit Committee. The Board’s rules of procedure include establishing annual instructions for all of its committees. The minutes from each committee are reported at meetings of the Board by the respective committee’s chairman.

 

Credit Committee

 

Ulla Nilsson (Chairman), Anna Brandt, Reinhold Geijer and Lars Linder-Aronson

 

·                  Ensure the Board’s involvement in decision-making regarding credit risks.

·                  Prepare matters relating to credits and credit decisions that are of fundamental or otherwise significant importance to the company, and also to make decisions regarding credits in accordance with the delegation rules determined by the Board, in which sustainability aspects are included.

 

Finance and Risk Committee

 

Cecilia Ardström (Chairman), Lars Linder-Aronson, Hans Larsson and Ulla Nilsson

 

·                  Ensure that the company can identify, measure, manage, report internally and control the risks to which it is or can be expected to be exposed.

·                  Prepare matters pertaining to general policies, strategies and risk appetite in all risk and capital-related issues, where sustainability risk is a component, as well as regarding overall issues concerning the company’s financial operations.

·                  Set limits for such risk and capital-related matters that the Board delegates to the Committee to

 

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determine, and to establish measurement methods and limits concerning market and liquidity risk, in addition to models for valuing financial instruments.

 

Remuneration Committee

 

Lars Linder-Aronson (Chairman), Susanne Lithander and Lotta Mellström

 

·                  Prepare matters relating to employment terms and conditions, salaries, pensions and other benefits for the CEO and the executive management, and general issues relating to salaries, pensions and other benefits.

·                  Prepare proposals regarding the remuneration policy for decision by the Board.

·                  Prepare proposals on salaries for other individuals in management positions for whom the Board determines the terms of remuneration.

·                  Evaluate compliance with the Annual General Meeting’s resolutions on remuneration.

 

Audit Committee

 

Lotta Mellström (Chairman), Cecilia Ardström, Lars Linder-Aronson and Susanne Lithander

 

·                  Monitor the company’s financial reporting and submit recommendations and proposals aimed at assuring the reliability of the company’s reporting.

·                  Monitor the efficiency of the company’s internal control, internal audit and risk management in terms of the financial reporting.

·                  Evaluate the audit process and, through the Chairman of the Board, inform the company’s owner about the results of the evaluation.

·                  Keep informed about the audit of the annual accounts and the consolidated financial statements, as well as the conclusions of the Supervisory Board of Public Accountants’ quality control.

·                  Assist in the preparation of proposals regarding the selection of auditors for resolution by the Annual General Meeting.

 

Attendance at Board and committee meetings in 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Finance

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Board of Remuneration

 

and Risk

 

Credit

 

Audit

 

 

 

Total

 

Directors

 

Committee

 

Committee

 

Committee

 

Committee

 

Number of meetings

 

45

 

11

 

4

 

8

 

15

 

7

 

Lars Linder-Aronson

 

45

 

11

 

4

 

8

 

15

 

7

 

Cecilia Ardström(1)

 

23

 

11

 

0

 

8

 

0

 

4

 

Jan Belfrage(2)

 

6

 

3

 

0

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

Anna Brandt(3)

 

3

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

2

 

0

 

Reinhold Geijer(4)

 

18

 

7

 

0

 

0

 

11

 

0

 

Hans Larsson(5)

 

11

 

6

 

0

 

5

 

0

 

0

 

Susanne Lithander

 

13

 

6

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

5

 

Lotta Mellström

 

21

 

10

 

4

 

0

 

0

 

7

 

Ulla Nilsson(6)

 

33

 

11

 

0

 

8

 

14

 

0

 

Teppo Tauriainen(7)

 

19

 

8

 

0

 

0

 

11

 

0

 

Magnus Uggla(8)

 

6

 

3

 

0

 

3

 

0

 

0

 

 


(1)Cecilia Ardström was elected as a member of the Audit Committee on March 22, 2017.

 

(2)Jan Belfrage stepped down from the Board and the Credit Committee on March 22, 2017.

 

(3)Anna Brandt was elected as a Director of the Board and as a member of the Credit Committee on November 21, 2017.

 

(4)Reinhold Geijer was elected as a Director of the Board and as a member of the Credit Committee on March 22, 2017.

 

(5)Hans Larsson was elected as a member of the Finance and Risk Committee on March 22, 2017.

 

(6)Ulla Nilsson was elected as Chairman of the Credit Committee on March 22, 2017.

 

(7)Teppo Tauriainen stepped down from the Board and the Credit Committee on November 21, 2017.

 

(8)Magnus Uggla stepped down from the Board and the Finance and Risk Committee on March 22, 2017.

 

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D                             Employee Relations

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Average employees

 

252

 

260

 

251

 

of which female

 

121

 

122

 

115

 

of which male

 

131

 

138

 

136

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Employees at year-end

 

250

 

256

 

263

 

 

The total number of employees is small in relation to the volume of lending because the number of lending transactions is relatively small and the administration and documentation of loans are in many cases handled by the banks participating in the transactions. The Group has not experienced any strikes or labor disputes and considers its employee relations to be strong.

 

For more information, see “Personnel Expenses” in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Members of the Board, the CEO, and other executive officers have no share ownership in the Parent Company or Subsidiaries and no options have been granted to them with respect to the Parent Company’s shares. There are no arrangements for involving the employees in the capital of the Parent Company, including any arrangement that involves the issue or grant of options, shares or securities of the Parent Company.

 

ITEM  7. MAJOR SHAREHOLDERS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

 

A                             Major Shareholders

 

As of December 31, 2017, the total number of shares outstanding was 3,990,000. Since June 30, 2003, the Swedish State has been the sole (100 percent) owner of SEK. The State owns all of the shares.

 

The following table sets forth the share ownership of the Parent Company:

 

Shareholder

 

 

 

Ownership %

 

Number of shares

 

Kingdom of Sweden

 

Appr.

 

100.00

 

3,990,000

 

 

Ownership and governance

 

SEK is owned by the Swedish State. The State exerts its influence at the Parent Company’s general meetings and through representation on the Board.

 

The governance of SEK is divided between the shareholder, the Board and the CEO, in accordance with the Swedish Companies Act, the Articles of Association, and the Board’s procedural rules. The Board appoints the CEO, who conducts ongoing management in accordance with the Board’s guidelines and instructions.

 

The State as shareholder has decided that State-owned companies should observe the Swedish Corporate Governance Code.

 

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B                             Transactions with related parties

 

SEK defines related parties for the Consolidated Group as:

 

·        the shareholder, i.e. the Swedish State

·        companies and organizations that are controlled through a common owner, the Swedish State

·        key management personnel

·        other related parties

 

The Swedish State owns 100 percent of the Parent Company’s share capital. By means of direct guarantees extended by the Swedish National Debt Office and the EKN, 35 percent of the Group’s outstanding loans as of December 31, 2017, were guaranteed by the State (year-end 2016: 36 percent). SEK administers for compensation the CIRR-system. See Note 1(d) and Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In order to further enhance the ability of SEK to promote the Swedish export industry, on February 5, 2009, the State decided to provide SEK with access to a credit facility via the Swedish National Debt Office, an action that was approved by the Swedish Parliament and has been renewed for subsequent terms since then. In December 2014, the credit facility was extended for 2015. It amounted to Skr 80 billion and was only available for loans covered by the CIRR-system. The Swedish Parliament also decided not to extend the government’s previous authority to enable SEK to purchase state guarantees on commercial terms for new borrowing of up to Skr 250 billion. In December 2015, the credit facility was extended for 2016, though the facility amount was changed to Skr 125 billion. The same amount was further extended in December 2016 for 2017 and in December 2017 for 2018. SEK has never utilized the credit facility or its previous ability to purchase state guarantees.

 

SEK enters into transactions in the ordinary course of business with entities that are partially or wholly-owned or controlled by the State. SEK also extends export credits (in the form of direct or pass-through loans) to entities related to the State. Transactions with such parties are conducted on the same terms (including as to interest rates and repayment schedules) as transactions with unrelated parties.

 

Key management personnel include the following persons:

 

·              The Board

·              The President and CEO

·              Other members of the Executive Management

 

For information about remuneration and other benefits to key management personnel, see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. Other related parties include close family members of key management personnel as well as companies which are controlled by key management personnel or controlled by close family members to key management personnel.

 

See also Note 28 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on related-party transactions.

 

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

A                             Consolidated Financial Statements and Other Financial Statements

 

See Item 18, “Financial Statements.”

 

Legal Proceedings

 

There is no material pending or, to the Group’s knowledge, threatened, legal or governmental proceedings to which the Group is or would be a party or to which any of its property is or would be subject.

 

Dividend Policy

 

The Board resolved for each year, as listed in the table below, that the corresponding amount was to be paid to the sole shareholder, the Swedish State, in relation to the fiscal year of each such year.

 

 

 

In relation to the respective years

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Dividend

 

Skr

232 mn

 

Skr

234 mn

 

Skr

356 mn

 

-of which per share

 

Skr

58.05

 

Skr

58.65

 

Skr

89.22

 

 

For additional details regarding equity, see the Consolidated Statement of Equity.

 

B                             Significant Changes

 

Except as otherwise disclosed in this report, there has been no significant change in SEK’s financial position since December 31, 2017.

 

ITEM 9. THE OFFER AND LISTING

 

A                             Nature of Trading Market

 

The Parent Company’s shares, all of which are owned by the State, are not listed on any exchange in Sweden or outside Sweden.

 

All issues of SEK’s U.S. medium term notes listed on securities exchanges in the United States are set forth on the cover of this Report. Certain global issues of such notes are listed on European exchanges.

 

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As of December 31,
2017

Notes listed on European exchanges of which:

 

 

-Listed on the Irish Stock Exchange

 

1.125% Global Notes due April 5, 2018,

 

 

Floating Rate Global Notes due October 4, 2018,

 

 

Floating Rate Global Notes due January 14, 2019,

 

 

1.25% Global Notes due April 12, 2019,

 

 

1.875% Global Notes due June 17, 2019,

 

 

1.125% Global Notes due August 28, 2019,

 

 

1.50% Global Notes due May 15, 2020

 

 

1.875% Global Notes due June 23, 2020,

 

 

1.750% Global Notes due August 28, 2020

 

 

1.750% Global Notes due March 10, 2021

 

 

1.875% Global Notes due February 28, 2022 and

 

 

1.875% Global Notes due July 31, 2022

 

Other issues of SEK’s Medium Term Notes are traded in the over-the-counter market.

 

ITEM 10. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

 

A                             The Share Capital

 

The share capital of the Parent Company shall be not less than Skr 1,500 million and not more than Skr 6,000 million. No shareholder is obliged to make additional capital contributions to the Parent Company solely as a result of being a shareholder.

 

Shareholders’ rights may only be changed by a majority (and in certain cases a qualified majority) of the shares represented at a general meeting of the shareholders. However, all resolutions passed at a general meeting of the shareholders are subject to mandatory provisions under Swedish law (for practical purposes, primarily the Swedish Companies Act). In particular, there are rules protecting minority shareholders and there is a general principle that all shares and shareholders shall be treated equally.

 

Annual General Meeting

 

The Annual General Meeting is held once a year not later than six months following the end of the preceding fiscal year. Notices convening an Annual General Meeting or any other general meeting called to resolve upon any amendment of the Articles of Association, shall be issued not earlier than six weeks and not later than four weeks prior to the meeting. Notices convening a general meeting, in cases other than those set forth in the preceding sentence, shall be issued not earlier than six weeks and not later than three weeks prior to the meeting. Each person entitled to vote at an Annual General Meeting shall have the right to vote all the shares owned and represented by that person. There are no restrictions on the rights of non-Swedish nationals to own shares or vote their shares at the Annual General Meeting.

 

Swedish law provides that, in matters other than elections, resolutions are passed by a simple majority of the votes cast, except that (among other exceptions):

 

·                                          a resolution to amend the Articles of Association (except as described in the following paragraphs) requires a majority of at least two-thirds of the votes cast as well as at least two-thirds of the shares represented at the meeting;

 

·                                          a resolution to amend the Articles of Association that reduces any existing shareholder’s rights to profits or other assets, restricts the transferability of issued shares or alters the legal relationship between issued shares, normally requires the unanimous approval of the

 

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shareholders present or represented at the meeting and representing at least nine-tenths of all shares issued; and

 

·                                          a resolution to amend the Articles of Association for the purpose of limiting the number of shares which a shareholder may vote at an annual general meeting normally requires the approval of shareholders representing at least two-thirds of the votes cast and at least nine-tenths of the shares represented at the meeting.

 

In elections, the person receiving the most votes is deemed to have been elected.

 

B                             Memorandum and Articles of Association

 

Set forth below is a brief summary of certain significant provisions of the Parent Company’s Articles of Association and Swedish law. This description does not purport to be complete and is qualified by reference to the Articles of Association, which are incorporated by reference, as an exhibit to this annual report.

 

Registration

 

The Parent Company’s registry number with the Swedish Company Registry (Sw. Bolagsregistret) of the Swedish Companies Registration Office (Sw. Bolagsverket) is 556084-0315.

 

Purpose

 

Under Article 3 of the Articles of Association, the Parent Company’s objective is to engage, on commercial grounds, in Swedish and international financing activities in accordance with the Swedish Banking and Financing Business Act (2004:297) in order to promote activities of Swedish interest, directly or indirectly related to the Swedish export industry, including Swedish infrastructure, and further to otherwise strengthen the internationalization and competitiveness of Swedish industry. The Parent Company’s financing activities include, but are not limited to: (i) borrowing funds, for example by accepting deposits from the general public or issuing bonds or other comparable debt instruments; (ii) granting and intermediating loans, for example in the form of loans secured by charges over real property or claims; (iii) issuing guarantees and assuming similar obligations; (iv) the holding of securities and the conduct of trading in securities; and (v) to engage in securities operations in accordance with the Swedish Securities Market Act (2007:528).

 

Certain Powers of Directors

 

Under the Swedish Companies Act (2005:551), the Board is ultimately responsible for the Parent Company’s organization and the management of its affairs.

 

All members of the Board shall, if possible, be given the opportunity to participate in the deliberations relating to a matter and be given sufficient information to do so. A resolution of the Board requires the participation of a majority of the members of the Board and the approval of the higher of (i) a majority of the participating members of the Board and (ii) more than a third of the total number of the members of the Board. However, the Board may delegate the authority to borrow and lend funds on behalf of the Parent Company to the CEO or another employee, acting singly or jointly, provided that such financing transaction does not contravene any fundamental policy of the Parent Company and is not otherwise of great significance to the Parent Company. There are no legal requirements applicable to any member of the Board requiring the ownership of shares in the Parent Company, or requiring retirement at a certain age.

 

Although the Articles of Association do not address voting by directors on matters in which they are interested, under the Swedish Companies Act, a director may not take part in the Board’ deliberations with respect to any of the following:

 

1.           agreements between such director and the Parent Company;

 

2.           agreements between the Parent Company and third parties, where such director has a material interest in the matter that may conflict with the interests of the Parent Company; or

 

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3.           agreements between the Parent Company and a legal entity that such director himself, or together with someone else, may represent.

 

Under the Swedish Companies Act, the Parent Company may not lend funds to shareholders or directors.

 

Under Swedish law, the CEO and at least half of the Board must be resident in a European Economic Area country unless exempted by the Swedish Companies Registration Office. Under Swedish law, a director’s term of office may not be more than four years, but the Parent Company’s Articles of Association require one-year terms. A director may, however, serve any number of consecutive terms. Directors elected at a general meeting of the shareholders may be removed from office at another general meeting of the shareholders, and vacancies on the Board, except when filled by a deputy director, may only be filled by a resolution of shareholders. Each year, if not otherwise stipulated in the Parent Company’s Articles of Association, one director is elected Chairman of the Board by resolution of the Board (unless elected by the shareholders) at the statutory meeting following the Board’s appointment.

 

C                                       Material Contracts

 

The Parent Company is a party to certain material contracts, as defined in the Instructions to Item 10.C of Form 20-F. Such contracts are either filed with this annual report or incorporated by reference herein. Please see Item 19 herein.

 

D                                       Exchange Controls and Other Limitations Affecting Security Holders

 

There are currently no Swedish exchange control laws or laws restricting the import or export of capital. No approvals are necessary under Swedish law to enable the Group, at the times and in the manner provided in the Group’s debt securities and the indentures or other instruments pursuant to which such securities have been issued, to acquire and transfer out of Sweden all the amounts necessary to pay in full the principal of and/or interest on such securities, and any additional amounts payable with respect thereto, and no external approval is required for any prepayment of such securities.

 

Under Swedish law and the Parent Company’s Articles of Association, there are no limitations on the right of non-resident or foreign owners to hold debt securities issued by the Parent Company.

 

E                             Swedish Taxation

 

The following summary outlines certain Swedish tax consequences relating to holders of SEK’s debt securities. The summary is based on the laws of Sweden as currently in effect and is intended to provide general information only. The summary does not address, among other things, situations where debt securities are held in an investment savings account (Sw. investeringssparkonto), the tax consequences in connection with a relevant authority’s exercise of bail-in tools and/or any other powers under the Resolution Act, the tax consequences in connection with any impairment of the debt securities, or the rules regarding reporting obligations for, among others, payers of interest. Investors should consult their professional tax advisors regarding Swedish and other tax consequences (including the applicability and effect of tax treaties for the avoidance of double taxation) of acquiring, owning and disposing of debt securities in their particular circumstances.

 

Holders not tax resident in Sweden

 

Payments of any principal amount or any amount that is considered to be interest for Swedish tax purposes to the holder of any debt security should not be subject to Swedish income tax, provided that such holder (i) is not resident in Sweden for Swedish tax purposes and (ii) does not have a permanent establishment in Sweden to which the debt securities are effectively connected.

 

However, if that the value of or the return on the debt securities is deemed equity-related for Swedish tax purposes, private individuals who have been residents of Sweden for tax purposes due to a habitual abode in

 

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Sweden or a stay in Sweden for six consecutive months at any time during the calendar year of disposal or redemption or the ten calendar years preceding the year of disposal or redemption are liable for capital gains taxation in Sweden upon disposal or redemption of such debt securities. In a number of cases though, the applicability of this rule is limited by the applicable tax treaty for the avoidance of double taxation.

 

Swedish withholding tax, or Swedish tax deduction, is not imposed on payments of any principal amount or any amount that is considered to be interest for Swedish tax purposes, except for certain payments of interest (and other returns on debt securities) to a private individual (or an estate of a deceased individual) who is resident in Sweden for Swedish tax purposes (see “Holders tax resident in Sweden” below).

 

Holders tax resident in Sweden

 

In general, for Swedish corporations and private individuals (and estates of deceased individuals) with residence in Sweden for Swedish tax purposes, all capital income (for example income that is considered to be interest for Swedish tax purposes and capital gains on debt securities) will be taxable. Specific tax consequences may be applicable to certain categories of corporations, for example life insurance companies. Moreover, specific tax consequences may be applicable if, and to the extent that, a holder of debt securities realizes a capital loss on the debt securities and any currency exchange gains or losses.

 

If amounts that are deemed as interest for Swedish tax purposes are paid by Euroclear Sweden AB or by another legal entity domiciled in Sweden, including a Swedish branch of a non-Swedish corporation, to a private individual (or an estate of a deceased individual) with residence in Sweden for Swedish tax purposes, Swedish preliminary taxes are normally withheld by Euroclear Sweden AB or the legal entity on such payments. Swedish preliminary taxes should normally also be withheld on other returns on debt securities (but not capital gains), if the return is paid out together with such a payment of interest referred to above.

 

F                                        Documents on Display

 

The Parent Company files reports and other information with the SEC. For a fee, members of the public may request copies of these documents by writing to the SEC. Such documents may also be read and copied at the SEC’s public reference room in Washington, D.C.:

 

100 F Street, N. E.

Washington, D.C. 2054

 

Please call the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330 for further information on its public reference rooms, including those in New York and Chicago. The Parent Company’s filings are also available on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

 

ITEM 11. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISKS

 

All information about Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risks are included in Note 27 and Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

ITEM 12. DESCRIPTION OF SECURITIES OTHER THAN EQUITY SECURITIES

 

Not applicable.

 

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PART II

 

ITEM 13. DEFAULTS, DIVIDEND ARREARAGES AND DELINQUENCIES

 

None.

 

ITEM 14. MATERIAL MODIFICATIONS TO THE RIGHTS OF SECURITY HOLDERS AND USE OF PROCEEDS

 

None.

 

ITEM 15. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

 

A                             Disclosure Controls and Procedures

 

Management, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Treasury and Capital Management & Executive Vice President, and the Chief Administrative Officer have evaluated the effectiveness of SEK’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a—15(e) under the Exchange Act) as of December 31, 2017. The Group’s disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports the Parent Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the applicable rules and forms, and that it is compiled and communicated to the Parent Company’s management, including the Chief Executive Officer, Head of Treasury and Capital Management & Executive Vice President, and the Chief Administrative Officer as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

 

Based upon that evaluation, management, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Treasury and Capital Management & Executive Vice President, and the Chief Administrative Officer concluded that the Group’s internal control over financial reporting described in the Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting below, and the Group’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2017.

 

B                             Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

Management, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Treasury and Capital Management & Executive Vice President, and the Chief Administrative Officer, is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of SEK’s financial statements for external purposes in accordance with IFRS.

 

Internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Group; (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit the preparation of financial statements in accordance with IFRS; (iii) provide reasonable assurance that receipts and expenditures are being made only in accordance with the authorization of management and directors of the Group; and (iv) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the Group’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

 

Due to its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness for future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with policies and

 

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procedures may deteriorate.

 

Management, including the Chief Executive Officer, the Head of Treasury and Capital Management & Executive Vice President, and the Chief Administrative Officer, assessed the effectiveness of SEK’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria set forth in “Internal Control — Integrated Framework” issued in 2013 by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and using the information contained in the Interpretive Release No.33—8810, “Commission Guidance Regarding Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting Under Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,” issued by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Management concluded that, as of December 31, 2017, SEK’s internal control over financial reporting was effective based on these criteria.

 

C                             Attestation Report of the Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

Because SEK is a “non-accelerated filer”, this annual report is not required to include an attestation report of the SEK’s registered public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting.

 

D                             Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

 

There have been no changes in the Group’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the year ended December 31, 2017, that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, SEK’s internal control over financial reporting.

 

ITEM 16A. AUDIT COMMITTEE FINANCIAL EXPERT

 

The Audit Committee of the Parent Company’s Board was established in January 2008. This committee, whose members are Lotta Mellström (Chairman), Cecilia Ardström, Lars Linder-Aronson and Susanne Lithander, has a mandate to, inter alia, supervise the Group’s financial reporting and review the work of its independent auditors. While the members of the Audit Committee have varying degrees of financial and accounting experience, the committee has not concluded that any of its members is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the regulations adopted under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

The Parent Company has not found it necessary to designate an audit committee financial expert because the Group is under the supervision of the Swedish FSA. Accordingly, SEK believes that there is the opportunity for meaningful independent review of its financial statements by qualified experts (at the Swedish FSA), in addition to the independent review performed by the Parent Company’s external auditor.

 

ITEM 16B. CODE OF ETHICS

 

The Group has ethical guidelines in place that apply to all employees including all executive officers. The guidelines are consistent with, and also in some respects more restrictive than, applicable Swedish regulations. The ethical guidelines are designed to deter wrongdoing and promote:

 

·                  honest and ethical conduct, including the ethical handling of actual and apparent conflicts of interest between personal and professional relationships; and

·                  compliance with applicable governmental laws, rules and regulations.

 

Although these ethical guidelines do not meet the definition of “code of ethics” in the regulations adopted pursuant to the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, primarily because they do not specifically address matters relating to the Parent Company’s disclosure in reports and documents filed with the SEC and in other public communications, the Parent Company believes that its ethical guidelines are sufficient to regulate the conduct of SEK’s executive officers, including its principal executive officer, its principal financial officer and its principal accounting officer. The guidelines have also been specifically designed to comply with relevant Swedish regulations and guidelines (including the Swedish Governance Code), which is why SEK has not attempted to alter them to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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The Code of conduct is available on SEK’s website, www.sek.se./en/code-of-conduct-2. Information available on or accessible through SEK’s website is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

ITEM 16C. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

 

The following table sets forth, for the years ending December 31, 2017 and 2016, the fees billed from the Parent Company’s independent auditors, Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB for 2017 and Ernst & Young AB for 2016.

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB (2016: Ernst & Young AB)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit fee(1)

 

8

 

10

 

Audit related fee(2)

 

0

 

0

 

Tax related fee(3)

 

0

 

0

 

Other fees(4)

 

1

 

1

 

Total

 

9

 

11

 

 


(1) Fees related to audit of annual financial statements and reviews of interim financial statements.

 

(2) Fees charged for assurance and related services that are related to the performance of audit or review of the financial statements and are not reported under (1).

 

(3) Fees for professional services rendered by the principal independent auditors for tax compliance and tax advice.

 

(4) Fees for products and services rendered by the principal independent auditors, other than the services reported in (1) through (3) above.

 

In the financial statements remuneration to auditors is mainly included in Other administrative expenses. No additional fees have been billed by the principal auditors.

 

See also Item 16G herein for information about corporate governance as it relates to the external auditors of the Parent Company.

 

ITEM 16D. EXEMPTION FROM THE LISTING STANDARDS FOR AUDIT COMMITTEES

 

Prior to 2008, the Board as a whole comprised the Parent Company’s audit committee for the purposes of Rule 10A-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. In January 2008, the Board established a separate Audit Committee; which currently has four directors as members. See Item 6 “Directors, Senior Management and Employees — Board Practices — Committees — Audit Committee.” Each of the members of the Board, and thus the Audit Committee, is a representative or designee of the Swedish State. As its sole owner, the Swedish State is an affiliate of the Parent Company. However, no member of the Board is an Executive Officer of the Parent Company. Thus, although no member of the Board or the Audit Committee satisfies the non-affiliate requirement of the independence standard for audit committee members described in Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(ii)(B) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Parent Company relies, as to each member of the Board and the Audit Committee, on the exemption from this requirement for foreign governmental representatives described in Rule 10A-3(b)(1)(iv)(E). The Parent Company does not believe that its reliance on the above exemption materially adversely affects the ability of the Audit Committee to act independently and to satisfy its duties.

 

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ITEM 16E. PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES BY THE ISSUER AND AFFILIATED PURCHASERS.

 

None.

 

ITEM 16F.  CHANGE IN REGISTRANT’S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 16G. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

As a result of the listing of certain of its debt securities on NYSE ARCA, SEK is subject to Rule 10A-3 under the Exchange Act. Rule 10A-3, with which SEK complies fully, sets out certain requirements with respect to the independence of audit committee members and with respect to audit committees’ duties, powers and responsibilities. Rule 10A-3 contains certain exemptions for foreign issuers, however, and SEK avails itself of certain of these exemptions. In particular: (i) as noted in Item 16D above, it relies on Section (b)(1)(iv)(E) of the Rule (applicable to audit committee members that are representatives or designees of a foreign government, which all of SEK’s audit committee members are) to satisfy the independence requirement set forth in Section (b)(1)(ii)(B) of the Rule; and (ii) it relies on the “Instructions” accompanying the Rule, which provide that, to the extent that a foreign issuer’s home-country legal requirements conflict with the prescriptions of the Rule concerning the duties, powers or responsibilities of audit committees (i.e., due to the assignment of such duties, powers or responsibilities to another corporate body under local law), it is sufficient to allocate to the audit committee advisory powers, or powers and/or responsibilities concerning the making of proposals to the relevant decision-making body. Regarding the foregoing, Section (b) (2) of the Rule states that an issuer’s audit committee should be directly responsible for the appointment, compensation, retention and oversight of external auditors. Under Swedish law, these powers are reserved to the Parent Company’s shareholder. Thus, the charter for SEK’s audit committee gives the committee an advisory role (to the shareholder) with respect to the aforesaid (but does not make the committee directly responsible).

 

47



Table of Contents

 

PART III

 

ITEM 17. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

Not applicable.

 

ITEM 18. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

 

The Group’s Consolidated Financial Statements prepared in accordance with Item 18 of Form 20-F begin on page F-1 of this annual report.

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

F-1

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

F-2

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 

F-3

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

F-4

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

 

F-5

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

 

F-6

 

ITEM 19. EXHIBITS

 

1.1             Articles of Association of the Registrant in effect as of the date of this annual report (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on 20-F (No. 001-08382) for the year ended December 31, 2014 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

2.1             Indenture, dated as of August 15, 1991, between the Company and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to the First National Bank of Chicago) as Trustee, providing for the issuance of debt securities, in one or more series, by the Company (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Company’s Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K (No. 001-08382) dated September 30, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

2.2             First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 2, 2004 between the Company and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-131369) dated January 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

2.3             Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2006, between the Company and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (filed as Exhibit 4(c) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-131369) dated January 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

2.4             Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 23, 2008, relating to the Debt Securities (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K dated October 23, 2008 (No. 001-08382) and incorporated herein by reference).

 

2.5             Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 8, 2010, relating to the Debt Securities (filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Company’s Post-Effective Amendment (No. 333-156118) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3, filed by the Company on March 10, 2010 and filed as Exhibit 2.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (No. 001-08382) for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed by the Company on March 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

2.6             Fiscal Agency Agreement dated March 30, 2017 relating to an unlimited aggregate principal amount of debt securities authorized to be issued under the Company’s Program for the Continuous Issuance of Debt Instruments (filed herewith).

 

48



Table of Contents

 

2.7             Deed of Covenant dated April 4, 2014 relating to an unlimited aggregate principal amount of securities of SEK authorized to be issued under the Company’s Program for the Continuous Issuance of Debt Instruments (filed as Exhibit 2.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on 20-F (No. 001-08382) for the year ended December 31, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

2.8             ASX Austraclear Registry and IPA Services Agreement dated February 29, 2016 relating to an unlimited principal amount of debt securities authorized to be issued under the Company’s Australian Dollar Debt Issue Programme (filed herewith).

 

2.9             Third Note Deed Poll dated 29 February, 2016 relating to an unlimited principal amount of debt securities authorized to be issued under the Company’s Australian Dollar Debt Issue Program (filed herewith).

 

7.1             Statement of Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed herewith).

 

8.1             List of Subsidiaries (filed herewith).

 

12.1      Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed herewith).

 

13.1      Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

14.1      Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).

 

Pursuant to Instruction 2(b) (i) in the “Instructions as to Exhibits” in Form 20-F, various instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities issued by the Company are not being filed herewith because such debt securities are not registered with the Commission and the total amount of debt securities authorized under each such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Company. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request.

 

49



Table of Contents

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

To the Board of Directors and shareholder of Aktiebolaget Svensk Exportkredit (Swedish Export Credit Corporation)

 

Opinion on the Financial Statements

 

We have audited the accompanying consolidated statement of financial position of Aktiebolaget Svensk Exportkredit (Swedish Export Credit Corporation) and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 2017, and the related consolidated statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the year then ended, including the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”).  In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for the year then ended in conformity with International Financial Reporting Standards as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board.

 

The consolidated financial statements of the Company as of December 31, 2016 and for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2016 were audited by other auditors whose report dated February 24, 2017 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

 

Basis for Opinion

 

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management.  Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audit.  We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

 

We conducted our audit of these consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  As part of our audit we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.

 

Our audit included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks.  Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements.  Our audit also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements.  We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

 

/s/ Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB

 

Stockholm, Sweden

February 26, 2018

 

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2017.

 

F-1



Table of Contents

 

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

Skr mn

 

Note

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Interest revenues

 

 

 

3,896

 

3,188

 

2,835

 

Interest expenses

 

 

 

-2,213

 

-1,441

 

-1,173

 

Net interest revenues

 

2

 

1,683

 

1,747

 

1,662

 

Net fee and commission expense

 

3

 

-28

 

-29

 

-6

 

Net results of financial transactions

 

4

 

-102

 

-110

 

400

 

Total operating income

 

 

 

1,553

 

1,608

 

2,056

 

Personnel expenses

 

5

 

-320

 

-308

 

-295

 

Other administrative expenses

 

6

 

-232

 

-236

 

-164

 

Depreciation and impairment of non-financial assets

 

7

 

-45

 

-46

 

-98

 

Total operating expenses

 

 

 

-597

 

-590

 

-557

 

Operating profit before net credit losses

 

 

 

956

 

1,018

 

1,499

 

Net credit losses

 

9

 

51

 

-16

 

36

 

Operating profit

 

 

 

1,007

 

1,002

 

1,535

 

Tax expenses

 

10

 

-235

 

-222

 

-348

 

Net profit(1)

 

 

 

772

 

780

 

1,187

 

Other comprehensive income related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities(2)

 

 

 

-33

 

46

 

-8

 

Derivatives in cash-flow hedges(2)

 

 

 

-91

 

-169

 

-217

 

Tax on items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

10

 

27

 

27

 

49

 

Net items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

-97

 

-96

 

-176

 

Items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revaluation of defined benefit plans

 

 

 

-4

 

-26

 

49

 

Tax on items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

10

 

1

 

6

 

-11

 

Net items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

-3

 

-20

 

38

 

Total other comprehensive income

 

 

 

-100

 

-116

 

-138

 

Total comprehensive income(1)

 

 

 

672

 

664

 

1,049

 

 

Skr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share(3)

 

193

 

195

 

297

 

 


(1) The entire profit is attributable to the shareholder of the Parent Company.

 

(2) See the Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity.

 

(3) The average number of shares in 2017 amounts to 3,990,000 (2016: 3,990,000; 2015: 3,990,000).

 

F-2



Table of Contents

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 

Skr mn

 

Note

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

11, 12

 

1,231

 

7,054

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

11, 12

 

4,382

 

3,687

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

11, 12

 

39,807

 

49,901

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

11, 12

 

41,125

 

46,222

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

9, 11, 12

 

23,198

 

26,190

 

Loans to the public

 

8, 9, 11, 12

 

141,111

 

147,909

 

Derivatives

 

12, 14

 

7,803

 

12,005

 

Property, plant, equipment and intangible assets

 

7

 

88

 

123

 

Other assets

 

16

 

3,556

 

4,167

 

Prepaid expenses and accrued revenues

 

17

 

2,091

 

2,184

 

Total assets

 

 

 

264,392

 

299,442

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities and equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

12, 18

 

2,317

 

3,756

 

Senior securities issued

 

12, 18

 

222,516

 

249,192

 

Derivatives

 

12, 14

 

16,480

 

22,072

 

Other liabilities

 

19

 

826

 

2,374

 

Accrued expenses and prepaid revenues

 

20

 

2,063

 

2,036

 

Deferred tax liabilities

 

10

 

531

 

559

 

Provisions

 

5, 21

 

45

 

51

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

12, 22

 

2,040

 

2,266

 

Total liabilities

 

 

 

246,818

 

282,306

 

Share capital

 

 

 

3,990

 

3,990

 

Reserves

 

 

 

30

 

130

 

Retained earnings

 

 

 

13,554

 

13,016

 

Total equity

 

23

 

17,574

 

17,136

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

 

 

264,392

 

299,442

 

 

F-3



Table of Contents

 

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reserves

 

 

 

Skr mn

 

Equity

 

Share 
capital

 

Hedge 
reserve

 

Fair value 
reserve

 

Defined benefit
plans

 

Retained 
earnings

 

Opening balance of equity January 1, 2015

 

16,157

 

3,990

 

398

 

5

 

-19

 

11,783

 

Net profit for the year

 

1,187

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,187

 

Other comprehensive income related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

-8

 

 

 

 

 

-8

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives in cash-flow hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassified to profit or loss

 

-217

 

 

 

-217

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax on items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

49

 

 

 

47

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

Items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revaluation of defined benefit plans

 

49

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

49

 

 

 

Tax on items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

-11

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-11

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income

 

-138

 

 

 

-170

 

-6

 

38

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

1,049

 

 

 

-170

 

-6

 

38

 

1,187

 

Dividend

 

-378

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-378

 

Closing balance of equity 2015(1),(2)

 

16,828

 

3,990

 

228

 

-1

 

19

 

12,592

 

Net profit for the year

 

780

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

780

 

Other comprehensive income related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

46

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives in cash-flow hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassified to profit or loss

 

-169

 

 

 

-169

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax on items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

27

 

 

 

37

 

-10

 

 

 

 

 

Items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revaluation of defined benefit plans

 

-26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-26

 

 

 

Tax on items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income

 

-116

 

 

 

-132

 

36

 

-20

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

664

 

 

 

-132

 

36

 

-20

 

780

 

Dividend

 

-356

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-356

 

Closing balance of equity 2016(1),(2)

 

17,136

 

3,990

 

96

 

35

 

-1

 

13,016

 

Net profit for the year

 

772

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

772

 

Other comprehensive income related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale securities

 

-33

 

 

 

 

 

-33

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives in cash-flow hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reclassified to profit or loss

 

-91

 

 

 

-91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax on items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

27

 

 

 

20

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

Items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revaluation of defined benefit plans

 

-4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-4

 

 

 

Tax on items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1

 

 

 

Total other comprehensive income

 

-100

 

 

 

-71

 

-26

 

-3

 

 

 

Total comprehensive income

 

672

 

 

 

-71

 

-26

 

-3

 

772

 

Dividend

 

-234

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-234

 

Closing balance of equity 2017(1),(2)

 

17,574

 

3,990

 

25

 

9

 

-4

 

13,554

 

 


(1)          The entire equity is attributable to the shareholder of the Parent Company.

 

(2)          See Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-4



Table of Contents

 

Statement of Cash Flows in the Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Operating activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating profit(1) 

 

1,007

 

1,002

 

1,535

 

Adjustments for non-cash items in operating profit

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Provision for credit losses - net

 

-51

 

16

 

-36

 

Depreciation and impairment of non-financial assets

 

45

 

46

 

98

 

Exchange-rate differences

 

0

 

0

 

22

 

Unrealized changes in fair value

 

110

 

195

 

-396

 

Other

 

170

 

30

 

18

 

Income tax paid

 

-365

 

-276

 

-580

 

Total adjustments for non-cash items in operating profit

 

-91

 

11

 

-874

 

Increase (-)/decrease (+) in lending

 

3,394

 

10,864

 

14,373

 

Increase (-)/decrease (+) in bonds and securities held

 

6,738

 

-9,041

 

28,448

 

Other changes in assets and liabilities — net

 

-1,598

 

-54

 

469

 

Cash flow from operating activities

 

9,450

 

2,782

 

43,951

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Investing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Capital expenditures

 

-10

 

-39

 

-66

 

Cash flow from investing activities

 

-10

 

-39

 

-66

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior debt

 

115,040

 

87,989

 

69,355

 

Repayments of debt

 

-86,266

 

-70,829

 

-74,546

 

Repurchase and early redemption of own long-term debt

 

-38,693

 

-14,523

 

-41,006

 

Derivatives

 

-4,931

 

-182

 

-2,071

 

Dividend paid

 

-234

 

-356

 

-378

 

Cash flow from financing activities

 

-15,084

 

2,099

 

-48,646

 

Net cash flow for the period

 

-5,644

 

4,842

 

-4,761

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the year

 

7,054

 

2,258

 

7,099

 

Net cash flow for the period

 

-5,644

 

4,842

 

-4,761

 

Exchange-rate differences on cash and cash equivalents

 

-179

 

-46

 

-80

 

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year(2)

 

1,231

 

7,054

 

2,258

 

of which cash at banks

 

600

 

916

 

294

 

of which cash equivalents

 

631

 

6,138

 

1,964

 

 


(1)          Interest payments received and expenses paid.

 

Interest payments received

 

3,965

 

2,975

 

2,990

 

Interest expenses paid

 

2,139

 

1,229

 

1,273

 

 

(2)          Cash and cash equivalents include, in this context, cash at banks that can be immediately converted into cash and short-term deposits for which the time to maturity does not exceed three months from trade date. See Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

F-5



Table of Contents

 

Note 1a. Significant accounting policies

 

The accounting policies set out below have been applied consistently to all periods presented in these consolidated financial statements, unless otherwise stated.

 

Table of contents:

 

(a)

Reporting entity

 

(b)

Basis of presentation

 

(c)

Changes to accounting policies and presentation

 

(d)

Basis of consolidation

 

(e)

Segment reporting

 

(f)

Recognition of operating income

 

(g)

Foreign currency transactions

 

(h)

Financial instruments

 

(i)

Tangible assets

 

(j)

Intangible assets

 

(k)

Employee benefits

 

(l)

Equity

 

(m)

Taxes

 

(n)

Earnings per share

 

(o)

Statement of cash flows

 

(p)

Critical accounting policies, assumptions and estimates

 

 

(a) Reporting entity

 

AB Svensk Exportkredit (“SEK” or “the Parent Company”) is domiciled in Sweden. The address of the company’s registered office is Klarabergsviadukten 61—63, P.O. Box 194, SE-101 23 Stockholm, Sweden. The Consolidated Group as of December 31, 2017 encompasses SEK and its wholly owned subsidiary Venantius AB, including the latter’s wholly owned subsidiary VF Finans AB (the “Subsidiaries”). These are jointly referred to as the “Consolidated Group” or the “Group”. Venantius AB is no longer engaged in any active business; Venantius AB, together with its wholly owned subsidiary, is being wound down.

 

(b) Basis of presentation

 

(i) Statement of compliance

 

The consolidated accounts have been compiled in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB). The IFRS standards applied by SEK are all endorsed by the European Union (EU). Additional standards, consistent with IFRS, are imposed by the Swedish Annual Accounts Act for Credit Institutions and Securities Companies (1995:1559) (ÅRKL), Recommendation RFR 1, Supplementary Accounting Principles for Groups, issued by the Swedish Financial Reporting Board (RFR), and the accounting regulations of the Swedish FSA (FFFS 2008:25), all of which have been complied with in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements, of which these notes form a part. SEK also follows the Swedish Government’s general guidelines regarding external reporting in accordance with the State’s ownership policy and guidelines for state-owned companies. The accounting policies of the Parent Company match those used in the preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, except as stated in Note 1a, section (q) below.

 

Certain additional disclosures required by applicable regulations or legislation are included in the notes, or with reference to the “Risk and Capital Management” section of Note 30 to the Consolided Financial Statements. Such information is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference.

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements and the Parent Company’s annual report were approved for issuance by SEK’s Board of Directors on February 22, 2018. The Group’s Statements of Comprehensive Income and Financial Position and the Parent Company’s income statement and balance sheet will be subject to approval by SEK’s shareholder at the Annual General Meeting to be held on April 24, 2018.

 

(ii) Basis of measurement

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on an amortized cost basis, subject to the following exceptions:

 

all derivatives are measured at fair value, financial instruments — measured at fair value through profit or loss — are measured at fair value, available-for-sale financial assets, are measured at fair value, when applying hedge accounting at fair value, amortized cost is adjusted in the Consolidated Financial Statements based on the underlying hedged item, to reflect changes in fair value with regard to the hedged risk.

 

(iii) Functional and presentation currency

 

SEK has determined that the Swedish krona (Skr) is the Parent Company’s functional and presentation currency under IFRS. Significant factors are that SEK’s equity is denominated in Swedish kronor, its performance is evaluated based on a result expressed in Swedish kronor, and that a large portion of SEK’s expenses, especially personnel expenses, other expenses and taxes, are denominated in Swedish kronor. SEK manages its foreign currency risk by hedging exposures between the Swedish kronor and other currencies.

 

(iv) Going concern

 

SEK’s Board of Directors and management have made an assessment of SEK’s ability to continue as a going concern and are satisfied that SEK has the resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future. The Board of Directors and management are not aware of any material uncertainties that could cast significant doubt upon SEK’s ability to continue as a going concern. Therefore, the financial statements continue to be prepared on a going-concern basis.

 

(c) Changes to accounting policies and presentation

 

In all significant respects, the accounting policies, bases of calculation and presentation are unchanged compared with the 2016 Annual Report, except for the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. Cash flows related to derivative transactions are presented net under financing activities. Previously, these were allocated between operating activities and financing activities. The amendments to IAS 7 — Statement of Cash Flows contain new disclosure requirements applying to changes in financing activities that previously had been disclosed separately in conjunction with the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. SEK has also applied the amendments in the ÅRKL, the Code and the Swedish Government’s general guidelines regarding external reporting in accordance with state’s ownership policy and guidelines for state-owned companies pertaining to sustainability and diversity disclosures. In addition to the above changes, certain amounts reported in prior periods have been restated to conform to the current presentation. SEK analyzes and assesses the application and impact of changes in financial reporting standards that are applied within the Group. Changes that have not been named are either not applicable to SEK or have been adjudged to not have a material impact on SEK’s financial reporting.

 

(d) Basis of consolidation

 

The Consolidated Financial Statements encompass the Parent Company and all subsidiaries, meaning companies over which the Parent Company has control and that are impacted by the company’s results. The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared using the purchase method. The financial statements of subsidiaries are included in the Consolidated Financial Statements from the date that control commences until the date that control ceases. The accounting policies of subsidiaries are consistent with Group policies. Intra-group transactions and balances, and any unrealized gains and losses arising from intra-group transactions, are eliminated in preparing the Consolidated Financial Statements. Unless otherwise stated or when it is clear from the context, the information in these notes relates to the Consolidated Group and the Parent Company. Consolidation of SEK pursuant to the supervisory regulations does not differ from the consolidation made in the Consolidated Financial Statements. Since no subsidiary is an institute pursuant to the CRR definition, subsidiaries are not subject to the supervisory regulations on an individual basis. No current or anticipated material restrictions to prompt transfer of own funds or repayment of liabilities among the parent or its subsidiaries have been identified.

 

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(e) Segment reporting

 

Segments are identified based on internal reporting to the CEO who serves as the chief operating decision maker. SEK has one segment, lending, based partly on the company’s assignment from the owner, which is to ensure access to financial solutions for the Swedish export industry on commercial and sustainable terms, and partly on how governance and earnings monitoring of the business are conducted. Accordingly, no segment reporting has been prepared. Disclosures regarding the geographic breakdown and revenue per product group are presented in Note 2.

 

(f) Recognition of operating income

 

(i) Net interest income

 

Interest revenue and interest expense related to all financial assets and liabilities, regardless of classification, are recognized in net interest income. Interest revenue and interest expense are recognized gross, with the exception of interest revenue and interest expenses related to derivatives, which are reported on a net basis. Interest for derivatives used to hedge borrowing is recognized as interest expense and interest on all derivatives used to hedge assets is recognized as interest revenue, regardless of whether the contracts’ net interest is positive or negative. This reflects the real interest expense of borrowing after taking economic hedges into account. Negative effective interest rates on assets are recognized as interest expense and negative effective interest rates on liabilities are recognized as interest revenue. Interest revenue and interest expense are calculated and recognized based on the effective interest rate method or based on a method that results in interest revenue or interest expense that is a reasonable approximation of the result that would be obtained using the effective interest method as the basis for the calculation. The effective interest rate is regarded as an integral part of the effective interest rate of a financial instrument (usually fees received as compensation for risk). The effective interest rate is equivalent to the rate used to discount contractual future cash flows to the carrying amount of the financial asset or liability. In addition to interest revenue and interest expense, net interest income, where these are recognized as interest expense, includes the resolution fee (formerly called the stability fund fee) and guarantee commissions that are comparable to interest.

 

Pursuant to the company’s assignment as stated in its owner instruction issued by the Swedish government, SEK administers credit granting in the Swedish system for officially supported export credits (CIRR system). SEK receives compensation from the Swedish government in the form of an administration fee, which is calculated based on the principal amount outstanding. SEK has determined that the CIRR system should be considered an assignment whereby SEK acts as an agent on behalf of the Swedish government, rather than being the principal in individual transactions. Accordingly, interest revenue, interest expense and other costs pertaining to CIRR system assets and liabilities are not recognized in SEK’s Statement of Comprehensive Income. The administrative compensation received by SEK from the Swedish government is recognized as part of interest income in SEK’s Statement of Comprehensive Income since the commission received in compensation is equivalent to interest. Any income for SEK that arises from its credit arranger role is recognized in SEK’s Statement of Comprehensive Income under net interest income.

 

All assets and liabilities related to the CIRR system are respectively included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and in the Parent Company’s balance sheet since SEK bears the credit risk for the lending and acts as the counterparty for lending and borrowing. Unrealized revaluation effects on derivatives related to the CIRR system are recognized net under other assets.

 

(ii) Net fee and commission expense

 

Commissions earned and commissions incurred are recognized as net fee and commission expense in SEK’s Statement of Comprehensive Income. The gross amounts of commissions earned and commissions incurred are disclosed in the notes to the financial statements. The recognition of commissions earned depends on the purpose for which the fee is charged. Fees are either recognized as revenue when services are provided or accrued over the period of a specific business transaction. Commissions incurred are transaction-based, and are recognized in the period in which the services are received. Guarantee commissions that are comparable to interest and fees that comprise integrated components of financial instruments, and therefore included in the effective interest rate, are not recognized as commissions and are instead included under net interest income.

 

(iii) Net results of financial transactions

 

Net results of financial transactions include realized gains and losses related to all financial instruments and unrealized gains and losses on all financial instruments measured at fair value, except for the types of financial instruments for which the change is to be recognized in other comprehensive income. Gains and losses include gains and losses related to currency exchange effects, interest-rate changes, changes in credit spreads on SEK’s own debt, changes in basis-spreads and changes in the credit rating of the counterparty to the financial contract. The item also includes market value changes attributable to hedged risks and derivatives in fair-value hedges. Realized gains and losses from financial instruments measured at amortized cost, such as interest rate compensation received and realized gains/losses from the repurchase of issued own debt, are recognized as they arise directly under net results of financial transactions.

 

(g) Foreign currency transactions

 

Monetary assets and liabilities in foreign currencies have been translated into the functional currency (Swedish krona) at the exchange rates applicable on the last day of each reporting period. Revenues and costs in foreign currencies are translated into Swedish kronor at the exchange rate prevailing on the dates that they arise. Any changes in the exchange rates between the relevant currencies and the Swedish krona relating to the period between the dates that they arise and the date of settlement are recognized as currency exchange effects. Currency exchange effects on the nominal amounts of financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value are recognized as currency exchange effects, although the currency exchange effect on the change in fair value that arises due to other components is not separated. Currency exchange effects are included as a component of net results of financial transactions.

 

(h) Financial instruments

 

(i) Recognition and derecognition in the statement of financial position

 

When recognizing financial instruments, trade date accounting is applied for the recognition and derecognition of securities bought, securities issued and derivatives. Other financial instruments are recognized in the statement of financial position and derecognized from this on the relevant settlement date. The difference between the carrying amount of a financial liability or an asset (or part of a financial liability or an asset) that is extinguished or transferred to another party and the consideration paid is recognized in the Statement of Comprehensive Income under net results of financial transactions. A financial asset or liability is recognized in the statement of financial position only when SEK becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument. A financial asset is derecognized from the statement of financial position when the contractual rights to receive the cash flows from the asset cease or when the asset is transferred and the transfer qualifies for derecognition. A financial liability (or part of a financial liability) is derecognized from the statement of financial position only when it is extinguished, such as when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, canceled or expires. In the case of renegotiated financial assets, such as lending, the asset is derecognized from the statement of financial position when the terms of the loan are deemed to be substantially different. The terms are deemed to be substantially different when the present value of the cash flows under the new terms, including any fees paid net of any fees received and discounted using the original effective interest rate, differs by not less than 10 percent from the discounted present value of the remaining cash flows for the original debt instrument. A change of currency or counterparty are deemed substantially different terms. Should the renegotiated loan entail terms that are substantially different, it is recognized as a new loan.

 

(ii) Measurement on initial recognition

 

When financial instruments are initially recognized, they are measured at fair value plus, in the case of financial assets or financial liabilities not carried at fair value through profit or loss, any transaction costs that are directly attributable to the acquisition or issuance of the financial asset or financial liability.

 

(iii) Offsetting

 

Financial assets and liabilities are offset and presented in the statement of financial position when the Group has a legal right to offset the amounts and intends either to settle on a net basis or to realize the asset and settle the liability simultaneously. Derivative assets and derivatives liabilities in relation to central clearing counterparties are not offset since these do not add up to material amounts. Refer to Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the offsetting of financial assets and financial liabilities.

 

(iv) Classification of financial assets and liabilities

 

Financial assets are categorized in three categories for valuation purposes: loans and accounts receivable, financial assets at fair value through profit or loss and available-for-sale financial assets. Financial liabilities are categorized in two categories for valuation purposes: financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss and other financial liabilities.

 

Loans and accounts receivable This category is used for loans and loans in the form of interest-bearing securities that are not listed in an active market. Transactions in the category of loans and receivables are measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method. The balance sheet items Cash and cash equivalents, Loans to credit institutions, Loans to the public and Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities are included in this category. When one, or multiple, derivatives are used to hedge a currency and/or interest-rate risk relating to a loan or receivable, fair-value hedge accounting is applied. Hedge accounting is not applied for hedging lending in the CIRR system.

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. There are two main subcategories in the category of financial assets at fair value through profit or loss: financial assets designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss; and assets held for trading. Where two or more derivatives hedge both interest-rate and credit exposures in an asset, such transactions may be classified

 

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irrevocably as a financial assets at fair value through profit or loss. Making such designations eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities or recognizing the gains or losses on them on different bases. Derivatives are always classified as financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, except when they are subject to hedge accounting. Assets classified as held-for-trading comprised solely derivatives held for economic hedging.

 

Available-for-sale financial assets. This category is used for interest-bearing securities included in SEK’s liquidity investments. Transactions classified as available-for-sale financial assets are carried at fair value, with unrealized changes in value recognized in other comprehensive income. If assets are sold, changes in fair value are transferred from other comprehensive income to profit or loss.

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. There are two main subcategories in the category of financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss: financial liabilities designated upon initial recognition at fair value through profit or loss and financial liabilities held-for-trading. Securities issued by SEK containing embedded derivatives are in their entirety irrevocably classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss. Derivatives are always classified as financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, except when they are subject to hedge accounting. Liabilities classified as held-for-trading solely comprised derivatives held for economic hedging.

 

Other financial liabilities. All senior securities issued by SEK other than those classified as financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss are classified as other financial liabilities and measured at amortized cost, using the effective interest rate method. Where one or more derivative is used to hedge currency, interest rate and/or other exposures, fair-value hedge accounting is applied. Subordinated debt is classified as other financial liabilities and is subject to fair-value hedge accounting. When applying fair-value hedge accounting on subordinated debt, hedging is applied to the subordinated debt for the period corresponding to the derivative’s time to maturity, when the maturities do not coincide.

 

(v) Presentation of certain financial instruments in the statement of financial position

 

The presentation of financial instruments in the statement of financial position differs in certain respects from the categorization of financial instruments made for valuation purposes. Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities comprise loans granted to customers that are contractually documented in the form of interest-bearing securities, as opposed to bilateral loan agreements, which are classified in the statement of financial position either as loans to credit institutions or loans to the public. All other financial assets that are not classified in the statement of financial position as loans in the form of interest-bearing securities are presented as cash and cash equivalents, treasuries/government bonds, other interest-bearing securities except loans or derivatives.

 

(vi) Presentation of certain financial instruments

 

Derivatives. In the ordinary course of its business, SEK uses various types of derivatives for the purpose of hedging or eliminating SEK’s interest-rate, currency-exchange-rate or other exposures. Derivatives are always classified as financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, except in connection with hedge accounting. Where SEK decides to categorize a financial asset or liability at fair value through profit or loss, the purpose is always to avoid the mismatch that would otherwise arise from the fact that the changes in the value of the derivative, measured at fair value, would not match the changes in value of the underlying asset or liability, measured at amortized cost.

 

Guarantees. SEK holds financial guarantees in connection with certain loans. Such guarantees are ordinarily accounted for as guarantees in accordance with SEK’s established accounting policy and are therefore not recognized in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position (except for the deferred costs of related guarantee fees paid in advance for future periods). When SEK classifies a risk-mitigating instrument as a financial guarantee, SEK always owns the specific asset whose risk the financial guarantee mitigates and the potential amount that SEK can receive from the counterparty under the guarantee represents only the actual loss incurred by SEK related to its holding. Premiums on financial guarantees are accrued and recognized as interest expense in net interest income. Credit default swaps are recognized at fair value at fair value through profit or loss.

 

Embedded derivatives. In the ordinary course of its business, SEK issues or acquires financial assets or financial liabilities that frequently contain embedded derivatives. When financial assets or liabilities contain embedded derivatives, where the financial characteristics and risks of the instrument’s unique components are not related, the entire instrument is irrevocably classified as financial assets or financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss, and thus does not separate the embedded derivatives.

 

Leasing assets. In the ordinary course of its business, SEK acquires leases that are classified as finance leases (as opposed to operating leases). When making such a classification, all aspects of the leasing contract, including third-party guarantees, are taken into account. Any lease payment that is received from a lessee is divided into two components for the purposes of measurement: one component constituting a repayment of the loan and the other component recognized as interest income.

 

Committed undisbursed loans and binding offers. Committed undisbursed loans and binding offers, disclosed under the heading “Commitments” in Note 24 are measured as the undiscounted future cash flows concerning loan disbursements related to loans committed but not yet disbursed at the reporting period end date, as well as binding offers.

 

Repurchased debt. SEK repurchases its own debt from time to time. Gains or losses that SEK realizes when repurchasing own debt instruments are recognized in the Statement of Comprehensive Income as a component of Net results of financial transactions.

 

(vii) Hedge accounting

 

SEK applies hedge accounting in cases where derivatives are used to create economic hedging and the hedge relationship is eligible for hedge accounting, with the exception of lending within the CIRR system, for which hedge accounting is not applied. The method used for hedge accounting is either fair-value hedge accounting or cash-flow hedge accounting. In order to be able to apply hedge accounting, the hedge relationships must be highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values attributable to the hedged risks, both at inception of the hedge and for the remaining tenor. If hedge efficiency does not fall within established boundaries, the hedge relationship is terminated.

 

Fair-value hedge accounting. Fair-value hedge accounting is used for transactions in which one or several derivatives are used to hedge the interest-rate risk that has arisen from a fixed-rate financial asset or liability. When applying fair-value hedging, the hedged item is revalued at fair value with regard to the risk being hedged. SEK defines the risk being hedged in fair-value hedge accounting as the risk of a change in fair value with regard to a chosen reference rate (referred to as interest-rate risk). The hedging instrument may consist of one or several derivatives that exchange fixed interest for floating interest in the same currency (interest-rate derivatives) or one or several instruments that exchange fixed interest in one currency for floating interest in another currency (interest and currency derivatives), in which case the currency risk is a part of the fair value hedge.

 

If a fair-value hedge relationship no longer fulfills the requirements for hedge accounting, the hedged item ceases to be measured at fair value and is measured at amortized cost, and the previously recognized fair-value changes for the hedged item are amortized over the remaining tenor of the previously hedged item.

 

Cash flow hedges. Cash flow hedge accounting is used for transactions in which one or several derivatives hedge risk for variability in the cash flows from a floating-rate financial asset or liability. When hedging cash flows, the hedged asset or liability is measured at amortized cost and changes in fair value in the hedging instrument are recognized in other comprehensive income. When the hedged cash flow is recognized in profit or loss, the value changes in the hedging instrument in the Statement of Comprehensive Income are reclassified from other comprehensive income to profit or loss. SEK defines the risk hedged in a cash flow hedge as the risk of variability of cash flows with regard to a chosen reference rate (referred to as cash flow risk). The hedging instrument may consist of one or several derivatives that exchange floating interest for fixed interest in the same currency (interest-rate derivatives) or one or several derivatives that exchange floating interest in one currency for fixed interest in another currency (interest and currency derivatives).

 

If a cash flow hedge relationship no longer fulfills the requirements for hedge accounting, or if the designation is revoked and accumulated gains or losses related to the hedge have been recorded in equity, such gains or losses remain in equity and are amortized through other comprehensive income to net interest income over the remaining tenor of the previously hedged item.

 

(viii) Principles for determination of fair value of financial instruments

 

The best evidence of fair value is prices in an active market. Fair-value measurements are categorized using a fair-value hierarchy. The financial instruments carried at fair value in the statement of financial position have been categorized under the three levels of the fair-value hierarchy according to IFRS that reflect the significance of inputs. The categorization of these instruments is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. SEK uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments, based on valuation techniques:

 

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: valuation models for which all inputs with a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

 

SEK recognizes transfers between levels of the fair-value hierarchy in the beginning of the reporting period in which the change has occurred.

 

For all classes of financial instruments (assets and liabilities), fair value is established by using internally established valuation models, externally established valuation models or observable market prices. If the market for a financial instrument is not active, fair value is established by using a valuation technique. The objective of using a valuation technique is to establish what the transaction price would have been at the measurement date in an arm’s length exchange based on normal business terms and conditions. Valuation techniques include using recent arm’s length market transactions between knowledgeable, willing parties, if available. Reference to the current fair value of another instrument that is substantially the same can also be used. If the aforementioned are not available, discounted cash flow analysis or option pricing models may be used for assessing the instrument’s value. Periodically, the valuation techniques are calibrated and tested for validity using prices from observable current market transactions in the same instruments, or based on any available observable market data, or compared with the counterparty’s prices.

 

In calculating fair value with valuation models, SEK seeks to use liquid, observable market quotes (market data) as far as possible, to best reflect the market’s view on prices. These market quotes

 

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are used, directly or indirectly, for the calculation of fair value. Examples of the indirect use of market data are:

 

the derivation of discount curves from observable market data, which is then interpolated to calculate the non-observable data points; and

 

model parameters in quantitative models, which are used to calculate the fair value of a structured product, where the model is calibrated so that available market data can be used to recreate observable market prices on similar instruments.

 

In some cases, due to low liquidity in the market, there is no access to observable market data. In these cases, SEK follows market practice by basing its valuations on:

 

historically observed market data. One example is when no observable market data exists for a specific date, the previous day’s market data is used in the valuation; and

similar observable market data. One example is if there are no observable market prices for a bond it can be valued through a credit curve based on observable prices for instruments with the same credit risk.

 

For observable market data, SEK uses third-party information based on purchased contracts (such as Reuters and Bloomberg). This type of information can be divided into two groups, with the first group consisting of directly observable prices and the second of market data calculated from the observed prices.

 

Examples from the first group are — for various currencies and maturities — currency rates, stock prices, share index levels, swap prices, future prices, basis spreads and bond prices. The discount curves that SEK uses, which are a cornerstone of valuation at fair value, are constructed from observable market data.

 

Examples from the second group are the standard forms of quotes, such as call options in the foreign exchange market quoted through volatility, which is calculated so that the “Black-Scholes model” recreates observable prices. Further examples from this group are — for various currencies and maturities — currency volatility, swap volatility, cap/floor volatilities, stock volatility, dividend schedules for equities and credit derivative spreads. SEK continuously assures the high quality of market data, and a thorough validation of market data is exercised quarterly in connection with the financial reporting.

 

For transactions that cannot be valued based on observable market data, the use of non-observable market data is necessary. Examples of non-observable market data are discount curves created using observable market data that are then extrapolated to calculate non-observable interest rates, correlations between different underlying market parameters and volatilities at long maturities. Correlations that are non-observable market data are calculated from time-series of observable market data. When extrapolated market data such as interest rates are used they are calculated by setting the last observable node as a constant for longer maturities. Non-observable market data, such as SEK’s own credit rating, are assessed based on recently completed emissions by SEK, or if no continuous flow of new transactions exist, spreads against other issuers, in those cases in which observable prices in the secondary market are unavailable.

 

The valuation models applied by SEK comply with accepted methods for pricing financial instruments. Fair value adjustments are applied by SEK when there are additional factors that market participants take into account and that are not captured by the valuation model. The independent risk function assesses the level of fair-value adjustments to reflect counterparty risk, SEK’s own credit rating and other non-observable parameters, where relevant.

 

Significant models for the valuation of financial instruments must receive annual approval from the Board’s Finance and Risk Committee. The use of a valuation model demands a validation and thereafter an approval. Validation is conducted by the independent risk function. Analysis of significant non-observable market data, fair-value adjustments and significant changes in fair values of level 3-instruments are reviewed on quarterly basis by plausibility checks. The valuation result is analyzed and approved by persons responsible for valuation and accounting, and discussed with the Audit Committee quarterly in connection with SEK’s interim reports.

 

(ix) Determination of fair value of certain types of financial instruments

 

Derivatives. Derivatives are recognized at fair value, and fair value is calculated based on internally established valuation models, external valuation models, prices furnished by external parties or market prices. When calculating fair value for derivative instruments, the impact on the fair value of the instrument related to credit risk (own or counterparty) is based on publicly quoted prices on credit default swaps of the counterparty or SEK, if such prices are available.

 

Issued debt instruments. When calculating the fair value of issued debt instruments, the effect on the fair value of SEK’s own credit risk is assessed based on internally established models founded on observations from different markets. The models used include both observable and non-observable parameters for valuation.

 

Issued debt instruments that are compound financial instruments with embedded derivatives. SEK issues debt instruments in many financial markets. A large portion of these are compound financial instruments with embedded derivatives. SEK’s policy is to hedge the risks in these instruments using derivatives in order to obtain effective financial hedges. The entire compound financial instruments are irrevocably classified as financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss, and accordingly derivatives are not separated. As there are no quoted market prices for these instruments, valuation models are used to calculate fair value.

 

(x) Impairment testing of financial assets

 

SEK impairment tests loans and other financial assets as described below. Loans and other financial assets are identified as impaired if there is objective evidence of impairment and an impairment test indicates a loss.

 

Provisions for incurred impairment losses, mainly in the category loans and receivables, are recorded if and when SEK determines it is probable that the counterparty to a loan or another financial asset held by SEK, along with existing guarantees and collateral, will fail to cover SEK’s full claim. Such determinations are made for each individual loan or other financial asset. Objective evidence consists of the issuer or debtor suffering significant financial difficulties, outstanding or delayed payments or other observable facts which suggest a measurable decrease in expected future cash flows. If there is objective evidence that an impairment loss on a loan or other receivable has been incurred, the amount of the impairment is measured as the difference between the asset’s carrying amount and the present value of estimated future cash flows (excluding future credit losses that have not been incurred) discounted to the relevant period end at the financial asset’s original effective interest rate. The impairment is recognized in profit or loss.

 

After an individual determination, and if no objective evidence exists for impairment of an individually assessed financial asset, regardless of whether it is material or not, the company includes the asset in a group of financial assets with similar credit risk characteristics and determines, collectively, the need for the impairment of such assets based on quantitative and qualitative analyses. The need for impairment is related to loan losses in the portfolio that have occurred as of the period-end date but which have not yet been identified as individual loan losses.

 

Impairment of an asset’s carrying amount is made to a reserve account which, in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position, reduces the line item to which it relates.

 

Charge-offs are recorded when a loss has been confirmed, that is that it is evident that it is highly unlikely that any remaining part of SEK’s claim on a counterparty will be reimbursed within the foreseeable future and when there exists no guarantee or collateral covering the claim. Charge-offs may also be made once bankruptcy proceedings have been concluded and a final loss can be established, taking into account the value of any assets held by the bankruptcy estate and SEK’s share of these assets.

 

Recoveries are recorded only if there is virtual certainty of collection, such as in the aftermath of a bankruptcy proceeding when the payment due to SEK has been finally determined.

 

When a loan is classified as impaired, is past due or is otherwise non-performing, the interest is accounted for in the same manner as the impairment of the principal amount. Accordingly, the interest related to any portion of a loan that is expected to be repaid in the future is recorded in earnings, discounted at the original effective interest rate, while the interest related to any portion of a loan that is not expected to be collected is not recorded in earnings.

 

Restructured loan receivables pertain to loan receivables where SEK has granted concessions to the borrower as a result of the borrower’s deteriorated financial position. Following a restructure, normally, the loan receivable is no longer considered doubtful if the obligation is being met in compliance with the new terms and conditions. Concessions granted in connection with loan restructuring are regarded as credit losses.

 

If and when a decline in the fair value of an available-for-sale financial asset has been recognized in other comprehensive income and there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss that has been recognized is removed from other comprehensive income and recognized in profit or loss, even though the financial asset has not been derecognized in the statement of financial position.

 

(i) Tangible assets

 

Items of property and equipment are measured at cost, less accumulated depreciation and accumulated impairment losses. Cost includes expenditures that are directly attributable to the acquisition of the asset. Tangible assets are depreciated using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Average useful lives, depreciation methods and residual values are evaluated and tested annually. No depreciation is carried out from the time that an asset is classified as an asset held-for-sale.

 

(j) Intangible assets

 

Intangible assets comprise mainly the capitalized portion of investments in IT systems. Expenses that are directly attributable to large investments in the development of IT systems are recognized as intangible assets if they are expected to generate future economic benefits. The capitalized portion of investments in IT systems includes expenses related to the intangible asset, such as consulting fees and expenses for Group personnel who have contributed to producing the intangible asset. Each intangible asset is amortized using the straight-line method over an estimated useful life from the date the asset is available for use. Average useful lives are evaluated and reconsidered on a yearly basis. An annual impairment test is performed on intangible assets not yet used.

 

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(k) Employee benefits

 

SEK sponsors both defined-benefit and defined-contribution pension plans.

 

(i) Defined-contribution plans

 

A defined-contribution pension means that the size of the premium is predetermined, such as is the case with the BTP1 and BTPK plans. A defined-contribution plan is a post-employment benefit plan under which an entity pays fixed contributions into a separate legal entity and has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further amounts. Obligations for contributions to defined-contribution pension plans are recognized as an employee benefit expense in profit or loss at the rate at which they are accrued by employees providing services to the entity during a period. Prepaid contributions are recognized as an asset to the extent that a cash refund or a reduction in future payments is available.

 

(ii) Defined-benefit plans

 

Defined-benefit pension plans means that the pension benefit is predetermined, such as is the case with the BTP2 plan. Defined-benefit plans are post-employment benefit plans other than defined-contribution plans. The present value of the net obligation for defined-benefit plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the amount of future benefits that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior periods. The net obligation is recognized in the balance sheet at its present value less the fair value of any plan assets.

 

The cost for defined-benefit plans is allocated over the employee’s service period. The calculation is performed annually by independent actuaries. The obligations are valued at the present value of the expected future disbursements, taking into consideration assumptions such as expected future pay increases, rate of inflation and mortality rates. The discount rate used is the equivalent of the interest rate on the reporting date for Swedish mortgage bonds, with a remaining term approximating that of the actual commitments. Changes in actuarial assumptions and experience-based adjustments to obligations may result in actuarial gains or losses. These actuarial gains and losses are reported together with the difference between the actual and expected return on pension assets in other comprehensive income as incurred. Service cost, gains/losses from changes in plans, and the interest net of pension assets and liabilities are recognized in profit or loss. The companies of the Group participate in various collective pension plans covering all employees. Sufficient information is available to allow the calculation of SEK’s proportionate share in the defined-benefit liabilities, assets and the costs for these plans. The future costs of the plans may change accordingly if the underlying assumptions of the plans change.

 

(l) Equity

 

Equity in the Consolidated Group consists of the following items: share capital; reserves; retained earnings; and net profit for the year. Reserves consist of the following items: the reserve for fair-value changes in respect of available-for-sale assets (fair-value reserve); the reserve for fair-value changes in respect of derivatives in cash-flow hedges (hedge reserve); and the reserve for remeasurement in respect of defined-benefit pension plans (reserve for defined-benefit pension plans).

 

(m) Taxes

 

Income tax on the profit or loss for the year comprises current and deferred taxes. Current tax is tax expected to be payable on taxable income for the fiscal year. Deferred tax includes deferred tax in the untaxed reserves of the individual Group companies and deferred taxes on other temporary fiscal differences. Deferred tax is calculated with an expected tax rate of 22.0 percent (2016: 22.0 percent). Deferred tax is calculated on all taxable temporary differences, regardless of whether a given temporary difference is recognized in profit or loss, or through other comprehensive income. A temporary difference is the difference between the recognized and fiscal values of an asset or a liability.

 

(n) Earnings per share

 

Earnings per share are calculated as net profit divided by the average number of shares. There is no dilution of shares.

 

(o) Statement of cash flows

 

The statement of cash flows shows inflows and outflows of cash and cash equivalents during the year. SEK’s statement of cash flows has been prepared in accordance with the indirect method, whereby operating profit is adjusted for effects of non-cash transactions such as depreciation and credit losses. The cash flows are classified under operating, investing and financing activities. Cash and cash equivalents include cash at banks where amounts can be immediately converted into cash and short-term deposits where the time to maturity does not exceed three months from the acquisition date.

 

(p) Critical accounting policies, assumptions and estimates

 

When adopting and applying the Group’s accounting policies, in certain cases, the management makes judgments and estimates that have a significant effect on the amounts recognized in the financial statements. These estimates are based on past experience and assumptions that the company believes are fair and reasonable. These estimates and the judgments behind them affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses as well as disclosures. Actual outcomes can later differ from the estimates and the assumptions made. SEK assesses that the judgments made related to the following critical accounting policies are the most significant:

 

Functional currency of the Parent Company; and

 

That SEK should be regarded as an agent with respect to the CIRR system.

 

Furthermore, SEK has identified the following key sources of estimation uncertainty when applying IFRS:

 

Fair value assessments of certain financial instruments; and Provisions for probable credit losses.

 

(i) Functional currency of the Parent Company

 

SEK has established that the Swedish krona (Skr) is its functional currency under IFRS. Large portions of its assets, liabilities and related derivatives are denominated in foreign currencies. Under IFRS, both assets and liabilities are translated at closing exchange rates and the differences between historical book values and current values are recognized as currency exchange effects in the Statement of Comprehensive Income. These differences largely offset each other, causing the net result not to be of a material amount in relation to total assets and liabilities in foreign currency. This reflects the economic substance of SEK’s policy of holding assets financed by liabilities denominated in, or hedged into, the same currency. See Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on SEK’s positions in foreign currency.

 

(ii) That SEK should be regarded as an agent with respect to the CIRR system.

 

SEK has determined that the CIRR system should be considered to be an assignment whereby SEK acts as an agent on behalf of the Swedish government rather than being the principal in the individual transactions. This assessment has been made based on a number of factors, such as: (i) although it does in form, SEK does not in substance bear the risks and benefits associated with ownership; (ii) SEK does not have discretion in establishing prices; and (iii) SEK receives compensation in the form of a fixed commission. SEK has consequently presented the economic activities of the CIRR system on a net basis in profit or loss, rather than the gross amounts collected, in accordance with the owner instruction from the State. If SEK were regarded as a principal with respect to the CIRR system, all revenues and expenses in the CIRR system would be regarded as revenues and expenses of SEK. However, the net effect on SEK’s operating profit would be unchanged. For information on the CIRR system, refer to Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(iii) Fair value assessments of certain financial instruments

 

SEK recognizes a large part of the balance sheet at fair value, primarily interest-bearing securities recognized on the lines Treasuries/Government bonds and Other interest-bearing securities except loans, derivatives and issued (senior) debt. When financial instruments are recognized at fair value, these amounts are calculated on the basis of market prices, valuation models, valuations conducted by external parties and discounted cash flows. SEK’s financial instruments are predominantly not subject to public trading and quoted market prices are not available. When recognizing the amounts for assets, liabilities and derivatives, as well as income and expenses, it is necessary to make assumptions and assessments regarding the fair value of financial instruments and derivatives, particularly if they comprise unquoted or illiquid securities or other instruments of debt. Should the conditions underlying these assumptions and assessments change, the recognized amounts would also change. Refer to Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information about the impact on the value of financial assets and liabilities of a one percentage point movement in the market interest rate. Other valuation models or assumptions could produce different valuation results. SEK makes judgments regarding what the most appropriate valuation techniques are for the different financial instruments based on their categories. In all cases, the decision is based on a professional assessment pursuant to SEK’s accounting and valuation policies. The use of a valuation model demands a validation and thereafter an approval, in addition to approval of all models at least annually. The valuation models applied by SEK comply with accepted methods for pricing financial instruments. Fair-value adjustments are applied when there are additional factors that market participants take into account and that are not captured by the valuation model. A CVA (Credit Value Adjustment) and DVA (Debt Value Adjustment) are made to reflect the counterparty’s credit risk and SEK’s own credit rating, which affects the fair value of the derivatives (see Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, for fair value

 

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changes related to credit risk.)

 

When financial assets or liabilities are recognized at fair value, the instruments are recognized at their full fair value, including any credit spreads. When quoted market prices are not available for such instruments, certain assumptions must be made about the credit spread of either the counterparty or one’s own credit spread, depending on whether the instrument is an asset or a liability.

 

Developments in the financial markets have to some extent affected the prices at which SEK’s debt is issued. These changes, which are different in different markets, have been included in the calculation of fair value for these liabilities. SEK issues debt instruments in many financial markets. A large portion of these are compound financial instruments with embedded derivatives. SEK’s policy is to hedge the risks in these instruments using derivatives with corresponding structures in order to obtain effective economic hedges. Such compound financial instruments are classified as financial liabilities measured at fair value. As there mostly are no market quotes for this group of transactions, valuation models are used to calculate fair value. The gross value of these instruments and derivatives, which effectively hedge each other, requires complex judgments regarding the most appropriate valuation technique, assumptions and estimates. If other valuation models or assumptions are used, or if assumptions are changed, this could produce other valuation results. Excluding the impact on the valuation of credit spreads on SEK’s own debt and basis spreads, such changes in fair value would generally offset each other.

 

SEK uses derivative instruments to mitigate and reduce risks attributable to financial assets and liabilities. In order to mitigate counterparty risk, i.e. the form of credit risk generated from derivative transactions, SEK enters into such transactions only with counterparties with good credit ratings. Moreover, SEK endeavors to enter into ISDA Master Agreements with Credit Support Annexes (CSAs) with its counterparties. This means that the highest allowed risk level is established in advance, regardless of what changes in market value may occur. Derivatives are measured at fair value with reference to listed market prices where available. If market prices are not available, valuation models are used instead. SEK uses a model to adjust the fair value of the net exposure for changes in SEK’s or the counterparty’s credit quality. The models use directly observable market parameters if such are available.

 

As of December 31, 2017, financial assets and liabilities for which valuation models had been used, and where market inputs with a significant effect on the recoded fair value are observable (level 2) amounted to Skr 46 billion (2016: Skr 57 billion) and Skr 34 billion (2016: Skr 41 billion) (18 percent and (2016: 19 percent) 14 percent (2016: 14 percent) of total financial assets and total financial liabilities respectively). Financial assets and liabilities for which valuation included significant non-observable parameters (level 3) amounted to Skr 2 billion (2016: Skr 3 billion) and Skr 46 billion (2016: Skr 53 billion) (1 percent and (2016: 1 percent) 19 percent (2016: 19 percent) of total financial assets and total financial liabilities respectively). The assessment of non-observable parameters included in models for assessing market value are associated with subjectivity and uncertainty, which can impact the results recognized for specific positions. Despite SEK using appropriate valuation models which are consistent with those used in the market, other models and assumptions for determining the fair value of financial instruments could result in other fair value estimates on the reporting date.  At December 31, 2017, the total minimum and maximum effects of changing one or more non-observable parameters to reflect the assumptions under other reasonable circumstances for level 3-instruments amounted to Skr -211 million (2016: Skr -227 million) and Skr 214 million (2016: Skr 227 million) respectively. Refer to Note 13 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information regarding value changes for assets and liabilities if non-observable market parameters are changed and section (h) (viii) above for the Principles for determination of fair value of financial instruments.

 

(iv) Provisions for probable credit losses

 

Provisions for probable credit losses are recorded if and when SEK determines that it is probable that the obligation under a loan agreement or another asset from the counterparty and/or guarantees held and/or through calling up other collateral held, will fail to cover SEK’s full claim. If the underlying assumptions for these internal models should change, this could result in a material change in provisions for probable credit losses.

 

Impairment is recognized as the difference between the carrying value of a loan and the discounted value of SEK’s best estimate of future cash flows. This estimate takes into account a number of factors related to the borrower. The actual amounts of future cash flows and the dates they are received may differ from these estimates and consequently actual losses incurred may differ from those previously recognized. On December 31, 2017, SEK’s total lending amounted to Skr 195 billion (2016: Skr 209 billion) and the related impairment reserve amounted to Skr 155 million (2016: Skr 244 million), of which the individual reserve accounted for Skr 65 million (2016: Skr 84 million). If, for example, the actual amount of total future cash flow were to be 10 percent higher or lower than the estimate, this would affect operating profit for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 by an additional approximately Skr 15 million (2016: Skr 20—30 million) and equity at the same date by approximately Skr 12 million (2016: Skr 16—24 million). A higher total future cash flow would affect operating profit and equity positively, while a lower total future cash flow would affect operating profit and equity negatively. See Note 9 and Section h (x) to the Consolidated Financial Statements above for additional information.

 

Note 1b. The following new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations not yet adopted are considered relevant to SEK

 

Contents:

 

IFRS 9 Financial instruments

 

(a)  Changes in the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities

(b)  Changes in the impairment of financial assets

(c) Changes in hedge accounting

(d)  IFRS 7R

(e) Transition information

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

IFRS 16 Leases

 

IFRS 9 Financial instruments

 

IFRS 9 replaces IAS 39 Financial Instruments: Recognition and Measurement and enters force from January 1, 2018.

 

SEK will not be restating comparative periods. Comparative information for 2017 will be reported pursuant to IAS 39 and will not be comparable with the information presented for 2018. Differences arising from the introduction of IFRS 9 will be recognized directly in retained earnings as of January 1, 2018. From January 1, 2018, SEK also applies IFRS 9 for hedge accounting. The quantitative effect of introducing IFRS 9 as of January 1, 2018 is disclosed in Section 1b (e) Transition information.

 

The impact of the transition to IFRS 9 on SEK is summarized as follows:

 

As of January 1, 2018 SEK has assessed liquidity investments, which were previously classified as available-for-sale assets. The conclusion was that these are included in a portfolio where the business model entails measurement at fair value and, accordingly, they are recognized at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). Those liquidity investments that were previously classified at fair value pursuant to the fair-value option (FVO) are also classified at FVTPL due to the portfolio’s business model. Certain fixed-rate liquidity investments were subject to hedge accounting and, from January 1, 2018, these hedge accounting relationships have been terminated since liquidity investments are now measured at FVTPL.

 

SEK’s lending meets the conditions for SPPI (as defined below) tests and uses a business model that aims to collect contractual cash flows, which means it will be measured at amortized cost.

 

SEK previously applied its own classification for derivatives in its hedge accounting. As of January 1, 2018, these are not separated into a separate category but instead are categorized together with other derivatives at FVTPL.

 

Gains and losses that arise from changes in SEK’s own credit risk on liabilities classified in accordance with FVO are recognized in the Reserve for changes in own credit risk under Other comprehensive income and are not reclassified to profit or loss.

 

The principle applied for the impairment of exposures has changed from the approach based on incurred credit loss events under IAS 39; to instead be based on expected credit losses. IFRS 9 states that all assets measured at amortized cost, including credit commitments and financial guarantees, are to be tested for any impairment need, which differs from IAS 39, where collective provisions are not made for off-balance-sheet items or financial assets available-for-sale. The implementation of expected credit loss (ECL) models means lower initial impairment but is expected to entail higher volatility over time.

 

At December 31, 2017, the transition to IFRS 9 had a total impact on the Group’s equity of Skr 14 million after taxes. IFRS 9 had no material impact on capital adequacy and large exposures.

 

The positive impact on equity from the transition to IFRS 9 is mainly attributable to the calculation of expected credit losses under IFRS 9 representing the probability of default at a specific point-in-time in an economic cycle (Point-in-Time PD). It is also due to greater inclusion under IFRS 9 of forward-looking information.

 

(a) Changes in the classification and measurement of financial assets and liabilities

 

While the existing categories for financial assets are being removed, the three valuation approaches are being kept: fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL); fair value through other comprehensive income (FVOCI); and amortized cost. To determine what to recognize and how to do so, a new evaluation model is being introduced, based on the business model, which is assessed at portfolio level, and type of cash flows, which is assessed at instrument level. The option remains on initial recognition of a transaction, to recognize financial instruments at FVTPL in cases where it eliminates or significantly reduces inconsistencies in valuations and accounting (FVO).

 

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The rules under IAS 39 are essentially transferred for the recognition of financial liabilities, with the exception of gains and losses arising from changes in SEK’s own credit risk on liabilities classified in accordance with FVO. Under IFRS 9, these value changes are recognized in other comprehensive income. Recognition of embedded derivatives in financial liabilities remains unchanged.

 

From January 1, 2018, SEK will classify financial assets on the basis of the business model and type of cash flow (the asset’s terms and conditions) as either:

 

Financial assets at amortized cost (AMC)

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

 

Financial liabilities are measured at amortized cost or, if the liability is a derivative or when FVO is used, at FVTPL. The previous category Other financial liabilities has changed name to Financial liabilities measured at amortized cost (AMC), in other words, a financial liability is classified either as:

 

Financial liabilities at amortized cost (AMC)

Financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

 

From January 1, 2018, SEK is not reclassifying financial assets, apart from exceptional cases that would change SEK’s fundamental business model.

 

(i) Financial assets at amortized cost (AMC)

 

Prior to January 1, 2018, the balance sheet items Cash and cash equivalents, Loans to credit institutions, Loans to the public and Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities were recognized in the loans and receivables category, if the transaction was not listed in an active market, and was accordingly measured at amortized cost pursuant to the effective interest rate method.

 

From January 1, 2018, the balance sheet items Cash and cash equivalents, Loans to credit institutions, Loans to the public and Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities are recognized at amortized cost, provided that the following criteria are met by all assets:

 

The financial asset is included in a portfolio where the business model aims to collect contractual cash flows.

 

The terms and conditions for the financial asset entail that the cash flows received comprise solely payments of principal and interest (SPPI) on nominal amounts outstanding.

 

Evaluation of the business model

 

The business model is based on SEK’s overriding portfolio objective, and on how the company manages, monitors and evaluates the financial assets in the portfolio from both a business and a risk perspective.

 

The business model is established at a level (homogenous portfolio) that reflects how the asset is treated in relation to the objective/business goal.

 

The following parameters have been evaluated in relation to the liquidity portfolio:

 

Internal targets and governance of the liquidity portfolio, and documentation thereof;

Administration and commercial follow-up;

Risk management, follow-up and reporting;

Frequency, objective and volume in terms of noted sales; and

Remuneration models, and how these are impacted by valuation methods.

 

SPPI test

 

IFRS 9 requires that SEK categorize financial assets based on the properties of the contractual cash flows, where the financial asset is held in a business model with the objective of holding assets to collect contractual cash flows (hold to collect).

 

The assessment of the properties of the contractual cash flows aims to identify if the contractual cash flows comprise solely payments of principal and interest, which is an SPPI test. Contractual cash flows that solely payments of principal and interest qualify as a basic lending arrangement, which is a prerequisite for measuring the instrument at amortized cost. SEK has prepared a tool for the implementation and documentation of evaluations and assessments of financial assets in the lending portfolios, whereby relevant factors are taken into consideration, such as the tenor of the interest rate in relation the interest-rate setting period, interest-rate cap/floor, index-linked coupon/interest, payment trigger, currency mismatch, government interest rates and early repayment.

 

(ii) Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL)

 

Prior to January 1, 2018, financial assets that were irrevocably categorized to recognition at fair value through profit or loss; and assets held for trading were recognized in the category financial assets measured at fair value through profit or loss. When two or more derivatives hedge both interest-rate and credit exposures in an asset, such transactions were sometimes previously classified irrevocably as a financial assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVO), since making such designations eliminates or significantly reduces an accounting mismatch that would otherwise arise from measuring assets or liabilities or recognizing the gains or losses on them on different bases. Derivatives are always classified as financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss, except when they are subject to hedge accounting.

 

From January 1, 2018, SEK does not use FVO for financial assets. Derivatives are always measured at FVTPL. Interest-bearing securities included in SEK’s liquidity investments, that is the balance-sheet items Treasuries/government bonds and Other interest-bearing securities except loans, are measured at fair value (FVTPL) and, accordingly, they are included in a portfolio, where the business model entails measurement at fair value. Liquidity investments were recognized under IAS 39 in the available-for-sale financial assets category and were measured at fair value with unrealized changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income.

 

Financial assets and liabilities measured at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL) are recognized at fair value in the statement of financial position. Changes in fair value are recognized in profit or loss under the item Net results of financial transactions with the exception of gains and losses that arise from changes in SEK’s own credit risk on liabilities classified in accordance with FVO. Such changes are recognized in the Reserve for changes in own credit risk under Other comprehensive income and are not reclassified to profit or loss.

 

(b) Changes in the impairment of financial assets

 

IFRS 9 entails a general change in the approach to the recognition of impairment of financial assets, since the principle applied for the impairment of exposures has changed from the approach based on incurred credit loss events under IAS 39; to instead be based on expected credit losses. SEK’s calculation of the collectively-assessed credits reserve under IAS 39 was also based on a method using expected credit losses. IFRS 9 states that all assets measured at amortized cost, including credit commitments and financial guarantees, are to be tested for any impairment need, which differs from IAS 39, where collective provisions are not made for off-balance-sheet items or available-for-sale financial assets.

 

(i) Overriding basis for the calculation of expected credit losses (ECL)

 

The model for calculating ECL is based on an exposure being at one of three different stages. Initially, all exposures where at stage 1. Stage 1 also includes exposures where the credit risk is no longer significantly higher and which have therefore been reclassified from stage 2. In stage 1, the ECL calculation should correspond to provisions based on expected credit losses for the forthcoming 12-month period (12mECL). Where the credit risk has increased significantly since initial recognition, the exposure is moved to stage 2. Stage 2 also includes exposures where the counterparty/exposure is no longer in default and which have therefore been reclassified from stage 3, as well as a smaller portion of exposures that lack an initial rating and where the rating is below BBB. In stage 2, the provision is based on expected credit losses over the remaining lending period of the asset (LTECL). If the exposure moves into default, it is moved to stage 3, where the ECL calculation continues to be based on LTECL. 12mECL comprises the part of LTECL that arises from expected credit losses based on the probability of default (PD) within 12 months of the reporting date. Both LTECL and 12mECL are calculated on an individual basis.

 

SEK has chosen to use credit rating models for all exposures, in other words, to calculate expected credit losses (ECL) by using the probability of default (PD), loss given default (LGD) and exposure at default (EAD).

 

(ii) Significant increase in credit risk

 

A significant increase in credit risk is a relative assessment, whereby the credit quality at the reporting date is compared with the initial credit quality when the exposure was recognized. The starting point when assessing what should be included as criteria for the assessment of credit risk is the existing process for following up credit risk and credit risk management within SEK. All counterparties are given a risk rating, which means that risk classification forms the basis for follow-up should a significant increase in credit risk have occurred. Moreover, other indicators currently in use to follow up credit risk in exposures and of counterparties include the number of days past due, forbearance measures and other risk raising factors, such as deviations from covenants. These indicators are applied to assess credit risk and whether a significant increase in credit risk has occurred.

 

Risk classification. A significant increase in credit risk is defined based on a deterioration by a number of steps in the initial rating and where a separation is made between exposures with an initial rating of AAA to A - and others.

 

Number of days past due. SEK applies the presumption specifically stated in IFRS 9 and applies a more than 30-days-past-due criterion for receivables when assessing a significant increase in credit

 

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risk. All exposures that are more than 30-days-past-due will therefore be included in stage 2 and the LTECL will be calculated for these exposures. To ensure that there is no longer a significant increase in credit risk, a waiting period is applied following the resumption of payments and all past-due receivables being extinguished for the exposure. Appropriate waiting periods are assessed on an ongoing basis to, at any given time, ensure that a reasonable waiting period is set given SEK’s exposures and payment structures.

 

Forbearance measures. Exposures encompassed by forbearance measures have a raised credit risk assessment and, therefore, will also be assessed as having a significant increase in credit risk on application of IFRS 9. Similar to the days-past-due criterion, a waiting period will be applied to ensure the exposure no longer has a raised credit risk at the time it is returned to stage 1. Appropriate waiting periods are assessed on an ongoing basis to, at any given time, ensure that a reasonable waiting period is set given SEK’s exposures and the reasons the exposure was marked for forbearance.

 

Other risk raising factors. Other factors can exist that indicate an exposure or a counterparty has an increased credit risk, which are not captured by a change in the risk classification, days-past-due or forbearance measures. Examples of these include recurring waivers that impact credit risk, sector trends and extraordinary changes in the management and/or Board of Directors. To capture these risk-raising factors, the management can conduct a specific qualitative assessment of the significant increase in credit risk at a counterparty. Since this assessment comprises a qualitative expert assessment, the waiting period for any transfer to stage 1 will be taken into consideration in the assessment and no extra waiting period will be applied.

 

(iii) Default

 

If the exposure moves into default, it is moved to stage 3, where the ECL calculation continues to be based on LTECL. Default is a key concept to the calculation of ECL, since ongoing assessments are made of how likely an exposure is to enter default and of the amount SEK is expected to lose on the exposure should it default.

 

In the financial reporting when applying IFRS 9, default is defined as:

 

SEK assesses that it is unlikely that the counterparty will meet its loan commitments in full, irrespective of whether collateral or guarantees are used, and independent of any overdue amount or the number of calendar days since they fell due for payment. This also includes special reasons, such as the risk counterparty’s financial position or equivalent is such that it finds itself in a position which — from a creditor’s perspective — does not correspond to any form of composition or insolvency procedure. This is termed “unlikely to pay.”

 

The risk counterparty is more than 90 calendar days past due with the payment of a receivable.

 

If any exposure to a counterparty is deemed in default, all exposures to that counterparty are deemed in default. When an exposure or a counterparty that was previously classified as being in default no longer meets this definition, the exposure or counterparty should no longer be deemed in default. To ensure that default status no longer applies, a waiting period is applied after the moment the exposure or counterparty is no longer deemed to be in default and can accordingly return to stage 2.

 

(iv) Calculation of expected credit losses (ECL)

 

The ECL is based on SEK’s objective expectation of how much it will lose on the exposure given its knowledge on the reporting date and after taking into consideration what could occur in the future. The ECL is a probability-weighted amount that is determined by evaluating the outcome of several possible stages, and where the data taken into consideration comprises both information from previous conditions, the current conditions and forecasts of future economic conditions. The expected credit loss should be calculated on the gross counterparty, in other words the borrower, which means that the PD for the gross counterparty is used in the model.

 

Moreover, the LGD should incorporate actual future expectations, in other words, all cash flows including guarantees. The calculation of ECL is Point-in-Time and the included parameters PD, LGD and EAD are all Point-in-Time and should not be confused with the corresponding parameters for capital adequacy.

 

Probability of default (PD)

 

The probability of default (PD) is the likelihood that a counterparty defaults on one or more exposures on a one-year horizon (for stage 1) or for the entire lending period (for stages 2 and 3). When calculating expected credit losses under IFRS 9, PD represents the probability of default at a specific point-in-time in an economic cycle (Point-in-Time PD). The two most important data sources for PD models are Standard & Poor’s and the World Bank’s database, where we obtain default statistics and transition matrices as well as macroeconomic series and GDP growth forecasts. SEK has chosen to create a PD segmentation at both geographic and industry levels.

 

SEK’s method entails three scenarios being prepared for each PD curve: a base scenario; a downturn scenario; and an upturn scenario.

 

The three scenarios are defined by a weight allocated to each scenario; the weights should add up to 1, in other words 100%. The World Bank’s forecast forms the base scenario. The other scenarios are prepared quarterly by a cross-functional group at SEK, and are then adopted by the Board’s Credit Committee. By allocating a weight to each PD curve, we define our expectations of future macroeconomic trends.

 

Loss Given Default (LGD)

 

Loss given default (LGD) is the amount expressed as a percentage of the credit exposure that on default, SEK expects to lose from the defaulting counterparty. The same segments are used for preparing the LGD as are used for the PD, with the addition of the division into large corporates and small and medium-sized enterprises for non-financial companies. Due to the low historic rate of default in SEK’s lending, the LGD is modeled by using default data from Global Credit Data (GCD), with the exception of the Sovereign segment, where LGD is prepared based on a qualitative assessment.

 

When estimating expected losses in cash flows, collateral and other credit enhancements included in the terms and conditions are taken into consideration, subject to the prerequisite that they are not reported separately by the company. The LGD used for estimating ECL should take into consideration all cash flows that could be collected in the case of a default. These also include the cash flows that SEK can expect from collateral and guarantees included in the terms and conditions. Accordingly, the LGD takes into consideration guarantees where the exposure guaranteed with a guarantee included in the terms and conditions unless an increased correlation between the borrower and the guarantee counterparty is deemed to exist.

 

Exposure at default (EAD)

 

The impairment requirement under IFRS 9 applies for all financial assets measured at amortized cost. Moreover, this encompasses accepted undisbursed binding offers and financial guarantees issued, which are recognized off balance sheet until used. In the above regard, an assessment is to be made of the scope of the default by the borrower on default, since only that amount should be included in the ECL estimate. These are generally termed credit conversion factors (CCF).

 

The ECL estimate is performed based on the appearance of the exposure at default, which means that the repayment structure and any expectations in terms of early repayment or extension clauses in the agreement need to be considered when assessing the EAD. Based on the completed analyses, contractual maturities are assessed given the repayment structures as being a good approximation of the expected maturities on which the ECL is to be estimated. No specific pattern exists regarding early repayment, which could possibly comprise the basis for another approach.

 

For existing facilities (accepted, undisbursed), two different credit conversion factors (CCFs) exist depending on when default occurs: (1) for default within one year, calculated using default data from GCD (2) for default after one year, calculated using internal default data. For binding offers regarding existing facilities, CCFs are based on historic internal data regarding the proportion of binding offers that are used. CCFs are used together with the preliminary repayment plan for both the utilized and unutilized portions of existing facilities to model the future exposure on default.

 

(c) Changes in hedge accounting

 

The new rules on hedge accounting allow entities to better reflect risk management activities in financial reporting. IFRS 9 opens opportunities to improve and simplify hedge accounting, which primarily impacts the administrative process for hedge accounting at SEK. The standard expands possibilities for hedging the risk components of non-financial items and allows the inclusion of more types of instruments in a hedge relationship. Moreover, the previous quantitative requirement of 80—125 percent in effect is removed. The three types of hedge relationships set out in IAS 39 (fair-value hedges, cash-flow hedges and hedges of net investment in a foreign operation) are unchanged in IFRS 9. The accounting for each type of hedge is also the same as in IAS 39. SEK only uses fair-value hedges.

 

A hedging relationship qualifies for hedge accounting only if all of the following criteria are met:

 

the hedging relationship consists only of eligible hedging instruments and eligible hedged items;

at its inception there is formal designation and documentation of the hedging relationship and the entity’s risk management objective and strategy for undertaking the hedge; and

the relationship meets all of the hedge effectiveness requirements.

 

(i) Aggregated exposures

 

IFRS 9 permits an aggregated exposure that includes a derivative to be an eligible hedged item. This is a change from IAS 39 which explicitly prohibits a derivative from being designated as a hedged item (unless it is a written option designated as an offset to a purchased option).

 

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(ii) Hedge effectiveness

 

The qualifying criteria in the IFRS 9 hedge accounting model significantly differ from those in IAS 39. To qualify for hedge accounting under IAS 39, the hedging instrument must be highly effective at achieving offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows attributable to the hedged risk both prospectively and retrospectively. To be highly effective, the level of offset must be between 80 percent and 125 percent. Entities must perform quantitative effectiveness tests on an ongoing basis to demonstrate that the hedging relationship qualifies for hedge accounting.

 

The IFRS 9 hedge accounting model employs a more principles-based approach. To qualify for hedge accounting, the hedge relationship must meet the hedge effectiveness criteria at the beginning of each hedged period which requires that:

 

there is an economic relationship between the hedged item and the hedging instrument;

the effect of credit risk does not dominate the value changes that result from that economic relationship; and

the hedge ratio of the hedging relationship is the same as that actually used in the economic hedge.

 

(iii) Rebalancing and discontinuation of hedge accounting

 

If a hedging relationship ceases to meet the hedge effectiveness requirement relating to the hedge ratio but the risk management objective for that designated hedging relationship remains the same, the hedge ratio of the hedging relationship must be adjusted (i.e. rebalances the hedge) so that it meets the qualifying criteria again. Hedge accounting is discontinued prospectively only when the hedging relationship (or a part of a hedging relationship) ceases to meet the qualifying criteria (after any rebalancing). This includes instances when the hedging instrument expires or is sold, terminated or exercised. Discontinuing hedge accounting can either affect a hedging relationship in its entirety or only a part of it (in which case hedge accounting continues for the remainder of the hedging relationship). Unlike under IAS 39, hedge accounting may not be voluntarily discontinued if the criteria for discontinuation are not met, in other words, the possibility for voluntarily discontinuing the hedging relationship is removed.

 

(d) IFRS 7R

 

IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures has been updated to reflect the differences between IFRS 9 and IAS 39. SEK will apply these updates together with IFRS 9 from January 1, 2018.

 

(e) Transition information

 

The following tables illustrate the effect of implementing IFRS 9 in the statement of financial position and retained earnings, including the effect of replacing IAS 39’s impairment model with an ECL model pursuant to IFRS 9.

 

The following table summarizes the effect on the classification and measurement of SEK’s financial assets and liabilities as of January 1, 2018:

 

Skr mn
Financial assets

 

Measurement category under IAS 39

 

Carrying amount
under IAS 39

 

Reclassification

 

ECL

 

Carrying amount 
under IFRS 9

 

Measurement 
category under
IFRS 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

Loans and accounts receivable

 

1,231

 

 

0

 

1,231

 

AMC

 

Treasuries/government bonds(1)

 

Available-for-sale assets

 

4,382

 

4,382

 

 

4,382

 

FVTPL

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans(1)

 

Available-for-sale assets

 

39,694

 

39,694

 

 

39,694

 

FVTPL

 

 

 

Assets at fair value through profit or loss (FVO)

 

113

 

113

 

 

113

 

FVTPL

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

Loans and accounts receivable

 

41,125

 

 

-17

 

41,108

 

AMC

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

Loans and accounts receivable

 

23,198

 

 

-2

 

23,196

 

AMC

 

Loans to the public

 

Loans and accounts receivable

 

141,111

 

 

40

 

141,151

 

AMC

 

Derivatives(2)

 

Assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

7,803

 

 

 

7,803

 

FVTPL

 

Total financial assets

 

 

 

258,657

 

44,189

 

21

 

258,678

 

 

 

 

Financial liabilities

 

Measurement category under IAS 39

 

Carrying amount
under IAS 39

 

Reclassification

 

ECL

 

Carrying amount
under IFRS 9

 

Measurement
category under 
IFRS 9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings from credit institutions

 

Other financial liabilities

 

2,317

 

 

 

2,317

 

AMC

 

Borrowing from the public

 

Other financial liabilities

 

0

 

 

 

0

 

AMC

 

Senior securities issued

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss (FVO)

 

63,421

 

 

 

63,421

 

FVTPL

 

 

 

Other financial liabilities

 

159,095

 

 

 

159,095

 

AMC

 

Derivatives(2)

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

16,480

 

 

 

16,480

 

FVTPL

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

Other financial liabilities

 

2,040

 

 

 

2,040

 

AMC

 

Provisions(3)

 

 

 

45

 

 

3

 

48

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities

 

243,398

 

 

3

 

243,401

 

 

 

 

F-14



Table of Contents

 


(1)          As of January 1, 2018, SEK has made an assessment of the liquidity investments that were previously classified as available-for-sale assets. The conclusion was that these are included in a portfolio where the business model entails measurement at fair value and, accordingly, they are recognized at fair value through profit or loss (FVTPL). Those liquidity investments that were previously classified at fair value pursuant to the fair-value option are also classified at FVTPL due to the portfolio’s business model. Certain fixed-rate liquidity investments were already subject to hedge accounting and, from January 1, 2018, these hedge accounting relationships have been terminated since liquidity investments are now measured at FVTPL.

 

(2)          SEK previously applied its own classification for derivatives in its hedge accounting. As of January 1, 2018, these will not be separated into an own category, and will instead be categorized together with other derivatives at FVTPL.

 

(3)          Accumulated expected credit losses for non-financial items are reported under provisions in the statement of financial position.

 

The following table illustrates the effect of IFRS on reserves and retained earnings:

 

Skr mn

 

Reserves and 
retained earnings

 

Reserve for changes in own credit risk

 

 

 

Closing balance under IAS 39 (December 31, 2017)

 

 

The impact of transferring value changes due to changes in credit risk to the Reserve for changes in own credit risk

 

-578

 

Tax

 

127

 

Opening balance under IFRS 9 (January 1, 2018)

 

-451

 

 

 

 

 

Fair-value reserve

 

 

 

Closing balance under IAS 39 (December 31, 2017)

 

9

 

Reclassification of instruments from AFS to FVTPL

 

-12

 

Tax

 

3

 

Opening balance under IFRS 9 (January 1, 2018)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Retained earnings

 

 

 

Closing balance under IAS 39 (December 31, 2017)

 

13,554

 

The impact of transferring value changes due to changes in credit risk to the Reserve for changes in own credit risk

 

451

 

Reclassification of instruments from AFS to FVTPL

 

9

 

Effect of IFRS 9 — ECL

 

18

 

Tax

 

-4

 

Opening balance under IFRS 9 (January 1, 2018)

 

14,028

 

Total changes in equity on introduction of IFRS 9

 

14

 

 

The following table is a reconciliation of the closing balance for accumulated impairments under IAS 39 and the opening balance for accumulated impairments under IFRS 9.

 

Skr mn

 

Impairment 
reserve under 
IAS 39 as of 
December 31, 
2017

 

Revaluation

 

ECL IFRS 9
January 1, 
2018

 

Reserve for changes in own credit risk regarding:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans and receivables under IAS 39/financial assets at amortized cost under IFRS 9

 

155

 

-21

 

134

 

Available-for-sale assets under IAS 39/FVTPL pursuant to IFRS 9

 

 

 

 

Total

 

155

 

-21

 

134

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Collateral provided and contingent liabilities

 

 

3

 

3

 

Total

 

155

 

-18

 

137

 

 

F-15



Table of Contents

 

IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers

 

In 2014, the IASB issued the new standard, IFRS 15, which describes a comprehensive model for the recognition of revenue from contracts with customers and which replaces current IFRS standards and interpretations for revenue recognition, such as IAS 18 Revenue. The standard is a five-step model, including accounting and measurement requirements, as well as new disclosures. The standard does not apply to financial instruments or leasing contracts. The standard is applicable from January 1, 2018.

 

SEK adopted the standard with retroactive application, and comparative figures for 2017 will not be recalculated. The adoption of IFRS 15 has not resulted in any transitional effect, and therefore does not affect equity. The standard is not expected to have any material impact on SEK’s financial statements, capital adequacy or large exposures.

 

IFRS 16 Leases

 

In January 2016, the IASB issued the new accounting standard for leases, with changes for lessees. All leases (with the exception of shortterm and low-value leases) are to be recognized as right-of-use assets subject to depreciation with corresponding liabilities in the lessee’s balance sheet, and the lease payments recognized as repayments and interest expense. Lessor accounting remains essentially unchanged.

 

Further disclosures are also required. SEK’s preliminary assessment is that the standard will primarily affect SEK’s recognition of operational leases for rental premises, which will not have any material impact on SEK’s financial statements, capital adequacy or large exposures.

 

The standard is applicable from January 1, 2019 and has not yet been approved by the EU.

 

Other IFRS standards or IFRS Interpretations Committee interpretations, or amendments, not yet effective are not expected to have any material impact on SEK’s financial statements, capital adequacy or large exposures.

 

Note 2. Net interest revenues

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Interest revenues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

789

 

546

 

544

 

Loans to the public

 

2,265

 

1,992

 

1,559

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

629

 

722

 

981

 

Interest-bearing securities excluding loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

458

 

364

 

395

 

Derivatives

 

-372

 

-552

 

-767

 

Administrative remuneration CIRR-system(1)

 

125

 

116

 

123

 

Other assets

 

2

 

0

 

0

 

Total interest revenues(2)

 

3,896

 

3,188

 

2,835

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expenses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expenses

 

-2,020

 

-1,339

 

-1,082

 

Resolution fee

 

-193

 

-102

 

-91

 

Total interest expenses(3)

 

-2,213

 

-1,441

 

-1,173

 

Net interest revenues

 

1,683

 

1,747

 

1,662

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Interest revenues were related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets

 

426

 

292

 

225

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss

 

253

 

93

 

-5

 

Derivatives used for hedge accounting

 

-253

 

-379

 

-470

 

Loans and receivables

 

3,470

 

3,182

 

3,085

 

Total interest revenues(2)

 

3,896

 

3,188

 

2,835

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest expenses were related to:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets

 

-93

 

-46

 

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

278

 

12

 

-156

 

Derivatives used for hedge accounting

 

1,479

 

2,452

 

2,484

 

Other financial liabilities

 

-3,877

 

-3,859

 

-3,501

 

Total interest expenses(3)

 

-2,213

 

-1,441

 

-1,173

 

Net interest revenues

 

1,683

 

1,747

 

1,662

 

 

F-16



Table of Contents

 

Interest revenues geographical areas

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Sweden

 

1,724

 

1,358

 

1,353

 

Europe except Sweden

 

723

 

681

 

511

 

Countries outside of Europe

 

1,449

 

1,149

 

971

 

Total interest revenues(2)

 

3,896

 

3,188

 

2,835

 

 

Interest revenues per productgroup

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Lending to Swedish exporters

 

1,398

 

1,500

 

1,517

 

Lending to exporters’ customers(4)

 

1,251

 

1,042

 

978

 

Liquidity

 

1,247

 

646

 

340

 

Total interest revenues(2)

 

3,896

 

3,188

 

2,835

 

 


(1)             Including administrative remuneration for concessionary loans by Skr 2 million (2016: Skr 2 million; 2015: Skr 2 million).

 

(2)             Negative effective interest rates on debt are reported as interest income. During 2017 they amounted to Skr - million (2016: Skr — million; 2015: Skr - million). See Note 1a to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding negative interest rates.

 

(3)             Negative effective interest rates on assets are reported as interest expense. During 2017 they amounted to Skr -62 million (2016: Skr -106 million). The negative effective interest rates were immaterial during 2015 and were therefore not presented in the annual report. See Note 1a to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding negative interest rates.

 

(4)             In interest revenues for Lending to exporters’ customers, Skr 123 million (2016: Skr 114 million; 2015: Skr 120 million) represent remuneration from the CIRR-system (see Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

Note 3. Net fee and commissions expense

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Fee and commissions earned were related to(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Financial consultants’ commissions

 

 

 

0

 

Other commissions earned

 

3

 

3

 

2

 

Total

 

3

 

3

 

2

 

Commissions incurred were related to(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depot and bank fees

 

-6

 

-7

 

-6

 

Brokerage

 

-4

 

-4

 

-2

 

Other commissions incurred

 

-21

 

-21

 

0

 

Total

 

-31

 

-32

 

-8

 

Net fee and commissions expense

 

-28

 

-29

 

-6

 

 


(1)          Skr -24 million (2016: Skr -26 million; 2015: Skr -3 million) includes financial assets and liabilities not measured at fair value through profit or loss.

 

Note 4. Net results of financial transactions

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Derecognition of financial instruments not measured at fair value through profit or loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Available-for-sale financial assets

 

-17

 

 

 

Loans and receivables

 

16

 

4

 

-42

 

Financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Designated upon initial recognition (FVO)

 

-326

 

-2,779

 

4,526

 

Held-for-trading

 

278

 

2,699

 

-4,324

 

Financial instruments under fair-value hedge accounting:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net results of the hedging instrument

 

-999

 

-693

 

-290

 

Net results of the hedged item

 

946

 

661

 

536

 

Currency exchange-rate effects on all assets and liabilities excl. currency exchange-rate effects related to revaluation at fair value

 

0

 

-2

 

-6

 

Total net result of financial transactions

 

-102

 

-110

 

400

 

 

F-17



Table of Contents

 

SEK’s general business model is to hold financial instruments measured at fair value to maturity. The net fair value changes that occur, mainly relate to changes in credit spreads on SEK’s own debt and basis-spreads, and are recognized in net results of financial transactions. The changes could be significant in a single reporting period, but will not affect earnings over time since the changes in the instrument’s market value will be zero if it is held to maturity and is a performing instrument. When financial instruments are not held to maturity, realized gains and losses can occur, for example when SEK repurchases its own debt, or if lending is repaid early and the related hedging instruments are terminated prematurely. These effects are presented under “Derecognition of financial instruments not measured at fair value through profit or loss”, “Financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss” and “Financial instruments under fair-value hedge accounting”.

 

Note 5. Personnel expenses

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Salaries and remuneration to the Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officers

 

-7

 

-6

 

-6

 

Salaries and remuneration to Senior Executives

 

-20

 

-18

 

-17

 

Salaries and remuneration to other employees

 

-162

 

-160

 

-141

 

Pensions

 

-58

 

-57

 

-62

 

Social insurance

 

-61

 

-58

 

-56

 

Other personnel expenses

 

-12

 

-9

 

-13

 

Total personnel expenses

 

-320

 

-308

 

-295

 

 

The combined total of the remuneration to senior executives, excluding the CEO of the Parent Company, amounted to Skr 20 million (2016: Skr 18 million; 2015: Skr 17 million). Of the remuneration to senior executives, Skr 20 million (2016: Skr 17 million; 2015: Skr 16 million) is pensionable. Of the remuneration to the CEOs of the Parent Company, Skr 5 million (2016: Skr 4 million; 2015: Skr 4 million) is pensionable. For all employees, excluding the CEO, SEK follows collective agreements between Banking Institution Employers’ Organization (BAO) and trade unions.

 

Remuneration and other benefits to the Board of Directors and Senior
Executives in the Consolidated Group
2017
Skr thousand

 

Fee,
includes
committee fee

 

Fixed
remuneration

 

Other -benefits

 

Pension fee

 

Total

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lars Linder-Aronson(4)

 

-745

 

 

 

 

-745

 

Other members of the Board of Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cecilia Ardström

 

-344

 

 

 

 

-344

 

Jan Belfrage, resigned March 22, 2017

 

-72

 

 

 

 

-72

 

Anna Brandt, from November 21, 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reinhold Geijer, from March 22, 2017

 

-213

 

 

 

 

-213

 

Hans Larsson, from March 22, 2017

 

-212

 

 

 

 

-212

 

Susanne Lithander

 

-263

 

 

 

 

-263

 

Lotta Mellström(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ulla Nilsson

 

-273

 

 

 

 

-273

 

Teppo Tauriainen, resigned November 21, 2017(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magnus Uggla, resigned March 22, 2017(4)

 

-46

 

 

 

 

-46

 

Senior Executives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catrin Fransson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)(6)

 

 

-4,638

 

-97

 

-1,372

 

-6,107

 

Per Åkerlind, Head of Treasury and Capital Management and Executive Vice President

 

 

-3,278

 

-92

 

-1,159

 

-4,529

 

Karl Johan Bernerfalk, General Counsel

 

 

-1,372

 

-18

 

-447

 

-1,837

 

Stefan Friberg, Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

 

 

-2,908

 

-19

 

-465

 

-3,392

 

Teresa Hamilton Burman, Chief Credit Officer (CCO)

 

 

-2,252

 

-11

 

-485

 

-2,748

 

Johan Henningsson, Head of Sustainability

 

 

-1,191

 

-30

 

-435

 

-1,656

 

Petra Könberg, Head of Marketing & Business Development, from April 18, 2017

 

 

-830

 

-20

 

-220

 

-1,070

 

Jane Lundgren Ericsson, Head of Lending

 

 

-2,410

 

-98

 

-720

 

-3,228

 

Ingela Nachtweij, Acting Chief Information Officer (CIO),  from January 10

 

 

-1,520

 

-27

 

-414

 

-1,961

 

Sirpa Rusanen, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

 

 

-1,415

 

-105

 

-536

 

-2,056

 

Susanna Rystedt, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

 

 

-2,191

 

-112

 

-720

 

-3,023

 

Edvard Unsgaard, Head of Communication, resigned April 18, 2017

 

 

-314

 

-8

 

-102

 

-424

 

Total

 

-2,168

 

-24,319

 

-637

 

-7,075

 

-34,199

 

 

F-18



Table of Contents

 

Remuneration and other benefits to the Board of Directors and Senior
Executives in the Consolidated Group
2016
Skr thousand

 

Fee, includes
committee fee

 

Fixed
remuneration (1)

 

Other -benefits(2)

 

Pension fees (3)

 

Total

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lars Linder-Aronson(4)

 

-669

 

 

 

 

-669

 

Other members of the Board of Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cecilia Ardström

 

-216

 

 

 

 

-216

 

Jan Belfrage

 

-225

 

 

 

 

-225

 

Susanne Lithander

 

-240

 

 

 

 

-240

 

Lotta Mellström(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ulla Nilsson

 

-244

 

 

 

 

-244

 

Jan Roxendal, resigned April 26, 2016(4)

 

-109

 

 

 

 

-109

 

Teppo Tauriainen(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magnus Uggla, from April 26, 2016(4)

 

-186

 

 

 

 

-186

 

Senior Executives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catrin Fransson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)(6)

 

 

-4,487

 

-86

 

-1,332

 

-5,905

 

Per Åkerlind, Head of Treasury and Capital Management and Executive Vice President

 

 

-3,207

 

-86

 

-1,112

 

-4,405

 

Karl Johan Bernerfalk, General Counsel

 

 

-1,281

 

-11

 

-405

 

-1,697

 

Stefan Friberg, Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

 

 

-2,769

 

-12

 

-467

 

-3,248

 

Teresa Hamilton Burman, Chief Credit Officer (CCO)

 

 

-2,253

 

-12

 

-460

 

-2,725

 

Johan Henningsson, Head of Sustainability

 

 

-1,124

 

-12

 

-379

 

-1,515

 

Jane Lundgren Ericsson, Head of Lending

 

 

-2,355

 

-81

 

-616

 

-3,052

 

Sirpa Rusanen, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

 

 

-1,360

 

-91

 

-487

 

-1,938

 

Susanna Rystedt, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

 

 

-2,164

 

-41

 

-676

 

-2,881

 

Edvard Unsgaard, Head of Communication

 

 

-995

 

-11

 

-333

 

-1,339

 

Total

 

-1,889

 

-21,995

 

-443

 

-6,267

 

-30,594

 

 

F-19



Table of Contents

 

Remuneration and other benefits to the
Board of Directors and Senior
Executives in the Consolidated Group
2015
Skr thousand

 

Fee, includes
committee fee

 

Fixed
remuneration(1)

 

Other-benefits(2)

 

Pension fees (3)

 

Total

 

Chairman of the Board of Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lars Linder-Aronson(4)

 

-614

 

 

 

 

-614

 

Other members of the Board of Directors:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cecilia Ardström

 

-218

 

 

 

 

-218

 

Jan Belfrage

 

-217

 

 

 

 

-217

 

Lotta Mellström(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ulla Nilsson

 

-236

 

 

 

 

-236

 

Jan Roxendal(4)

 

-327

 

 

 

 

-327

 

Teppo Tauriainen(5)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susanne Lithander, from January 20, 2015

 

-209

 

 

 

 

-209

 

Senior Executives:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Catrin Fransson, Chief Executive Officer (CEO)(6)

 

 

-4,379

 

-75

 

-1,295

 

-5,749

 

Karl Johan Bernerfalk, General Counsel

 

 

 

-1,281

 

-10

 

-412

 

-1,703

 

Teresa Hamilton Burman, Chief Credit Officer (CCO)

 

 

-910

 

-5

 

-186

 

-1,101

 

Stefan Friberg, Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

 

 

-1,688

 

-8

 

-282

 

-1,978

 

Johan Henningsson, Head of Sustainability

 

 

-1,139

 

-10

 

-366

 

-1,515

 

Per Jedefors, Chief Risk Officer (CRO), resigned with pension April 30, 2015

 

 

-1,390

 

-28

 

-228

 

-1,646

 

Jane Lundgren Ericsson, Head of Lending

 

 

-2,286

 

-50

 

-606

 

-2,942

 

Sirpa Rusanen, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO)

 

 

-1,266

 

-85

 

-473

 

-1,824

 

Susanna Rystedt, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)

 

 

-2,055

 

-91

 

-642

 

-2,788

 

Edvard Unsgaard, Head of Communication

 

 

-1,000

 

-11

 

-297

 

-1,308

 

Per Åkerlind, Head of Treasury and Capital Management and Executive Vice President

 

 

-3,134

 

-86

 

-1,103

 

-4,323

 

Total

 

-1,821

 

-20,528

 

-459

 

-5,890

 

-28,698

 

 


(1) Predetermined salary or other compensation such as holiday pay and allowances.

 

(2) Other benefits consist of, for example, car allowances and subsistence benefits.

 

(3) Includes premiums for insurance covering sickness benefit for prolonged illness and other public risk insurance as a result of collective pension agreements.

 

(4) Remuneration is invoiced from their private companies in accordance with the state guidelines.

 

(5) Remuneration is not paid from the Company to the representatives on the Board of Directors, who are employed by the owner, the Swedish Government.

 

(6) The retirement age of the CEO, Catrin Fransson is 65 years and the pension fee is 30 percent of her fixed salary.

 

Finansinspektionens (the Swedish FSA’s) regulations (FFFS 2011:1) regarding remuneration systems in credit institutions, investment firms and fund management companies apply to SEK. Moreover, SEK applies the government’s guidelines on terms of employment for senior executives at state-owned companies. In accordance with these regulations, SEK’s Board has prepared a proposal for a set of guidelines for the remuneration of senior executives at SEK, which was adopted at the 2017 Annual General Meeting. The guidelines stipulate that salary and remuneration to the senior executives of SEK should be fair and reasonable. They should also be competitive, capped and appropriate as well as contribute to good ethical principles and corporate culture. Remuneration should not be higher than at comparable companies, and should be reasonable. Remuneration to senior executives consists of fixed salary, pension and other benefits. Pension terms for senior executives should be in the form of defined contribution plans.

 

The Board’s proposed guidelines are essentially unchanged from 2016, however certain additions have been made to the guidelines to apply from the 2017 Annual General Meeting. The guidelines have been clarified with information, such as that the pension age for senior executives is 65, that the maximum scope for severance pay has been limited from 18 to 12 months and that profit from paid assignments (for example, Board assignments) should be deducted from the severance pay.

 

SEK’s remuneration system is designed to promote sound and effective risk management and restrict excessive risk-taking. Remuneration to employees is mainly determined at fixed amounts.

 

SEK’s Board of Directors’ Remuneration Committee (the “Remuneration Committee”) prepares proposals for decision by the Board relating to remuneration policy for the Company, on total remuneration for the CEO, for other members of the executive management, for the Head of Compliance, and for other employees reporting directly to the CEO, as well as on the terms and conditions for and the outcome of the Company’s remuneration system. The Remuneration Committee also prepares and handles overall issues relating to remuneration (salaries, pension and other benefits), measures aimed at applying SEK’s remuneration policy, and issues relating to succession planning. Further, the Remuneration Committee prepares overall instructions for remuneration issues that it deems necessary. The Remuneration Committee also ensures that the relevant oversight department, together with the Remuneration Committee, annually reviews and evaluates the Company’s remuneration systems and also reviews whether such systems comply with the Company’s remuneration policy and relevant instructions regarding remuneration. The outcome is presented to the Board in a separate report on the same day as the annual report is submitted. The Remuneration Committee has met four times in 2017.

 

Since 2011, the Company has had only one system for variable remuneration, the EIS. The EIS applies to all permanent employees, with the exception of the executive management (except for three newly appointed senior executives, where deferred remuneration related to 2014 is included according to the agreement at that time), and employees within the Risk Department and employees within the Compliance Department.

 

The aim of the EIS was to contribute to attracting and retaining, promote the achievement of the Company’s long-term objectives, and encourage cooperation between different parts of the

 

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Table of Contents

 

organization in order to progress toward shared objectives.

 

If the resulting return, after adjustment for any non-operational items and risk assumption, exceeded the budgeted return, those employees encompassed by EIS received a share of the excess return, however this was capped at an amount equal to two months’ salary, including payroll taxes. The terms and conditions entailed that the variable remuneration never exceeded 16.67 percent of the fixed remuneration. The final decision on the result and the amount to be paid out under the EIS was taken by the Board.

 

In autumn 2016, the Board decided that the EIS would cease to apply from the end of 2016. Any remaining payments under the EIS attributable to results up until 2016 will be subject to the same rules that applied in the respective vesting years. In parallel, the Board decided that permanent employees should be offered certain benefits related to wellness, healthcare and medical care. Moreover, the Board decided to implement a system, over a three-year trial period (2017-2019), whereby it will be possible to offer permanent employees with customer or business responsibility, with the exception of members of the executive management, the possibility of individual variable remuneration (IVR). IVR will be evaluated on an ongoing basis. The results of the evaluation will be referred to the Remuneration Committee. Following the trial period, a more extensive evaluation will be performed.

 

In the areas where IVR is applicable, the corresponding EIS rules apply. This includes the discretionary nature of the system, that all outcomes are subject to deferred payment and that the Board takes all decisions regarding results and payments. Before an individual receives any IVR payment, the payment is subject to testing at three different levels: the Company level, the Department level and the Individual level. The test at the Company level is the basis for any IVR outcome. The outcome at the Company level is conditional on the actual return, following any applicable adjustment for the impact of non-operational items and increases in the company’s total risk assumption compared with the target risk assumption, exceeding a predetermined target. Of the profit that corresponds to any excess return, a percentage accrues to the IVR at the Company level. The outcome at the Company level is capped at a maximum of two months’ salary, calculated on the basis of all company employees entitled to IVR. In the case of a positive outcome at the Company level, the next step is to test at the Department level. This test assesses the outcome at the Department level in relation to the department’s quantitative targets. If the targets have not been reached, the outcome at the Company level is reduced for all members of the department. The remainder after this test comprises the outcome at the Department level, which is capped at a maximum of two months’ salary, calculated on the basis of all department’s employees entitled to IVR. The final test is at the Individual level. This test assesses the behavior and performance of individuals. For each individual, the outcome following the test at the Individual level is subject to a floor of zero and a ceiling of 1.5 times the amount at the Department level. Accordingly, the maximum outcome for any individual is three months’ salary. The total outcome for all employees encompassed by IVR in a department must be within the outcome at the Department level. The Company pays payroll taxes on any IVR paid, which also carries pension entitlements.

 

SEK’s remuneration policy is designed in such a way that the Company may decide that remuneration that is subject to deferred disbursement may be withheld, in part or full, if it subsequently transpires that the performance criteria have not been fulfilled or if the employee has breached certain internal rules. The same applies if disbursement would not be justifiable by the Company’s financial situation. Moreover, the outcome may also be adjusted if credit losses, or recoveries of credit losses, have occurred after the relevant income year, but are deemed to be attributable to the said income year.

 

For all employees encompassed by IVR the disbursement plan states that 40 percent of the outcome will be disbursed in April in the year following the income year to which the remuneration relates, and 20 percent will be disbursed in April in each of the three subsequent years.

 

To be able to identify, measure, manage, report and have control over the risks associated with the Company’s business, the Company ensures that its remuneration system promotes sound and effective risk management. As part of its strategic analysis and planning, the Company undertakes an annual process for internal capital and liquidity assessment. The aim of this process is to identify and compile, in a comprehensive way, the Company’s risks and to evaluate its risk management, need for capital and need for liquidity. Accordingly, in this process, among other items, the appropriateness of the Company’s risk management is evaluated. As part of this evaluation, an analysis is conducted with the aim of identifying employees, whose work duties have a material impact on SEK’s risk profile, including risks related to the Company’s remuneration policy and remuneration system. The outcome of this analysis is taken into account when designing the remuneration systems in order to promote sound and efficient risk management and to restrict excessive risk-taking. The number of employees that receive remuneration of EUR 1 million or more per fiscal year is zero. No new agreements containing variable remunerations have been established during the year.

 

The CEO’s, Catrin Fransson’s, terms of employment comply with the Guidelines for Terms of Employment for Senior Executives in State-owned Companies (adopted April 20, 2009).

 

SEK pays a defined contribution pension insurance amounting to 30 percent of the CEO’s pensionable salary. The retirement age for the CEO is 65.

 

For the CEO, SEK pays premiums for insurance for sickness benefits for prolonged illness, other collective risk insurance corresponding to those applicable under the BTP plan as well as healthcare insurance under Skandia Privatvård Plus and travel insurance. Other benefits payable to the CEO include car and per diem allowances. The CEO is entitled to six months’ notice prior to termination initiated by SEK and severance pay corresponding to 18 months’ salary. A deduction is made for any income arising from new employment.

 

The retirement age is 65 for all senior executives. The pension terms, conditions for termination of employment and other terms of employment for the senior executives follow the current Guidelines for Terms of Employment for Senior Executives in State-owned Companies (adopted April 20, 2009), where the BTP plan is included as an approved, collectively bargained, defined-benefit and defined-contribution pension plan. Since the 2017 Annual General Meeting, the new guidelines apply when appointing new senior executives at SEK. Pension provisions for senior executives in SEK are limited to 30 percent of pensionable income for retirement and survivors’ pension. Due to SEK’s implementation of a defined-benefit pension plan, the BTP plan, resulting from a collective agreement between the BAO and the Financial Sector Union of Sweden, covering employees in the banking and finance industries, the contribution for retirement and survivors’ pension can exceed 30 percent.

 

For the senior executives, SEK pays premiums for insurance for sickness benefits for prolonged illness, other collective risk insurance arising out of applicable collective agreements as well as travel insurance and health insurance. Other benefits include car and per diem allowances.

 

Per Åkerlind and Sven-Olof Söderlund have notice periods of six months should termination be initiated by SEK and are entitled to severance pay corresponding to 18 months’ salary. A deduction is made for any income arising from new employment. For other senior executives, the notice period upon termination initiated by SEK follows collective agreements. Upon resignation by the employee, the notice period is three or six months.

 

Pensions

 

The employees at SEK have a collectively bargained pension plan through the BTP plan, which is the most significant pension plan for salaried bank employees in Sweden. The BTP plan is funded by means of insurance with the insurance companies SPP and SEB.

 

The total pension cost for defined benefit and defined contribution obligations are shown below

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Service cost

 

-5

 

-4

 

-7

 

Interest cost, net

 

-1

 

0

 

-2

 

Pension cost for defined benefit pensions, incl. payroll tax

 

-6

 

-4

 

-9

 

Pension cost for defined contribution pension cost incl. payroll tax

 

-52

 

-53

 

-53

 

Pension cost recognized in personnel costs

 

-58

 

-57

 

-62

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Actuarial gains and (losses) on defined benefit obligation during period

 

-7

 

-35

 

60

 

Return above expected return, gains and (losses) on plan assets

 

3

 

5

 

-7

 

Change in the effect of the asset ceiling excluding interest

 

0

 

4

 

-4

 

Revaluation of defined benefit plans

 

-4

 

-26

 

49

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following table specifies the net value of defined benefit pension obligations

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Defined benefit obligations

 

263

 

254

 

215

 

Plan assets

 

-223

 

-216

 

-202

 

Restriction to net defined benefit asset due to the asset ceiling

 

0

 

0

 

4

 

Provision for pensions, net obligation
(see Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

40

 

38

 

17

 

 

The following table shows the development of defined benefit-obligations

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Defined benefit obligation, opening balance

 

254

 

215

 

267

 

Service cost

 

5

 

4

 

7

 

Interest cost

 

7

 

8

 

7

 

Pension Payments incl. special payroll tax

 

-10

 

-9

 

-7

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Actuarial (gains) and losses, effect due to changed demographic assumptions

 

 

 

 

Actuarial (gains) and losses, effect due to changed financial assumptions

 

9

 

38

 

-51

 

Actuarial (gains) and losses, effect due to experience based outcome

 

-2

 

-2

 

-8

 

Defined benefit obligation, closing balance

 

263

 

254

 

215

 

 

The following table shows the development of plan assets related to defined benefit obligation

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Fair value of plan assets, opening balance

 

216

 

202

 

201

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

6

 

7

 

5

 

Contributions by the employer (1)

 

7

 

8

 

8

 

Benefits paid (2)

 

-8

 

-7

 

-5

 

Other

 

 

 

 

Return on plan assets excluding interest income

 

2

 

6

 

-7

 

Fair value of plan assets, closing balance

 

223

 

216

 

202

 

 


(1) Expected contribution from the employer in the following year is Skr 7 million (2016: Skr 8 million; 2015: Skr 8 million) excluding payroll tax.

 

(2) Expected compensation paid in the following year is Skr 9 million (2016: Skr 9 million; 2015: Skr 7 million).

 

The following table shows the distribution of plan assets related to defined benefit obligation

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Domestic equity investments

 

4

 

4

 

4

 

Foreign equity investments

 

16

 

4

 

12

 

Domestic government bonds

 

63

 

69

 

63

 

Domestic corporate bonds

 

40

 

69

 

63

 

Mortgage bonds

 

76

 

52

 

48

 

Properties

 

24

 

18

 

12

 

Total

 

223

 

216

 

202

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

The following table displays principal actuarial assumptions used end of year

 

%

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Discount rate

 

2.5

 

2.7

 

3.4

 

Assumption of early pension withdrawal

 

20.0

 

20.0

 

20.0

 

Expected salary increase

 

2.0

 

2.0

 

2.0

 

Expected inflation

 

1.6

 

1.6

 

1.6

 

Expected lifetime

 

DUS14

 

DUS14

 

DUS14

 

Expected turnover

 

5.0

 

5.0

 

5.0

 

 

Sensitivity analysis of essential assumptions

 

 

 

Negative outcome

 

Positive outcome

 

Discount rate

 

–1

%

1.5

%

+1

%

3.5

%

Defined benefit obligation

 

 

 

326

 

 

 

214

 

Service cost

 

 

 

6

 

 

 

3

 

Interest cost

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Expected lifetime

 

+1 year

 

 

 

–1 year

 

 

 

Defined benefit obligation

 

 

 

273

 

 

 

251

 

Service cost

 

 

 

5

 

 

 

4

 

Interest cost

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

6

 

 

F-23



Table of Contents

 

Net reconciliation of pension liabilities

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Pension liabilities, opening balance

 

38

 

17

 

66

 

Net periodic pension cost

 

6

 

4

 

9

 

Contributions by the employer

 

-7

 

-8

 

-8

 

Net pension payments

 

-1

 

-1

 

-1

 

Revaluations recognized in other comprehensive income

 

4

 

26

 

-49

 

Pension liabilities, closing balance

 

40

 

38

 

17

 

 

Net interest is calculated using the discount rate of pension obligations, based on the net surplus or net deficit in the defined benefit plan.

 

Pension expense in 2017 for defined benefit pensions amounts to Skr 6 million (2016: Skr 4 million; 2015: Skr 9 million).

 

As of December 31, 2017, the expected weighted average remaining service time for active employees was 17.58 years, (2016: 19.07 years; 2015: 19.4 years) the expected weighted average duration for the present value was 17.38 years (2016: 20.7 years; 2015: 22.7 years) and the average salary for active employees was Skr 0.8 million (2016: Skr 0.8 million; 2015: Skr 0.8 million).

 

Discount rate

 

Swedish government bonds were previously used as the basis for calculating pension liabilities. Since January 1, 2013 the calculation has instead been based on the estimated interest curve of Swedish mortgage bonds, as this market is regarded as liquid enough to be used for this purpose. The discount rate is based on market expectations at the end of the accounting period, using bonds with the same duration as the pension liability.

 

Expected early retirement

 

According to the transitional rule for § 8 in the BTP-plan, the calculation includes the assumption that 20 percent of the employees use the possibility for early retirement. The earliest retirement age is 61 for employees born 1956 or earlier. Employees born 1967 or later have no right to retire before age 65.

 

Expected return on plan assets

 

Expected return on plan assets is equal to the discount rate as regulated in IAS 19.

 

Expected salary increase

 

The assumption of salary increase is based on SEK’s assessment.

 

Expected inflation

 

The expected inflation is in line with Swedish inflation-linked bonds.

 

Expected employee turnover

 

Expected employee turnover is based on SEK’s assessment of the long-term expected company staff attrition during one year.

 

Average number of-employees

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Women

 

121

 

122

 

115

 

Men

 

131

 

138

 

136

 

Total average number of employees

 

252

 

260

 

251

 

 

Number of employees at year-end

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Women

 

122

 

122

 

124

 

Men

 

128

 

134

 

139

 

Total number of employees(1)

 

250

 

256

 

263

 

of which full-time employees

 

243

 

250

 

257

 

Allocation of women/men

 

48/52

 

47/53

 

46/54

 

of which part-time employees

 

7

 

6

 

6

 

Allocation of women/men

 

86/14

 

83/17

 

83/17

 

of which permanent-employees

 

246

 

251

 

254

 

Allocation of women/men

 

49/51

 

48/52

 

46/54

 

of which temporary employees

 

4

 

5

 

9

 

Allocation of women/men

 

50/50

 

20/80

 

67/33

 

of which managers

 

31

 

33

 

32

 

of which non-management

 

219

 

223

 

231

 

 


(1) In addition to its employees, SEK engaged an average of 27 consultants (FTEs) in 2017.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Employees by age distribution

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Total number of employees

 

250

 

256

 

263

 

of which under the age of 30 years

 

16

 

16

 

22

 

of which between 30 and 50 years

 

142

 

153

 

163

 

of which over 50 years

 

92

 

87

 

78

 

 

Employee turnover

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Number of employees who left employment

 

31

 

26

 

17

 

of which women

 

12

 

9

 

5

 

of which men

 

19

 

17

 

12

 

of which under the age of 30 years

 

4

 

2

 

2

 

of which between 30 and 50 years

 

20

 

17

 

11

 

of which over 50 years

 

7

 

7

 

4

 

 

Health, %

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Absence due to sickness

 

3.3

 

4.0

 

3.1

 

Percentage of employees that use SEK’s fitness allowance

 

92.0

 

84.0

 

79.0

 

 

Equality and diversity

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Allocation of women/men on the Board of Directors

 

60/40

 

50/50

 

50/50

 

Allocation of women/men in SEK’s executive management

 

64/36

 

50/50

 

50/50

 

Allocation of women/men in management positions

 

42/58

 

36/64

 

38/62

 

Allocation of women/men at SEK in total

 

49/51

 

48/52

 

47/53

 

Allocation of employees with foreign/swedish background(1)

 

33/67

 

30/70

 

30/70

 

 


(1)  Foreign background is defined as “I was raised in a country other than Sweden (wholly or in part)”, “I was born in another country but raised in Sweden” and “I myself was born and raised in Sweden but have a parent/parents born and raised in another country”. The survey is conducted at least every three years.

 

Employee development

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Percentage of employees who had a performance review (percent)

 

95

 

98

 

98

 

Average number of training days per employee (all employees are white-collar workers)

 

2

 

3

 

2

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 6. Other administrative expenses

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Travel expenses and marketing

 

-8

 

-10

 

-9

 

IT and information system (fees incl.)

 

-144

 

-141

 

-79

 

Other fees

 

-38

 

-47

 

-40

 

Premises(1)

 

-32

 

-28

 

-27

 

Other

 

-10

 

-10

 

-9

 

Total other administrative expenses

 

-232

 

-236

 

-164

 

 


(1) SEK is a partner in rental agreements of office space in Stockholm and Gothenburg. SEK closed the office space in Singapore on July 1, 2016.

 

Cost of operating leases

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Leases

 

-31

 

-27

 

-26

 

 

The primary cost relates to SEK’s office premises.

 

Future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable operating leases are as follows

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2015

 

Within 1 year

 

-32

 

-31

 

-26

 

Between 1 and 5 years

 

-88

 

-120

 

-145

 

More than 5 years

 

 

 

 

Total future minimum rentals payable under non-cancellable-operating leases

 

-120

 

-151

 

-171

 

 

Remuneration to auditors

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Öhrlings PricewaterhouseCoopers AB (2016: Ernst & Young AB):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Audit fee(1)

 

-8

 

-10

 

-10

 

Audit related fee(2)

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Tax related fee(3)

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

Other fees(4)

 

-1

 

-1

 

-1

 

Summa

 

-9

 

-11

 

-11

 

 

     


(1) Fees related to audit of annual financial statements and reviews of interim financial statements.

 

(2) Fees charged for assurance and related services that are related to the performance of audit or review of the financial statements and are not reported under (1).

 

(3) Fees for professional services rendered by the principal independent auditors for tax compliance and tax advice.

 

(4) Fees for products and services rendered by the principal independent auditors, other than the services reported in (1) through (3) above.

 

In the financial statements remuneration to auditors is mainly included in Other administrative expenses.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 7. Tangible and intangible assets

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Net book value

 

 

 

 

 

Property, land and equipment

 

22

 

22

 

Intangible assets(1)

 

66

 

101

 

Total net book value

 

88

 

123

 

Depreciation and impairment during the year according to the Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

-45

 

-46

 

 


(1) Intangible assets consist of the capitalized portion of investments in IT systems. The average useful life for intangible assets is 5 years.

 

Note 8. Leasing

 

All SEK’s leasing transactions, where SEK is the lessor, are classified as financial leases. When making such classification all aspects regarding the leasing contract, including third party guarantees, are taken into account. A reconciliation between the gross investment in the leases and the present value of minimum lease payments receivable at the end of the reporting period can be found below. Future lease payments receivable will mature in the following periods.

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Skr mn

 

Gross
investment

 

Present value of
minimum lease
payments

 

Gross
investment

 

Present value of
minimum lease
payments

 

No later than one year

 

124

 

107

 

122

 

103

 

Later than one year and no later than five years

 

246

 

226

 

319

 

287

 

Later than five years

 

 

 

23

 

21

 

Total

 

370

 

333

 

464

 

411

 

Unearned finance income

 

 

37

 

 

53

 

Unguaranteed residual value

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

370

 

370

 

464

 

464

 

 

The leases are included in the line item “Loans to the public” in the statement of financial position.

 

Note 9. Impairment and past-due receivables

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Impairment of financial assets

 

-59

 

-23

 

-33

 

Reversal of previous write-downs

 

110

 

7

 

279

(1)

Net impairment and reversals

 

51

 

-16

 

246

 

Established losses

 

-47

 

 

-202

(1)

Reserves applied to cover established credit losses

 

46

 

 

-9

 

Recovered credit losses

 

1

 

0

 

1

 

Net credit losses(2)

 

51

 

-16

 

36

 

Reserve of impairment of financial assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Opening balance

 

-254

 

-236

 

-464

 

Reserves applied to cover established credit losses

 

46

 

 

-9

 

Net impairment and reversals

 

51

 

-16

 

246

 

Currency effects

 

2

 

-2

 

-9

 

Closing balance

 

-155

 

-254

 

-236

 

 

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Table of Contents

 


(1) An asset in the form of a collateralized debt obligation was sold during 2015 and the corresponding reserve of Skr 206 million was dissolved. The recorded loss amounted to Skr 211 million.

 

(2) As a result of improvements in the assessment basis in preparation for the introduction of the new process under IFRS 9 from 2018, a decrease of the reserve for collectively-assessed credits of Skr 60 million has been made. The reserve for collectively-assessed credits amounted to Skr -90 million as of December 31, 2017 (year-end 2016: Skr -170 million).

 

Past-due receivables

 

Receivables past due have been recorded at the amounts expected to actually be received at settlement.

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Past-due receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

Aggregate amount of principal and interest less than, or equal to, 90 days past-due

 

136

 

55

 

Aggregate amount of principal and interest more than 90 days past-due(1)

 

10

 

44

 

Principal amount not past-due on such receivables

 

494

 

3,778

 

Total Past-due receivables

 

640

 

3,877

 

 


(1)     Of the aggregate amount of principal and interest past due, Skr 3 million (year-end 2016: Skr 38 million) was due for payment more than three but less than, or equal to, six months before the end of the reporting period, Skr 3 million (year-end 2016: Skr 4 million) was due for payment more than six but less than, or equal to, nine months before the end of the reporting period, and Skr 5 million (year-end 2016: Skr 2 million) was due for payment more than nine months before the end of the reporting period.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 10. Taxes

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015 

 

Income tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Adjustment previous year

 

0

 

4

 

0

 

Current tax

 

-262

 

-382

 

-348

 

Deferred tax

 

27

 

156

 

0

 

Total income tax

 

-235

 

-222

 

-348

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Income tax related to other comprehensive income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tax on items to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Current tax

 

27

 

27

 

-63

 

Deferred tax

 

 

 

112

 

Tax on items not to be reclassified to profit or loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax

 

1

 

6

 

-11

 

Income tax related to other comprehensive income

 

28

 

33

 

38

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reconciliation of effective tax rate

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Swedish corporate tax rate, %

 

22.0

 

22.0

 

22.0

 

Profit before taxes

 

1,007

 

1,002

 

1,535

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

National tax based on profit before taxes

 

-222

 

-220

 

-338

 

Tax effects of:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-taxable income

 

1

 

0

 

0

 

Non-deductible expenses

 

-15

 

-1

 

-2

 

Imputed interest on tax allocation reserve

 

-2

 

-3

 

-5

 

Dividend received

 

 

 

 

Other

 

3

 

2

 

-3

 

Total tax

 

-235

 

-222

 

-348

 

Effective tax expense in %

 

23.3

 

22.2

 

22.7

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Deferred taxes

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Deferred tax assets concerning:

 

 

 

 

 

Temporary differences, related to pensions

 

7

 

6

 

Other temporary differences

 

 

 

Total deferred tax assets

 

7

 

6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Deferred tax liabilities concerning:

 

 

 

 

 

Untaxed reserves

 

538

 

565

 

Total deferred tax liabilities

 

538

 

565

 

Net deferred tax liabilities (+) / tax assets (–)

 

531

 

559

 

 

No deductible loss carry forwards existed as of December 31, 2017, or December 31, 2016.

 

Change in deferred taxes

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Opening balance

 

559

 

720

 

Change through profit or loss

 

-27

 

-156

 

Change in other comprehensive income

 

-1

 

-5

 

Total

 

531

 

559

 

 

In the financial statements of the Consolidated Group, the untaxed reserves of the Group companies are allocated 78 percent to equity and 22 percent to deferred taxes included as deferred tax liabilities in the statement of financial position. Changes in the amounts reported as deferred taxes are included in taxes on net profit in the Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

Note 11. Loans and liquidity investments

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31,
2016

 

Loans:

 

 

 

 

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

41,125

 

46,222

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

23,198

 

26,190

 

Loans to the public

 

141,111

 

147,909

 

Less:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral under the security agreements for derivative contracts(1)

 

-10,314

 

-11,621

 

Deposits with time to maturity exceeding three months

 

 

 

Total loans

 

195,120

 

208,700

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liquidity investments:

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,231

 

7,054

 

Cash collateral under the security agreements for derivative contracts

 

10,314

 

11,621

 

Deposits with time to maturity exceeding three months

 

 

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

4,382

 

3,687

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

39,807

 

49,901

 

Total liquidity investments

 

55,734

 

72,263

 

of which:

 

 

 

 

 

issued by public authorities

 

9,309

 

13,052

 

quoted on an exchange

 

22,396

 

61,092

 

 


(1)          Included in Loans to credit institutions.

 

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Difference between book value amount and amount contractually required to be paid at maturity for interest-bearing securities not carried at fair value

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Sum of amounts exceeding nominal

 

4

 

8

 

Sum of amounts falling below nominal

 

-57

 

-32

 

 

Volume Development, Lending

 

 

 

Consolidated Group 

 

of which the 
CIRR-system

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2017

 

2016

 

Offers of long-term loans accepted

 

89,305

 

54,856

 

36,909

 

10,804

 

Undisbursed loans at year-end

 

72,914

 

54,783

 

69,161

 

49,080

 

Loans outstanding at year-end

 

195,120

(1)

208,700

(1)

49,124

 

49,802

 

 

Outstanding loans as per business area

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

of which the CIRR-system

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31,
2016

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31,
2016

 

Lending to Swedish exporters

 

93,060

 

94,962

 

 

 

Lending to exporters’ customers

 

102,060

 

113,738

 

49,124

 

49,802

 

Total lending

 

195,120

(1)

208,700

(1)

49,124

 

49,802

 

 


(1)          Including concessionary loans by Skr 754 million (year-end 2016: Skr 991 million).

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 12. Classification of financial assets and liabilities

 

Financial assets by accounting category:

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss

 

Derivatives used for
hedge accounting

 

Available-for-sale

 

Loans and
receivables (1)

 

Total

 

Consolidated Group 
Skr mn

 

Held-for-trading

 

Designated upon initial
recognition (FVO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

1,231

 

1,231

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

 

 

 

4,382

 

 

4,382

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

 

113

 

 

39,694

 

 

39,807

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

 

 

 

 

41,125

 

41,125

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

 

 

 

23,198

 

23,198

 

Loans to the public

 

 

 

 

 

141,111

 

141,111

 

Derivatives

 

4,356

 

 

3,447

 

 

 

7,803

 

Total financial assets

 

4,356

 

113

 

3,447

 

44,076

 

206,665

 

258,657

 

 

Financial liabilities by accounting category:

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through
profit or loss

 

Derivatives used for
hedge accounting

 

Other financial
liabilities(2)

 

Total

 

Consolidated Group 
Skr mn

 

Held-for-trading

 

Designated upon initial
recognition (FVO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

 

 

 

2,317

 

2,317

 

Senior securities issued

 

 

63,421

 

 

159,095

 

222,516

 

Derivatives

 

10,864

 

 

5,616

 

 

16,480

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

 

 

 

2,040

 

2,040

 

Total financial liabilities

 

10,864

 

63,421

 

5,616

 

163,452

 

243,353

 

 

F-32



Table of Contents

 

Financial assets by accounting category:

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

 

Financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss

 

Derivatives used for
hedge accounting

 

Available-for-sale

 

Loans and
receivables (1) 

 

Total

 

Consolidated Group 
Skr mn

 

Held-for-trading

 

Designated upon initial
recognition (FVO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

7,054

 

7,054

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

 

 

 

3,687

 

 

3,687

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

 

1,481

 

 

48,420

 

 

49,901

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

 

269

 

 

 

45,953

 

46,222

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

 

 

 

26,190

 

26,190

 

Loans to the public

 

 

 

 

 

147,909

 

147,909

 

Derivatives

 

6,371

 

 

5,634

 

 

 

12,005

 

Total financial assets

 

6,371

 

1,750

 

5,634

 

52,107

 

227,106

 

292,968

 

 

Financial liabilities by accounting category:

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through
profit or loss

 

Derivatives used for
hedge accounting

 

Other financial
liabilities(2)

 

Total

 

Consolidated Group 
Skr mn

 

Held-for-trading

 

Designated upon initial
recognition (FVO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

 

 

 

3,756

 

3,756

 

Senior securities issued

 

 

71,079

 

 

178,113

 

249,192

 

Derivatives

 

15,770

 

 

6,302

 

 

22,072

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

 

 

 

2,266

 

2,266

 

Total financial liabilities

 

15,770

 

71,079

 

6,302

 

184,135

 

277,286

 

 


(1)          Of loans and receivables, 8 percent (year-end 2016: 8 percent) are subject to fair-value hedge accounting. The remaining 92 percent (year-end 2016: 92 percent) are not subject to hedge accounting and are therefore valued at amortized cost.

 

(2)          Of other financial liabilities, 89 percent (year-end 2016: 76 percent) are subject to fair-value hedge accounting, the remaining 11 percent (year-end 2016: 24 percent) are not subject to hedge accounting and are therefore valued at amortized cost.

 

Reclassification

 

As of July 1, 2008, and October 1, 2008, SEK reclassified certain assets, moving those assets to the category “loans and receivables” from the category “assets available-for-sale”. The reason for the reclassification was that those assets had been illiquid due to the extraordinary market conditions which existed during late 2008 owing to the global financial crisis, and SEK assessed itself to be able to hold the assets to maturity. Therefore there was no need for impairment of such assets. The reclassified assets consist of interest-bearing fixed rate bonds. At the time of the reclassification, the expected cash flows of the reclassified assets were equal to the contractual amounts, including principal and interest. The last reclassified loan and receivable expired in March 2017.

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Skr mn
Reclassified financial assets

 

Nominal
value

 

Book
value

 

Fair
value

 

Nominal value

 

Book
value

 

Fair
value

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

0

 

0

 

0

 

57

 

60

 

60

 

 

F-33



Table of Contents

 

Note 13. Financial assets and liabilities at fair value

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

Book value

 

Fair value

 

Surplus value (+)
/Deficit value (–)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,231

 

1,231

 

 

Treasuries/governments bonds

 

4,382

 

4,382

 

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

39,807

 

39,807

 

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

41,125

 

42,352

 

1,227

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

23,198

 

23,451

 

253

 

Loans to the public

 

141,111

 

144,935

 

3,824

(1)

Derivatives

 

7,803

 

7,803

 

 

Total financial assets

 

258,657

 

263,961

 

5,304

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

2,317

 

2,317

 

 

Senior securities issued

 

222,516

 

223,465

 

949

 

Derivatives

 

16,480

 

16,480

 

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

2,040

 

2,047

 

7

 

Total financial liabilities

 

243,353

 

244,309

 

956

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

Book value

 

Fair value

 

Surplus value (+)
/Deficit value (–)

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

7,054

 

7,054

 

 

Treasuries/governments bonds

 

3,687

 

3,687

 

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

49,901

 

49,911

 

10

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

46,222

 

47,210

 

988

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

26,190

 

26,240

 

50

 

Loans to the public

 

147,909

 

150,338

 

2,429

(1)

Derivatives

 

12,005

 

12,005

 

 

Total financial assets

 

292,968

 

296,445

 

3,477

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

3,756

 

3,756

 

 

Senior securities issued

 

249,192

 

250,151

 

959

 

Derivatives

 

22,072

 

22,072

 

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

2,266

 

2,265

 

-1

 

Total financial liabilities

 

277,286

 

278,244

 

958

 

 


(1)          Skr 1,346 million of the surplus value (year-end 2016: Skr 1,721 million) is related to CIRR loans. See Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding the CIRR-system.

 

F-34



Table of Contents

 

The majority of financial liabilities and some of the financial assets in the statement of financial position are accounted for at full fair value or at a value that represents fair value for the components hedged in a hedging relationship. However, loans and receivables and other financial liabilities which are neither subject to hedge accounting nor carried at fair value using fair value option, are accounted for at amortized cost.

 

Determining fair value of financial instruments

 

The best evidence of fair value is quoted prices in an active market. The majority of SEK’s financial instruments are not publicly traded, and quoted market values are not readily available.

 

Fair value measurements are categorized using a fair value hierarchy. The financial instruments have been categorized under the three levels of the IFRS fair value hierarchy that reflects the significance of inputs. The categorization of these instruments is based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

 

SEK uses the following hierarchy for determining and disclosing the fair value of financial instruments based on valuation techniques:

 

Level 1: quoted (unadjusted) prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

Level 2: other techniques for which all inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value are observable, either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3: techniques which use inputs which have a significant effect on the recorded fair value that are not based on observable market data.

 

For more information on determining the fair value of financial transactions, see Note 1a to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In the process of estimating or deriving fair values for items accounted for at amortized cost, certain assumptions have been made. In those cases where quoted market values for the relevant items are available, such market values have been used.

 

The tables below show the fair values of the items carried at amortized cost or fair value. They are distributed according to the fair value hierarchy.

 

Financial assets reported at amortized cost in fair value hierarchy

 

Consolidated Group
Loans and accounts receivable
Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

Fair value

 

Book value

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Total

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,231

 

 

 

1,231

 

1,231

 

Treasuries/governments bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

550

 

41,802

 

 

42,352

 

41,125

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

23,451

 

 

23,451

 

23,198

 

Loans to the public

 

 

144,935

 

 

144,935

 

141,111

 

Total financial assets in fair value hierarchy

 

1,781

 

210,188

 

 

211,969

 

206,665

 

 

Financial liabilities reported at amortized cost in fair value hierarchy

 

Consolidated Group
Other financial liabilities
Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

Fair value

 

Book value

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Total

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

 

2,317

 

 

2,317

 

2,317

 

Senior securities issued

 

 

160,044

 

 

160,044

 

159,095

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

 

2,047

 

 

2,047

 

2,040

 

Total financial liabilities in fair value hierarchy

 

 

164,408

 

 

164,408

 

163,452

 

 

Financial assets reported at amortized cost in fair value hierarchy

 

Consolidated Group
Loans and accounts receivable
Skr mn

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

Fair value

 

Book value

 

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Total

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

7,054

 

 

 

7,054

 

7,054

 

Treasuries/governments bonds

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

800

 

46,141

 

 

46,941

 

45,953

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

26,240

 

 

26,240

 

26,190

 

Loans to the public

 

 

150,338

 

 

150,338

 

147,909

 

Total financial assets in fair value hierarchy

 

7,854

 

222,719

 

 

230,573

 

227,106

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Financial liabilities reported at amortized cost in fair value hierarchy

 

Consolidated Group

 

December 31, 2016

 

Other financial liabilities

 

Fair value

 

Book value

 

Skr mn

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Total

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

 

3,698

 

 

3,698

 

3,756

 

Senior securities issued

 

 

178,744

 

328

 

179,072

 

178,113

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

 

2,265

 

 

2,265

 

2,266

 

Total financial liabilities in fair value hierarchy

 

 

184,707

 

328

 

185,035

 

184,135

 

 

Financial assets reported at fair value in fair value hierarchy

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Consolidated Group

 

Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss 

 

Available-for-sale

 

Skr mn

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasuries/governments bonds

 

 

 

 

 

4,382

 

 

 

4,382

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

 

113

 

 

113

 

 

39,694

 

 

39,694

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans to the public

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

5,829

 

1,974

 

7,803

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets in fair value hierarchy

 

 

5,942

 

1,974

 

7,916

 

4,382

 

39,694

 

 

44,076

 

 

Financial liabilities reported at fair value in fair value hierarchy

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Consolidated Group

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

Skr mn

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

 

 

 

 

Senior securities issued

 

 

20,426

 

42,995

 

63,421

 

Derivatives

 

 

13,660

 

2,820

 

16,480

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities in fair value hierarchy

 

 

34,086

 

45,815

 

79,901

 

 

There were no transfers made between levels during 2017.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Financial assets reported at fair value in fair value hierarchy

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Consolidated Group

 

Financial assets at fair value through
profit or loss

 

Available-for-sale

 

Skr mn

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Treasuries/governments bonds

 

 

 

 

 

3,687

 

 

 

3,687

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

1,099

 

125

 

257

 

1,481

 

956

 

47,464

 

 

48,420

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

269

 

 

 

269

 

 

 

 

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Loans to the public

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Derivatives

 

 

9,743

 

2,262

 

12,005

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets in fair value hierarchy

 

1,368

 

9,868

 

2,519

 

13,755

 

4,643

 

47,464

 

 

52,107

 

 

Financial liabilities reported at fair value in fair value hierarchy

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Consolidated Group

 

Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss

 

Skr mn

 

Level 1

 

Level 2

 

Level 3

 

Total

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

 

 

 

 

Senior securities issued

 

 

23,192

 

47,887

 

71,079

 

Derivatives

 

1

 

17,405

 

4,666

 

22,072

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial liabilities in fair value hierarchy

 

1

 

40,597

 

52,553

 

93,151

 

 

There were no transfers made between levels during 2016.

 

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value in Level 3, December 31, 2017

 

 

 

2017

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

January 1, 
2017

 

Purchases

 

Settlements &
sales

 

Transfers to
Level 3

 

Transfers from
Level 3

 

Gains (+) and
losses (–) 
through profit or 
loss(1)

 

Currency
exchange-rate
effects

 

December 31,
2017

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

257

 

 

-250

 

 

 

-6

 

-1

 

 

Senior securities issued

 

-48,217

 

-19,077

 

24,627

 

 

 

1,044

 

-1,372

 

-42,995

 

Derivatives, net

 

-2,404

 

3

 

-4,342

 

 

 

-1,202

 

7,099

 

-846

 

Net assets and liabilities

 

-50,364

 

-19,074

 

20,035

 

 

 

-164

 

5,726

 

-43,841

 

 

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value in Level 3, December 31, 2016

 

 

 

2016

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

January 1,
2016

 

Purchases

 

Settlements &
sales

 

Transfers to
Level 3

 

Transfers from
Level 3

 

Gains (+) and
losses (–)
through profit or
loss(1)

 

Currency
exchange-rate
effects

 

December 31,
2016

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

261

 

 

 

 

 

-4

 

0

 

257

 

Senior securities issued

 

-38,709

 

-15,279

 

10,176

 

 

 

-651

 

-3,424

 

-47,887

 

Derivatives, net

 

-2,551

 

-1,259

 

-263

 

 

 

722

 

947

 

-2,404

 

Net assets and liabilities

 

-40,999

 

-16,538

 

9,913

 

 

 

67

 

-2,477

 

-50,034

 

 


(1)          Gains and losses through profit or loss, including the impact of exchange rates, is reported as interest net revenue and net result of financial transactions. The unrealized fair value changes during the period for assets and liabilities, including the impact of exchange rates, held as of December 31, 2017, amount to Skr 768 million loss (year-end 2016: Skr 12 million profit) and are reported as net results of financial transactions.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Uncertainty of valuation of Level 3-instruments

 

As the estimation of the parameters included in the models to calculate the market value of Level 3-instruments is associated with subjectivity and uncertainty, SEK has, in accordance with IFRS 13, conducted an analysis of the difference in fair value of Level 3-instruments using other established parameter values. Option models and discounted cash flows are used to value the Level 3-instruments. For Level 3-instruments with a longer duration where extrapolated discount curves are used, a sensitivity analysis has been conducted with regards to the interest. The revaluation of the portfolio is made using an interest rate shift of +/– 10 basis points. For the Level 3-instruments that are significantly affected by different types of correlations, which are not based on observable market data, a revaluation has been made by shifting the correlations. The basis for this sensitivity analysis is therefore the revaluation of the relevant part of the portfolio, where the correlations have been adjusted by +/– 10 percentage points. After the revaluation is performed, the max/min value for each transaction is identified. For Level 3-instruments that are significantly affected by non-observable market data, such as SEK’s own creditworthiness, a revaluation has been made by shifting the credit curve. The revaluation is made by shifting the credit spreads by +/- 10 basis points, which has been assessed as a reasonable change of SEK’s credit spread. The analysis shows the impact of the non-observable market data on the market value. In addition, the market value will be affected by observable market data.

 

The result of the analysis corresponds with SEK’s business model where issued securities are linked with a matched hedging derivative. The underlying market data is used to evaluate the issued security as well as to evaluate the fair value of the derivative. This means that a change in fair value of the issued security, excluding SEK’s own credit spread, is offset by an equally large change in the fair value of the derivative.

 

Sensitivity analysis — level 3

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Assets and liabilities
Skr mn

 

Fair Value

 

Unobservable input

 

Range of estimates for
unobservable input(1)

 

Valuation method

 

Sensitivity max

 

Sensitivity min

 

Interest rate

 

0

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

0

 

0

 

Sum other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

-171

 

Correlation

 

0.78 - (0.02)

 

Option Model

 

1

 

-1

 

Interest rate

 

1,001

 

Correlation

 

0.19 - (0.37)

 

Option Model

 

-192

 

178

 

FX

 

-1,512

 

Correlation

 

0.89 - (0.81)

 

Option Model

 

24

 

-22

 

Other

 

-164

 

Correlation

 

0.63 - (0.05)

 

Option Model

 

0

 

0

 

Sum derivatives, net

 

-846

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-167

 

155

 

Equity

 

-680

 

Correlation

 

0.78 - (0.02)

 

Option Model

 

-1

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

11

 

-11

 

Interest rate

 

-42,168

 

Correlation

 

0.19 - (0.37)

 

Option Model

 

195

 

-181

 

 

 

 

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

106

 

-103

 

FX

 

-34

 

Correlation

 

0.89 - (0.81)

 

Option Model

 

-25

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

92

 

-92

 

Other

 

-113

 

Correlation

 

0.63 - (0.05)

 

Option Model

 

0

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

3

 

-3

 

Sum senior securities issued

 

-42,995

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

381

 

-366

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total effect on profit or loss(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

214

 

-211

 

 

F-38



Table of Contents

 

Sensitivity analysis — level 3

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Assets and liabilities
Skr mn

 

Fair Value

 

Unobservable input

 

Range of estimates for
unobservable input(1)

 

Valuation method

 

Sensitivity max

 

Sensitivity min

 

Interest rate

 

257

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

0

 

0

 

Sum other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

257

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Equity

 

-1,270

 

Correlation

 

0.74 - (0.01)

 

Option Model

 

3

 

-1

 

Interest rate

 

1,017

 

Correlation

 

0.09 - (0.12)

 

Option Model

 

-220

 

207

 

FX

 

-1,989

 

Correlation

 

0.83 - (0.76)

 

Option Model

 

31

 

-30

 

Other

 

-162

 

Correlation

 

0.55 - (0.04)

 

Option Model

 

0

 

0

 

Sum derivatives, net

 

-2,404

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-186

 

176

 

Equity

 

-21,515

 

Correlation

 

0.74 - (0.01)

 

Option Model

 

-3

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

24

 

-24

 

Interest rate

 

-26,224

 

Correlation

 

0.09 - (0.12)

 

Option Model

 

222

 

-211

 

 

 

 

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

125

 

-125

 

FX

 

-4

 

Correlation

 

0.83 - (0.76)

 

Option Model

 

-51

 

52

 

 

 

 

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

94

 

-94

 

Other

 

-144

 

Correlation

 

0.55 - (0.04)

 

Option Model

 

0

 

0

 

 

 

 

 

Credit spreads

 

10BP - (10BP)

 

Discounted cash flow

 

2

 

-2

 

Sum senior securities issued

 

-47,887

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

413

 

-403

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total effect on profit or loss(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

227

 

-227

 

 


(1)          Represents the range of correlations that SEK has determined market participants would use when pricing the instruments. The structures are represented both in the security and the derivative hedging the bond. The sensitivity analysis is based on a shift in the interval for correlation between 0.1 and —0.1. The correlation is expressed as a value between 1 and —1, where 0 indicates no relationship, 1 indicates maximum positive relationship and -1 indicates maximum negative relationship. The maximum correlation in the range of unobservable inputs can thus be from 1 to —1. The table presents the scenario analysis of the effect on Level 3-instruments, with maximum positive and negative changes.

 

(2)          Of the total impact on profit or loss, the sensitivity effect of SEK’s own credit spread was Skr 211 million (year-end 2016: Skr 244 million) under a maximum scenario and Skr -208 million (year-end 2016: Skr -244 million) under a minimum scenario.

 

Fair value related to credit risk

 

 

 

Fair value originating from credit risk
(- liabilities increase/ + liabilities decrease)

 

The period’s change in fair value origination
from credit risk (+ income/ - loss)

 

 

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Jan-Dec 2017

 

Jan-Dec 2016

 

Jan-Dec 2015

 

CVA/DVA, net(1)

 

-8

 

-14

 

6

 

9

 

-4

 

OCA(2)

 

-578

 

-383

 

-195

 

1

 

87

 

 


(1)          Credit value adjustment (CVA) and Debt value adjustment (DVA) reflects how the counterparties’ credit risk as well as SEK’s own credit rating affects the fair value of derivatives.

 

(2)          Own credit adjustment (OCA) reflects how the changes in SEK’s credit rating affects the fair value of financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit and loss.

 

F-39



Table of Contents

 

Note 14. Derivatives

 

Derivatives by categories

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

Assets Fair
value

 

Liabilities Fair
value

 

Nominal 
amounts

 

Assets Fair 
value

 

Liabilities Fair 
value

 

Nominal 
amounts

 

Interest rate-related contracts

 

3,781

 

9,132

 

245,788

 

4,309

 

9,909

 

244,854

 

Currency-related contracts

 

3,772

 

6,879

 

139,614

 

7,115

 

10,302

 

137,656

 

Equity-related contracts

 

250

 

303

 

13,246

 

581

 

1,683

 

24,829

 

Contracts related to commodities, credit risk, etc.

 

 

166

 

-1,183

 

 

178

 

2,662

 

Total derivatives

 

7,803

 

16,480

 

397,465

 

12,005

 

22,072

 

410,001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Group
of which derivatives used for economic -hedges, accounted for as

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

held-for-trading under IAS39
Skr mn

 

Assets Fair 
value

 

Liabilities Fair 
value

 

Nominal 
amounts

 

Assets Fair 
value

 

Liabilities Fair 
value

 

Nominal 
amounts

 

Interest rate-related contracts

 

2,603

 

6,358

 

119,239

 

2,724

 

7,163

 

113,684

 

Currency-related contracts

 

1,501

 

4,003

 

92,133

 

3,120

 

6,841

 

94,521

 

Equity-related contracts

 

250

 

303

 

13,246

 

581

 

1,683

 

24,829

 

Contracts related to commodities, credit risk, etc.

 

 

166

 

-1,183

 

 

178

 

2,662

 

Total derivatives

 

4,354

 

10,830

 

223,435

 

6,425

 

15,865

 

235,696

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

of which derivatives used for hedge -accounting
Skr mn

 

Assets Fair
value

 

Liabilities Fair
value

 

Nominal
amounts

 

Assets Fair value

 

Liabilities Fair
value

 

Nominal
amounts

 

Interest rate-related contracts

 

1,178

 

2,774

 

126,549

 

1,586

 

2,746

 

131,170

 

Currency-related contracts

 

2,271

 

2,876

 

47,481

 

3,995

 

3,461

 

43,136

 

Total derivatives

 

3,449

 

5,650

 

174,030

 

5,581

 

6,207

 

174,306

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of which cash-flow hedges

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of which fair-value hedges

 

3,449

 

5,650

 

174,030

 

5,581

 

6,207

 

174,306

 

 

Derivatives used as fair-value hedge

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

< 1 month

 

1 month
< 3 months

 

3 months
< 1 year

 

1 year <
5 years

 

> 5 years

 

Cash inflows (assets)

 

47

 

238

 

700

 

3,428

 

459

 

Cash outflows (liabilities)

 

8

 

56

 

-977

 

-1,526

 

-869

 

Net cash inflow

 

55

 

294

 

-277

 

1,902

 

-410

 

 

F-40



Table of Contents

 

Derivatives used as fair-value hedge

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

< 1 month

 

1 month
< 3 months

 

3 months
< 1 year

 

1 year <
5 years

 

> 5 years

 

Cash inflows (assets)

 

369

 

1,252

 

598

 

1,842

 

1,059

 

Cash outflows (liabilities)

 

130

 

-7

 

-234

 

-1,521

 

-702

 

Net cash inflow

 

499

 

1,245

 

364

 

321

 

357

 

 

Cash-flow hedges reclassified to profit or loss during the year

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

Interest income

 

91

 

169

(1)

Interest expense

 

 

 

Total

 

91

 

169

 

 


(1)          Relates to previously terminated cash flow hedges which comprehensive income is allocated over the previously hedged item’s remaining maturity.

 

In accordance with SEK’s policies with regard to counterparty, interest rate, currency exchange-rate, and other exposures, SEK uses, and is a party to, different kinds of derivative instruments, mostly various interest rate-related and currency exchange-rate-related contracts. These contracts are carried at fair value in the statements of financial position on a contract-by-contract basis.

 

SEK uses derivatives to hedge risk exposure inherent in financial assets and liabilities. Derivatives are measured at fair value by using market quoted rates where available. If market quotes are not available, valuation models are used. SEK uses models to adjust the net exposure fair value for changes in counterparties’ credit quality. The models used include both directly observable and non-observable market parameters.

 

The majority of SEK’s derivative contracts are what are known as OTC (over the counter) derivatives, i.e. derivative contracts that are not transacted on an exchange. SEK’s derivative transactions that are not transacted on an exchange are entered into under ISDA Master Netting Agreements. In general, under such agreements the amounts owed by each counterparty in respect of all transactions outstanding in the same currency under the agreement are aggregated into a single net amount payable by one party to the other. In certain circumstances, for example when a credit event such as a default occurs and all outstanding transactions under the agreement are terminated, the termination value is assessed and only a single net amount is due or payable in settlement of all transactions. SEK endeavors to only enter into derivatives transactions with counterparties in jurisdictions where such netting is enforceable when such events occur.

 

The above ISDA arrangements do not meet the criteria for offsetting in the statement of financial position. This is because such agreements create a right of set-off of recognized amounts that is enforceable only following an event of default, insolvency or bankruptcy of SEK or the counterparties. In addition, SEK and its counterparties do not intend to settle on a net basis or to realize the assets and settle the liabilities simultaneously.

 

The ISDA Master Netting Agreements are complemented by supplementary agreements providing for the collateralization of counterparty exposure. SEK receives and accepts collateral in the form of cash. Such collateral is subject to the standard industry terms of a CSA.

 

The disclosures set out in the tables below include financial assets and financial liabilities that are subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement that cover similar financial instruments. SEK only enters into derivative transactions that are subject to enforceable master netting agreements or similar agreements. SEK has no financial assets or liabilities that are offset in the statement of financial position.

 

Financial assets subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements

 

 

 

December 31, 
2017

 

December 31, 
2016

 

Skr mn

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives

 

Gross amounts of recognized financial assets

 

7,803

 

12,005

 

Amounts offset in the statement of financial position

 

 

 

Net amounts of financial assets presented in the statement of financial position

 

7,803

 

12,005

 

Amounts subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement not offset in the statement of financial position related to:

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments

 

-5,713

 

-8,675

 

Cash collateral received

 

-1,784

 

-3,104

 

Net amount

 

306

 

226

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Financial liabilities subject to offsetting, enforceable master netting arrangements and similar agreements

 

 

 

December 31,
2017

 

December 31,
2016

 

Skr mn

 

Derivatives

 

Derivatives

 

Gross amounts of recognized financial liabilities

 

16,480

 

22,072

 

Amounts offset in the statement of financial position

 

 

 

Net amounts of financial liabilities presented in the statement of financial position

 

16,480

 

22,072

 

Amounts subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement not offset in the statement of financial position related to:

 

 

 

 

 

Financial instruments

 

-5,713

 

-8,675

 

Cash collateral paid

 

-9,031

 

-8,854

 

Net amount

 

1,736

 

4,543

 

 

Note 15. Shares

 

Venantius AB (being wound down) is domiciled in Stockholm, Sweden, and is wholly owned by SEK. The net profit for the year amounts to Skr 10 million (2016: Skr 0 million; 2015: Skr 1 million).

 

Shares in subsidiaries

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Skr mn

 

Book value

 

Number of shares

 

Book value

 

Number of shares

 

Venantius AB (reg no 556449-5116)

 

24

 

5,000,500

 

17

 

5,000,500

 

 

Note 16. Other assets

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Claim against the State for CIRR loans and concessionary loans

 

3,309

 

3,267

 

Cash receivables, funding operations

 

198

 

837

 

Other

 

49

 

63

 

Total

 

3,556

 

4,167

 

 

Note 17. Prepaid expenses and accrued revenues

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Interest revenues accrued

 

2,075

 

2,163

 

Prepaid expenses and other accrued revenues

 

16

 

21

 

Total

 

2,091

 

2,184

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 18. Debt

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Skr mn

 

Total debt
excluding -senior
securities issued

 

Total senior -
-securities issued

 

Total

 

Exchange-rate related contracts

 

 

33,016

 

33,016

 

Interest rate related contracts

 

2,317

 

188,607

 

190,924

 

Equity related contracts

 

 

779

 

779

 

Contracts related to raw materials, credit risk etc

 

 

114

 

114

 

Total debt outstanding

 

2,317

 

222,516

 

224,833

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of which denominated in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skr

 

 

 

 

 

1,116

 

USD

 

 

 

 

 

119,112

 

JPY

 

 

 

 

 

32,988

 

EUR

 

 

 

 

 

29,191

 

Other currencies

 

 

 

 

 

42,426

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Skr mn

 

Total debt
excluding -senior
securities issued

 

Total senior -
-securities issued

 

Total

 

Exchange-rate related contracts

 

 

42,052

 

42,052

 

Interest rate related contracts

 

3,756

 

183,090

 

186,846

 

Equity related contracts

 

 

23,906

 

23,906

 

Contracts related to raw materials, credit risk etc

 

 

144

 

144

 

Total debt outstanding

 

3,756

 

249,192

 

252,948

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of which denominated in:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Skr

 

 

 

 

 

1,594

 

USD

 

 

 

 

 

140,749

 

JPY

 

 

 

 

 

34,659

 

EUR

 

 

 

 

 

28,810

 

Other currencies

 

 

 

 

 

47,137

 

 

Contracts have been categorized based on the contracts’ main properties. If all properties were taken into account, a transaction could be contained in several categories.

 

F-43



Table of Contents

 

SEK has the following major Borrowing programs in place:

 

 

 

Value outstanding (1)

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Medium-term note program:

 

 

 

 

 

Unlimited Euro Medium-Term Note Programme

 

98,189

 

111,358

 

Unlimited SEC-registered U.S. Medium-Term Note Programme

 

111,444

 

128,641

 

Unlimited Swedish Medium-Term Note Programme

 

256

 

371

 

Unlimited MTN/STN AUD Debt Issuance Programme

 

3,607

 

3,353

 

Commercial paper program:

 

 

 

 

 

USD 3,000,000,000 U.S. Commercial Paper Programme

 

1,637

 

 

 


(1) Amortized cost excluding fair value adjustments.

 

Liabilities in financing activities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Non-cash items

 

 

 

Skr mn

 

December31, 2016

 

Cash flow

 

Exchange-rate
difference

 

-Unrealized changes in fair
value

 

December 31, 2017

 

Senior debt

 

252,948

 

-9,919

 

-18,254

 

58

 

224,833

 

Subordinated debt

 

2,266

 

 

-219

 

-7

 

2,040

 

Derivatives - net

 

10,067

 

-4,931

 

3,894

 

-353

 

8,677

 

Total liabilities in financing activities

 

265,281

 

-14,850

 

-14,579

 

-302

 

235,550

 

 

Note 19. Other liabilities

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Liabilities to subsidiaries

 

 

 

 

Cash payables, debt purchases

 

668

 

2,056

 

Other

 

158

 

318

 

Total

 

826

 

2,374

 

 

Note 20. Accrued expenses and prepaid revenues

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Interest expenses accrued

 

2,023

 

2,000

 

Other accrued expenses and prepaid revenues

 

40

 

36

 

Total

 

2,063

 

2,036

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 21. Provisions

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Pension liabilities (see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements)

 

40

 

38

 

Long term employee benefit

 

4

 

4

 

Termination reserve

 

1

 

9

 

Total

 

45

 

51

 

 

Note 22. Subordinated debt securities

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Fixed Rate Resettable Dated Subordinated Instruments(1)

 

2,040

 

2,266

 

Total subordinated debt outstanding

 

2,040

 

2,266

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

of which denominated in:

 

 

 

 

 

Swedish kronor

 

 

 

Foreign currencies

 

2,040

 

2,266

 

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

Total interest expense

 

61

 

62

 

of which accrued interest(2)

 

8

 

9

 

 


(1)          Nominal value USD 250 million fixed rate resettable dated subordinated instruments due November 14, 2023 (the dated subordinated instruments) were issued by SEK, 556084-0315, under the regulatory framework in effect on November 14th, 2013 (the issue date) at a price of 99.456 percent of the aggregate nominal amount. English law applies to the dated subordinated instruments.

 

SEK’s dated subordinated instruments will bear interest (i) from (and including) the issue date, to (but excluding) November 14, 2018 (the optional redemption date (call)) at the rate of 2.875 per cent per annum payable semi-annually in arrears on May 14 and November 14 in each year commencing on May 14, 2014 and ending on November 14, 2018 and (ii) from (and including) the optional redemption date (call) to (but excluding) November 14, 2023 (the maturity date) at a rate of 1.45 per cent per annum above the applicable swap rate for USD swap transactions with a maturity of five years determined in accordance with market convention and payable semi-annually in arrears on May 14 and November 14 in each year commencing on May 14, 2019 and ending on the maturity date.

 

Unless previously redeemed or purchased and cancelled, SEK’s dated subordinated instruments will be redeemed at their principal amount on the maturity date. Subject to certain conditions as provided in the applicable terms and conditions, the dated subordinated instruments may be redeemed at the option of SEK in whole, but not in part, (i) on the optional redemption date (call), (ii) at any time for certain withholding tax reasons or (iii) at any time upon the occurrence of a capital event (as defined in the applicable terms and conditions), in each case at their principal amount together with interest accrued to (but excluding) the date of redemption. Redemption is subject to the prior consent of the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.

 

(2)          The accrued interest is attributable to subordinated borrowing and is included in “Accrued expenses and prepaid revenues”.

 

Subordinated debt means debt for which, in the event of the obligor being declared bankrupt, the holder would be repaid after other creditors, but before shareholders.

 

F-45



Table of Contents

 

Note 23. Equity

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Share capital

 

3,990

 

3,990

 

Legal reserve

 

 

 

Fund for internally developed software

 

 

 

Reserves/Fair value reserve

 

 

 

 

 

Hedge reserve

 

25

 

96

 

Fair value reserve

 

9

 

35

 

Defined benefit plans

 

-4

 

-1

 

Retained earnings

 

13,554

 

13,016

 

Total equity

 

17,574

 

17,136

 

 

The total number of shares is 3,990,000 with a quota value of Skr 1,000.

 

The hedge reserve comprises the cumulative effective portion of hedging derivatives in connection with cash-flow hedges and is reported in other comprehensive income. The hedge reserve is reported net after-tax.

 

The fair value reserve is displayed as after-tax difference between fair value and amortized cost recognized through other comprehensive income related to available-for-sale securities. In the cases in which an asset available-for-sale is included in a hedge relationship, the reserve includes the difference between the fair value and the amortized cost value revalued at fair value with regard to the risk being hedged. The difference normally consists of the cumulative change in the credit spread. Of the reserve represented interest-bearing securities with positive changes in fair value amounted to Skr 11 million (year-end 2016: Skr 4 million), Skr -17 million, (year-end 2016: Skr -37 million) represented interest-bearing securities with negative changes in fair value.

 

Fund for internally developed software represents expenses that are directly attributable to large investments in the development of IT systems.

 

The entire equity is attributable to the shareholder of the Parent Company.

 

According to the Swedish Annual Accounts Act for Credit Institutions and Securities Companies, the non-distributable capital and the distributable capital for the Consolidated Group at year-end are as follows:

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Restricted equity

 

6,122

 

6,218

 

Unrestricted equity

 

11,452

 

10,918

 

Total equity

 

17,574

 

17,136

 

 

The Legal reserve reported in the Parent Company represents previous demands for statutory provision to non-distributable capital. The requirement was abolished January 1, 2006, and prior provisions remain.

 

Proposal for the distribution of profits

 

The results of the Consolidated Group’s and the Parent Company’s operations during the year and its financial position at December 31, 2017, can be seen in the Statement of Comprehensive Income, Statement of Financial Position and Statement of Cash Flows for the Consolidated Group as well as the income statement, balance sheet and statement of cash flows for the Parent Company and related Notes. The Board has decided to propose to the Annual General Meeting the payment of a dividend of Skr 232 million (2016: Skr 234 million), in accordance with the company’s dividend policy. The following proposal regarding distribution of profits relates to the Parent Company.

 

At the disposal of the Annual General Meeting

 

11,477

 

The Board of Directors proposes that the Annual General Meeting dispose of these funds as follows:

 

 

 

- dividend to the shareholder of Skr 58,05 per share, amounting to

 

232

 

- remaining disposable funds to be carried forward

 

11,245

 

 

F-46



Table of Contents

 

Note 24. Pledged assets and contingent liabilities

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Collateral provided

 

 

 

 

 

Cash collateral under the security agreements for derivative contracts

 

10,314

 

11,621

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Contingent liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

Guarantee commitments

 

3,360

 

3,027

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments

 

 

 

 

 

Committed undisbursed loans

 

72,914

 

54,783

 

Binding offers

 

1,211

 

4,630

 

 

Note 25. CIRR-system

 

Pursuant to the company’s assignment as stated in its owner instruction issued by the Swedish government, SEK administers credit granting in the Swedish system for officially supported export credits (CIRR-system). SEK receives compensation from the Swedish government in the form of an administrative fee, which is calculated based on the principal amount outstanding.

 

All assets and liabilities related to the CIRR-system are included in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and in the Parent Company’s balance sheet since SEK bears the credit risk for the lending and acts as the counterparty for lending and borrowing. Unrealized revaluation effects on derivatives related to the CIRR-system are recognized on a net basis under Note 16 Other Assets in the item Claim against the State for CIRR loans and concessionary loans.

 

SEK has determined that the CIRR-system should be considered an assignment whereby SEK acts as an agent on behalf of the Swedish government, rather than being the principal in individual transactions. Accordingly, interest income, interest expense and other costs pertaining to CIRR-system assets and liabilities are not recognized in SEK’s Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

The administrative compensation received by SEK from the Swedish government is recognized as part of interest income in SEK’s Statement of Comprehensive Income since the commission received in compensation is equivalent to interest. Any income for SEK that arises from its credit arranger role is recognized in SEK’s Statement of Comprehensive Income under net interest income. Refer also to Note 1a (f) to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The administrative fee paid by the state to SEK as compensation is recognized in the CIRR-system as administrative compensation to SEK. Arrangement fees to SEK are recognized together with other arrangement fees such as interest expenses. Refer to the following tables.

 

In addition to the CIRR-system, SEK administers the Swedish government’s previous concessionary credit program according to the same principles as the CIRR-system. No new lending is being offered under the concessionary credit program. As of December 31, 2017, loans outstanding amounted to Skr 754 million (year-end 2016: Skr 991 million) and the government noted a negative result of Skr -48 million (2016: Skr -53 million; 2015: Skr -52 million). Administrative compensation to SEK amounted to Skr -2 million (2016: Skr -2 million; 2015: Skr -2 million).

 

Statement of comprehensive income for the CIRR-system

 

Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

2015

 

Interest revenues

 

1,343

 

1,185

 

1,222

 

Interest expenses

 

-1,115

 

-961

 

-951

 

Net interest revenues

 

228

 

224

 

271

 

Interest compensation

 

26

 

121

 

13

 

Foreign exchange effects

 

-6

 

4

 

1

 

Profit before compensation to SEK

 

248

 

349

 

285

 

Administrative remuneration to SEK

 

-123

 

-114

 

-121

 

Operating profit CIRR-system

 

125

 

235

 

164

 

Reimbursement to (-) / from (+) the State

 

-125

 

-235

 

-164

 

 

Statement of financial position for the CIRR-system (included in SEK’s statement of financial position)

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

10

 

55

 

Loans

 

49,124

 

49,802

 

Derivatives

 

522

 

321

 

Other assets

 

3,472

 

3,414

 

Prepaid expenses and accrued revenues

 

364

 

352

 

Total assets

 

53,492

 

53,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

49,252

 

49,991

 

Derivatives

 

3,789

 

3,576

 

Accrued expenses and prepaid revenues

 

451

 

377

 

Total liabilities and equity

 

53,492

 

53,944

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Commitments

 

 

 

 

 

Committed undisbursed loans

 

69,166

 

49,080

 

Binding offers

 

628

 

2,911

 

 

F-47



Table of Contents

 

Note 26. Capital adequacy

 

Capital adequacy analysis

 

The Consolidated Group encompasses the Parent Company AB Svensk Exportkredit and its wholly owned subsidiary Venantius AB, including the latter’s wholly owned subsidiary VF Finans AB. Group entities are fully consolidated for accounting and supervisory purposes. No current or anticipated material restrictions to prompt transfer of own funds or repayment of liabilities among the Parent or its subsidiaries have been identified.

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Capital ratios excl. buffer requirements(1)

 

 

 

 

 

Common Equity Tier 1 ratio

 

20.6

%

22.1

%

Tier 1 capital ratio

 

20.6

%

22.1

%

Total capital ratio

 

23.0

%

25.1

%

Institution specific Common Equity Tier 1 capital requirement incl. buffers(2)

 

8.4

%

8.0

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

of which Common Equity Tier 1 capital requirement

 

4.5

%

4.5

%

of which capital conservation buffer

 

2.5

%

2.5

%

of which countercyclical buffer

 

1.4

%

1.0

%

of which systemic risk buffer

 

 

 

Common Equity Tier 1 capital available as a buffer(3)

 

14.6

%

16.1

%

Total capital ratio according to Basel I floor(4)

 

21.9

%

22.8

%

 


(1)          Capital ratios excluding buffer requirements are the quotients of the relevant capital metric and the total risk-weighted exposure amount. The minimum requirements, which were implemented in Sweden without a transitional period, are 4.5 percent, 6.0 percent and 8.0 percent for Common Equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and total own funds, respectively. The minimum requirements apply in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012 (CRR). The change in capital ratios compared to year-end 2016 is primarily due to SEK applying the internal rating-based (IRB) approach to exposures to central and regional governments and to multilateral development banks.

 

(2)          Minimum Common Equity Tier 1 capital requirement, expressed as a percentage of the total risk-weighted exposure amount.

 

(3)          The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio less the statutory minimum requirement of 4.5 percent and less 1.5 percent, which comprises Common Equity Tier 1 capital items used, since SEK lacks other Tier 1 capital, to meet the difference in the minimum requirement between Tier 1 capital and Common Equity Tier 1 capital. Accordingly, at year-end 2017, the capital ratio shows the availability to meet buffer requirements after deducting the minimum requirement. The value at year-end 2016 has been restated due to this change in the calculation method.

 

(4)          The minimum requirement is 8.0 percent.

 

F-48



Table of Contents

 

Own funds — adjusting items

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Share capital (1)

 

3,990

 

3,990

 

Retained earnings

 

12,782

 

12,236

 

Accumulated other comprehensive income and other reserves

 

30

 

130

 

Independently reviewed profit net of any foreseeable charge or dividend

 

540

 

546

 

Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital before regulatory adjustments

 

17,342

 

16,902

 

Equity-portions of untaxed reserves

 

 

 

Additional value adjustments due to prudent valuation

 

-396

 

-444

 

Intangible assets

 

-66

 

-101

 

Fair-value reserves related to gains or losses on cash-flow hedges

 

-25

 

-96

 

Gains or losses on liabilities valued at fair value resulting from changes in own credit standing

 

446

 

281

 

Negative amounts resulting from the calculation of expected loss amounts

 

-65

 

 

Total regulatory adjustments to Common Equity Tier 1 capital

 

-106

 

-360

 

Total Common Equity Tier 1 capital

 

17,236

 

16,542

 

Additional Tier 1 capital

 

 

 

Total Tier 1 capital

 

17,236

 

16,542

 

Tier 2-eligible subordinated debt (2)

 

2,049

 

2,267

 

Credit risk adjustments (3)

 

 

12

 

Total Tier 2 capital

 

2,049

 

2,279

 

Total Own funds

 

19,285

 

18,821

 

Total Own funds according to Basel I floor

 

19,350

 

18,809

 

 


(1)          For a detailed description of the instruments constituting share capital, see Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(2)          For a detailed description of the instruments constituting Tier 2-eligible subordinated debt, see Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(3)          The expected loss amount calculated under the IRB approach is a gross deduction from own funds. The gross deduction is decreased by impairment related to exposures for which expected loss is calculated. Excess amounts of such impairment will increase own funds. This increase is limited to 0.6 percent of SEK’s risk exposure amount under the IRB approach related to exposures to central governments, corporates and financial institutions. As of December 31, 2017, the limitation rule had no effect (year-end 2016: no effect).

 

F-49



Table of Contents

 

Minimum capital requirements exclusive of buffers

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Skr mn

 

EAD(1)

 

Risk
exposure
amount

 

Min.
capital
Req.

 

EAD

 

Risk
exposure
amount

 

Min.
capital
Req.

 

Credit risk, standardized approach(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central governments

 

 

 

 

145,531

 

963

 

77

 

Regional governments

 

 

 

 

19,904

 

 

 

Multilateral development banks

 

 

 

 

1,900

 

 

 

Corporates

 

1,316

 

1,316

 

105

 

1,450

 

1,450

 

116

 

Total credit risk, standardized approach

 

1,316

 

1,316

 

105

 

168,785

 

2,413

 

193

 

Credit risk, IRB approach(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central governments

 

161,429

 

9,331

 

747

 

 

 

 

Financial institutions(3)

 

38,163

 

12,688

 

1,015

 

44,947

 

14,089

 

1,127

 

Corporates(4)

 

104,630

 

53,763

 

4,301

 

95,519

 

51,104

 

4,088

 

Non-credit-obligation assets

 

121

 

121

 

10

 

123

 

123

 

10

 

Total credit risk IRB approach

 

304,343

 

75,903

 

6,073

 

140,589

 

65,316

 

5,225

 

Credit valuation adjustment risk

 

n.a.

 

1,989

 

159

 

n.a.

 

2,526

 

202

 

Foreign exchange risk

 

n.a.

 

1,326

 

106

 

n.a.

 

999

 

81

 

Commodity risk

 

n.a.

 

13

 

1

 

n.a.

 

14

 

1

 

Operational risk

 

n.a.

 

3,284

 

263

 

n.a.

 

3,669

 

293

 

Total

 

305,659

 

83,831

 

6,707

 

309,374

 

74,937

 

5,995

 

Adjustment according to Basel I floor

 

n.a.

 

4,503

 

360

 

n.a.

 

7,572

 

606

 

Total incl. Basel I floor

 

n.a.

 

88,334

 

7,067

 

n.a.

 

82,509

 

6,601

 

 


(1)          Exposure at default (EAD) shows the size of the outstanding exposure at default.

 

(2)          Exposure classes within the standardized approach and the IRB approach that have no outcomes have been omitted in the listing.

 

(3)          Of which counterparty risk in derivative contracts: EAD 4,131 million (year-end 2016: Skr 4,515 million), Risk exposure amount of Skr 1,574 million (year-end 2016: Skr 1,784 million) and Capital requirement of Skr 126 million (year-end 2016: Skr 143 million).

 

(4)          Of which related to Specialized lending:  EAD 2,478 million (year-end 2016: Skr 2,853 million), Risk exposure amount of Skr 1,643 million (year-end 2016: Skr 1,942 million) and Capital requirement of Skr 131 million (year-end 2016: Skr 155 million).

 

F-50



Table of Contents

 

Credit risk by PD grade

 

The tables illustrate the exposure at default (EAD), the portion of the exposure that will be lost in the event of a default (LGD) and the probability of default or cancellation of payments by a counterparty (PD) for the exposure classes where PD is estimated internally. Average PD is calculated without consideration of PD floors. Average PD and LGD are weighted by EAD, the average risk weight is the quotient of risk exposure amount and EAD. The amounts reported concern the Consolidated Group, and the amounts for the Parent Company are essentially the same.

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

AAA
to AA-
0.003–
0.02%

 

A+
to A-
0.03–
0.07%

 

BBB+
to BBB-
0.12–0.32%

 

BB+ to B-
0.53–
6.47%

 

CCC to D
25.29–
100%

 

AAA to AA-

-

 

A+
to A-
-
-

 

BBB+
to BBB-

-

 

BB+ to B-

-

 

CCC to D
-
-

 

Central governments(1)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EAD

 

153,496

 

7,107

 

 

826

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average PD in %

 

0.004

 

0.04

 

 

0.9

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average LGD in %

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

 

45.0

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average risk weight
in %

 

4.7

 

19.0

 

 

93.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


(1)          Figures for 2016 are missing since the transition to the IRB approach was made in 2017.

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

AAA
to AA- 0.01–0.04%

 

A+
to A-
0.06–
0.12%

 

BBB+
to BBB-
0.17–0.34%

 

BB+ to B-
0.54–
8.40%

 

CCC to D
28.60–
100%

 

AAA to AA-
0.01–0.04%

 

A+
to A-
0.05–0.12%

 

BBB+
to BBB-
0.17–0.34%

 

BB+ to B-
0.58–
8.68%

 

CCC to D 
28.52–
100%

 

Financial institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EAD

 

9,368

 

25,926

 

1,722

 

1,149

 

 

9,198

 

32,664

 

1,814

 

1,271

 

 

Average PD in %

 

0.04

 

0.08

 

0.23

 

0.84

 

 

0.04

 

0.08

 

0.20

 

0.84

 

 

Average LGD in %

 

41.6

 

44.3

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

 

36.7

 

43.3

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

 

Average risk weight in %

 

22.3

 

31.3

 

65.1

 

117.8

 

 

19.6

 

29.6

 

61.8

 

117.8

 

 

Corporates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EAD

 

7,871

 

18,515

 

59,574

 

16,153

 

40

 

5,516

 

20,690

 

46,118

 

20,285

 

57

 

Average PD in %

 

0.03

 

0.10

 

0.25

 

0.81

 

65.59

 

0.03

 

0.10

 

0.24

 

0.87

 

81.32

 

Average LGD in %

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

45.0

 

Average risk weight in %

 

18.5

 

33.6

 

51.3

 

85.6

 

127.1

 

18.6

 

32.1

 

50.3

 

89.9

 

69.0

 

 

Credit risks

 

For risk classification and quantification of credit risk, SEK uses an internal ratings-based (IRB) approach. The Swedish FSA has approved SEK’s IRB approach. Specifically, SEK applies the foundation IRB approach. Under the foundation IRB approach, the company determines the PD within one year of each of its counterparties, while the remaining parameters are established in accordance with the CRR. Certain exposures are, by permission from the Swedish FSA, exempted from application of the IRB approach and, instead, the standardized approach is applied for calculating the capital requirement. For further information regarding these exposures see the Risk measurement section in Note 27. The Swedish FSA has given SEK permission to apply the IRB approach from March 31, 2017, with regard to exposures toward central governments, regional governments and multilateral development banks.

 

The minimum capital requirement for these exposures increased on the transition to the IRB approach, which largely explains why SEK’s total minimum capital requirement for credit risks increased 14 percent in 2017 compared with year-end 2016.

 

Counterparty risk exposure amounts in derivative contracts are calculated in accordance with the mark-to-market approach.

 

Credit valuation adjustment risk

 

A capital requirement for credit valuation adjustment risk is calculated for all OTC derivatives, except for credit derivatives used as credit-risk hedges and transactions with a qualifying central counterparty. SEK calculates this capital requirement using the standardized approach.

 

Foreign exchange risk

 

Foreign exchange risk is calculated with the standardized approach, whereas the scenario approach is used for calculating the gamma and volatility risks.

 

Commodity risk

 

Own funds requirements for commodity risk are calculated using the simplified approach under the standardized approach, and where the scenario approach is used for calculating the gamma and volatility risks.

 

Operational risk

 

The capital requirement for operational risk is calculated with the standardized approach, whereby the company’s operations are divided into business areas as defined in the CRR. The capital requirement for each area is calculated by multiplying a factor, depending on the business area, by an income indicator. The factors applicable for SEK are 15 percent and 18 percent. The income indicators consist of the average operating income for the past three fiscal years for each business area.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Transitional rules

 

The CRR states that the previously applicable transitional rules, i.e. the Basel I floor, will continue to apply until year-end 2017. According to the transitional rules, the capital requirement should be calculated in parallel on the basis of the Basel I rules. To the extent that the Basel-I-based capital requirement, reduced to 80 percent, exceeds the capital requirement under the CRR, the capital requirement under the Basel-I-based rules should constitute the minimum capital requirement.

 

Capital buffer requirements

 

SEK is to meet capital buffer requirements with Common Equity Tier 1 capital. SEK has not been classified as a systemically important institution. Accordingly, the capital buffer requirements for systemically important institutions that entered into force on January 1, 2016 do not apply to SEK. There is no systemic risk buffer applicable for SEK that is active at the moment. A countercyclical capital buffer rate of 2.0 percent is applied to exposures located in Sweden as of March 19, 2017 and going forward. At December 31, 2017, the capital requirement related to credit-risk exposures in Sweden was 67 percent (year-end 2016: 69 percent) of the total capital requirement regardless of location, this fraction is also the weight applied to the Swedish buffer rate when calculating SEK’s countercyclical capital buffer. Buffer rates activated in other countries may impact SEK, but as most capital requirements from relevant credit exposures are related to Sweden, the potential effect is limited. At December 31, 2017, the contribution to SEK’s countercyclical capital buffer from buffer rates in other countries was 0.05 percentage points (year-end 2016: 0.01 percentage points).

 

Leverage ratio

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Exposure measure for the leverage ratio

 

 

 

 

 

On-balance-sheet exposures

 

249,244

 

278,324

 

Off-balance-sheet exposures

 

42,168

 

35,626

 

Total exposure measure

 

291,412

 

313,950

 

Leverage ratio

 

5.9

%

5.3

%

 

The leverage ratio is a metric introduced in 2015. Currently, there is no minimum requirement. The leverage ratio is defined in the CRR as the quotient of the Tier 1 capital and an exposure measure. The exposure measure consists of assets, with special treatment of derivatives among other items, and off-balance-sheet credit-risk exposures that have been weighted with a factor depending on the type of exposure.

 

Internally assessed capital adequacy

 

 

 

Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Credit risk

 

6,898

 

7,481

 

Operational risk

 

142

 

182

 

Market risk

 

1,573

 

1,597

 

Other risks

 

170

 

258

 

Capital planning buffer

 

2,005

 

1,668

 

Total

 

10,788

 

11,186

 

 

SEK regularly conducts an internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP), during which the company determines how much capital is needed to cover its risks. The result of SEK’s capital adequacy assessment is presented above. For more information regarding the ICAAP and its methods, please see the Risk and capital management section in Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Note 27. Risk information

 

Contents

 

Credit risk

 

Risk management

F-54

Risk measurement

F-54

Risk monitoring

F-54

Risk information

 

Market risk

 

Risk management

F-63

Risk measurement

F-63

Risk monitoring

F-64

Risk information

F-64

Liquidity risk and refinancing risk

 

Risk management

F-66

Risk measurement

F-66

Risk monitoring

F-66

Risk information

F-66

Operational risk

 

Risk management

F-71

Risk measurement

F-71

Risk monitoring

F-71

Risk information

 

Sustainability risk

 

Risk management

F-72

Risk measurement

F-72

Risk monitoring

F-72

Risk information

F-72

 

For further information on SEK’s risk management, see the Risk and capital management section, in Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

The amounts reported pertain to the Consolidated Group unless otherwise stated. Under the supervisory regulations, the consolidated situation for SEK does not differ from the consolidation made under the consolidated accounts. The amounts reported for the Consolidated Group and the Parent Company are essentially the same.

 

The table of credit quality as per category in the statement of financial position and the table illustrating the link between the statement of financial position categories and exposures under the CRR contain carrying amounts. Other tables show amounts in accordance with the capital requirements calculations, however before application of conversion factors.

 

Credit risk

 

Credit risk is defined as the risk of incurring a loss due to a counterparty or issuer not meeting its contractual obligations to SEK and where the collateral does not cover the receivable. Credit risk is divided into issuer risk, counterparty risk and settlement risk. Credit risk also includes concentration risk.

 

SEK’s credit risks are limited using a risk-based selection of counterparties and are further mitigated by the use of guarantees, netting agreements, collateral and credit derivatives. SEK’s appetite for credit risk is significantly greater than its appetite for other risks.

 

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Table of Contents

 

Risk management

 

The Risk policy and the Credit Policy

 

The Risk Policy and the Credit Policy issued by the Board, and the Credit Instruction issued by the Board’s Credit Committee are the foundations upon which SEK’s credit risk management is based. These policy documents constitute the framework for the level of credit risk that SEK can accept and describe the decision-making structure and credit-decision mandate, the credit process, fundamental principles for loan limits and the management of problem loans. The norm is a core concept for SEK’s credit granting and clarifies expectations in terms of credit quality. For a business transaction to be considered to fall within the norm, it is necessary for the proposition to satisfy the requirements for all of the following areas:

 

1. Norm for risk level

2. Norm for lending terms

3. Norm for know your customer (KYC)

4. Norm for sustainability risk

 

The Board determines the risk strategy, including the credit strategy and risk appetite, and the overall limits within which the company is to operate. All credit decisions are to be made in line with the decision-making mandate structure established by the Board for delegated decision-making. SEK’s credit-decision structure and established mandates build on a decision-making structure based on the duality principle, thus ensuring thorough analysis and assessment of all credit propositions.

 

Risk reduction

 

SEK limits its credit risk by means of a methodical and risk-based selection of counterparties. The credit risk is further reduced through various credit-risk hedges, in the form of guarantees, netting agreements, collateral and credit derivatives.

 

The guarantors are predominantly government export credit agencies in the OECD, of which the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board (EKN) is the largest. Guarantees are also received from financial institutions and, to a lesser extent, non-financial corporations and insurance companies. Since the credit risk is allocated to a guarantor, SEK’s guaranteed credit-risk exposure in reports of its net credit risk exposure largely consists of exposure to government counterparties. To a lesser extent, credit protection is achieved through purchases of credit default swaps (CDS).

 

The counterparty risk associated with derivative contracts is always documented using ISDA Master Agreements, which also entail a netting agreement, with the support of collateral agreements in the form of a credit support annex (CSA). Approved collateral under the CSAs signed by SEK always takes the form of liquid assets.

 

SEK also uses various types of collateral to reduce credit risks pertaining to certain types of credit granting. While collateral can be significant for individual transactions, it has limited impact on the total lending portfolio.

 

Limit setting

 

SEK utilizes limits to restrict credit risks to a specified level. Limits express the highest permissible exposure to a counterparty for specific tenors and for various types of exposures, such as corporate lending, guarantees, counterparty risk in derivative contracts or liquidity investments. Exposures must be encompassed within the limits that have been decided for the particular counterparties. All limits are reviewed at least once annually.

 

Testing provisions

 

SEK values its assets in terms of credit risk and assesses any need for provisions on a case by case basis. Each individual test is based on an analysis of all commitments with objective evidence and where the probability of default is high (non-performing receivable). The provision requirement for individual non-performing receivables is then complemented with an assessment of the collective provision requirement. The Credit Committee prepares provision proposals from the account managers and credit analysts, which are thereafter determined by the Board’s Credit Committee. The Board adopts the accounts and thereby the provisions. Refer to Note 1b to the Consolidated Financial Statements for an explanation of expected credit losses under IFRS 9, which entered into force on January 1, 2018.

 

Risk measurement

 

SEK uses, and has permission to use, a foundation IRB approach for measuring the credit risk inherent in exposures to a majority of SEK’s counterparties. This means that for these exposures SEK uses its own estimates of the probability of default (PD) risk parameter which, per counterparty, reflects the assigned internal risk rating. Other risk parameters, including loss given default (LGD) and credit conversion factors (CCF), are determined by the CRR. All of SEK’s counterparties are assigned an internal risk rating.

 

SEK’s permission from the Swedish FSA to use a foundation IRB approach encompasses exposures to central governments, regional governments, county councils, multilateral development banks, and companies, including insurance companies and financial institutions. The Swedish FSA has permitted SEK to apply exceptions from the IRB approach for certain exposures. For these exposures, SEK uses the standardized approach and external ratings when calculating risk exposure amounts (when no external rating is available, the exposure is assigned a risk weight of 100 percent). (1)

 

The exempted exposures, for which the standardized approach is used instead, are as follows:

 

Export credits guaranteed by the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board (EKN) and equivalent export credit agencies in the OECD (time-limited exception valid through December 31, 2018).

 

Exposures in the Customer Finance business area (exception valid as long as these exposures are of minor importance in terms of scope and risk profile).

 

Guarantees for the benefit of small and medium-sized enterprises (exception valid as long as these exposures are of minor importance in terms of scope and risk profile).

 

Counterparty risk in derivative contracts

 

Counterparty risk in derivative contracts — which is a type of credit risk — arises when derivatives are used to manage risks. To limit this risk, SEK enters into such transactions solely with counterparties with strong credit ratings. Risk is further reduced by SEK’s entering into ISDA Master Agreements (ISDAs), together with associated CSAs, with its counterparties before entering into derivative contracts. These bilateral CSAs mean that the highest permitted risk levels, in relation to each individual counterparty, are agreed in advance. The formulation of these agreements is designed to ensure that agreed risk levels (known as threshold amounts) are not exceeded, regardless of market value changes that may occur. ISDA and CSA agreements are reviewed continuously to be able to renegotiate the terms as necessary. For counterparty exposures that exceed the threshold amounts under the relevant CSAs due to market value changes, settlement is demanded so that the counterparty exposure is reduced to the pre-agreed level.

 

Risk monitoring

 

SEK’s exposures are analyzed, reported and monitored regularly in respect of credit portfolio risk concentration and the credit quality of individual debtors. The analysis encompasses the following: (i) the size of individual commitments, (ii) domicile and (iii) sector. The analysis refers to both direct exposure and indirect exposure from, for example, credit derivatives. The concentration risks mentioned above are reflected in SEK’s calculation of economic capital for credit risks, which leads to a higher capital requirement compared with the minimum capital requirement. When calculating capital requirements, the minimum capital requirement does not take concentration risks into account. For the purpose of monitoring and checking large exposures, SEK has defined internal limits, which impose further limitations on the size of such exposures in addition to those stated in the CRR.

 

Exposures assessed as problem loans, meaning those for which SEK assesses that there is a high probability that the undertaking according to the original agreement will not be fulfilled, are analyzed in greater detail and more frequently. The intention is to identify at an early stage exposures subject to an elevated risk of loss and to adapt the exposure and ensure that the risk rating reflects the actual risk associated with the particular counterparty.

 

The credit portfolio is subject to regular stress tests. SEK’s risk and product rating, and risk estimates, comprise a central feature of the reporting of credit risk to the Board, the Risk and Compliance Committee and the Credit Committee. The Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Risk Officer inform the Board of all significant changes concerning SEK’s IRB system. SEK’s IRB system is validated by Risk at least once annually.

 

Risk disclosures, credit risk

 

The table below shows the maximum credit exposure. Nominal amounts are shown, apart from cash and cash equivalents and derivatives, which are recognized at the carrying amount.

 


(1) In the capital adequacy, those counterparties using external ratings are assigned an internal rating under IFRS 9. IFRS 9 entered force on January 1, 2018.

 

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Table of Contents

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

Maximum credit-risk exposure

 

 

Assets at fair value through
profit or loss

 

Available-for-sale
assets

 

Loans and
accounts receivable

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

1,231

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

 

4,376

 

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

133

 

39,592

 

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

 

 

40,558

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

 

23,209

 

Loans to the public

 

 

 

213,549

 

Derivatives

 

7,803

 

 

 

Total financial assets

 

7,936

 

43,968

 

278,547

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

Maximum credit-risk exposure

 

 

Assets at fair value through
profit or loss

 

Available-for-sale
assets

 

Loans and
accounts receivable

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

 

7,054

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

 

3,673

 

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

1,451

 

48,228

 

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

262

 

 

45,284

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

 

26,187

 

Loans to the public

 

 

 

201,974

 

Derivatives

 

12,005

 

 

 

Total financial assets

 

13,718

 

51,901

 

280,499

 

 

Maximum credit-risk exposure for loans to credit institutions and loans to the public includes committed but undisbursed loans at year end, which are recognized in nominal amounts.

 

The table below shows the credit quality following risk mitigation (net) per row in the statement of financial position.

 

The figures pertain to carrying amounts. SEK uses guarantees, CDSs and insurance policies as credit-risk hedges; refer also to the Risk and capital management section in Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

AAA

 

AA+ to A-

 

BBB+ to BBB-

 

BB+ to B-

 

CCC to D

 

Carrying amount

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,133

 

98

 

 

 

 

1,231

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

401

 

3,981

 

 

 

 

4,382

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

4,396

 

34,295

 

1,116

 

 

 

39,807

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

 

9,636

 

27,434

 

4,055

 

 

41,125

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

3,018

 

15,766

 

3,229

 

1,185

 

 

23,198

 

Loans to the public

 

70,043

 

25,670

 

32,168

 

13,164

 

66

 

141,111

 

Derivatives

 

 

6,324

 

1,479

 

 

 

7,803

 

Total financial assets

 

78,991

 

95,770

 

65,426

 

18,404

 

66

 

258,657

 

Committed undisbursed loans

 

63,922

 

978

 

6,452

 

1,562

 

 

72,914

 

 

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Table of Contents

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

AAA

 

AA+ to A-

 

BBB+ to BBB-

 

BB+ to B-

 

CCC to D

 

Carrying amount

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

3,825

 

3,229

 

 

 

 

7,054

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

442

 

3,245

 

 

 

 

3,687

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

18,003

 

31,896

 

12

 

-10

 

 

49,901

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

480

 

14,483

 

26,786

 

4,473

 

 

46,222

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

8,762

 

12,126

 

3,739

 

1,563

 

 

26,190

 

Loans to the public

 

79,643

 

30,213

 

21,172

 

16,840

 

41

 

147,909

 

Derivatives

 

 

9,912

 

2,093

 

 

 

12,005

 

Total financial assets

 

111,155

 

105,104

 

53,802

 

22,866

 

41

 

292,968

 

Committed undisbursed loans

 

50,604

 

2,631

 

871

 

677

 

 

54,783

 

 

The credit quality of financial assets is assessed using internal and external ratings.

 

The table below illustrates the link between the statement of financial position categories and net exposures according to CRR.

 

Consolidated Group
Skr bn

 

December 31, 2017

 

 

Carrying
amount

 

Adjustment 
from carrying
amount to
exposure(1)

 

Central
governments

 

Regional
governments

 

Multilateral
development
banks

 

Public sector
entity

 

Financial institutions

 

Corporates

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1.2

 

0.0

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

4.4

 

0.0

 

4.4

 

0.0

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

39.8

 

5.4

 

1.3

 

0.0

 

 

0.4

 

20.1

 

12.6

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

41.1

 

-5.2

 

0.0

 

4.9

 

 

 

2.1

 

39.3

 

Loans to credit institutions including cash and cash equivalents(1)

 

23.2

 

16.2

 

1.9

 

0.0

 

 

 

4.8

 

0.3

 

Loans to the public

 

141.1

 

-87.3

 

159.0

 

5.8

 

 

 

6.1

 

57.5

 

Derivatives

 

7.8

 

2.3

 

0.0

 

0.7

 

 

 

4.8

 

0.0

 

Other assets

 

3.6

 

3.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets

 

262.2

 

-65.0

 

167.1

 

11.4

 

 

0.4

 

38.6

 

109.7

 

Contingent liabilities and commitments(2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

262.2

 

-65.0

 

167.1

 

11.4

 

 

0.4

 

38.6

 

109.7

 

 

Consolidated Group
Skr bn

 

December 31, 2016

 

 

Carrying 
amount

 

Adjustment from 

carrying amount to 
exposure(1)

 

Central 
governments

 

Regional 
governments

 

Multilateral development 
banks

 

Financial institutions

 

Corporates

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

3.7

 

 

3.7

 

 

 

 

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

49.9

 

0.3

 

6.3

 

13.0

 

1.9

 

22.6

 

6.4

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

46.2

 

0.2

 

0.6

 

 

 

3.9

 

41.9

 

Loans to credit institutions including cash and cash equivalents(1)

 

33.2

 

-11.8

 

6.9

 

6.2

 

 

7.6

 

0.7

 

Loans to the public

 

147.9

 

0.9

 

96.6

 

0.7

 

 

5.8

 

45.7

 

Derivatives

 

12.0

 

-7.5

 

 

 

 

4.5

 

 

Other assets

 

3.3

 

 

3.3

 

 

 

 

 

Total financial assets

 

296.2

 

-17.9

 

117.4

 

19.9

 

1.9

 

44.4

 

94.7

 

Contingent liabilities and commitments(2)

 

62.4

 

 

56.3

 

 

 

0.8

 

5.3

 

Total

 

358.6

 

-17.9

 

173.7

 

19.9

 

1.9

 

45.2

 

100.0

 

 

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Table of Contents

 


(1)   Skr 10.3 billion (2016: Skr 11.6 billion) of the book value for Loans to credit institutions is cash collateral under the CSAs for derivative contracts.

 

(2)   Contingent liabilities and commitments, except cash collateral.

 

Derivative exposure after netting under current ISDA Master Agreements in accordance with the CRR’s management of the counterparty risk in derivative contracts amounts to Skr 2.2 billion (2016: SEK 3.3 billion). For more information on the counterparty risk in derivative contracts under the CRR, refer to the Risk and capital management section in Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Total credit exposures in the Group

 

Net exposures are recognized after taking the impact of guarantees and credit derivatives into account. Gross exposures are recognized without taking the impact of guarantees and credit derivatives into account. According to the internal risk follow-up, the amounts agree with the capital requirements calculations, although without the application of conversion factors. In tables showing the geographical breakdown of exposures, North America is shown excluding Central America.

 

Total net exposures

 

Skr bn

 

Interest-bearing securities
and lending

 

Committed undisbursed loans, derivatives, 
etc.

 

Total

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Exposure class

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

Amount

 

%

 

Central governments

 

97.1

 

39.6

 

117.3

 

42.9

 

70.0

 

85.1

 

56.4

 

84.1

 

167.1

 

51.1

 

173.7

 

51.0

 

Regional governments

 

11.4

 

4.7

 

19.9

 

7.3

 

 

 

 

 

11.4

 

3.5

 

19.9

 

5.8

 

Multilateral development banks

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

1.9

 

0.7

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

1.9

 

0.6

 

Public sector entity

 

0.4

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

0.1

 

 

 

Financial institutions

 

32.7

 

13.3

 

39.8

 

14.5

 

5.9

 

7.2

 

5.4

 

8.0

 

38.6

 

11.8

 

45.2

 

13.2

 

Corporates

 

103.4

 

42.2

 

94.7

 

34.6

 

6.3

 

7.7

 

5.3

 

7.9

 

109.7

 

33.5

 

100.0

 

29.4

 

Total

 

245.0

 

100.0

 

273.6

 

100.0

 

82.2

 

100.0

 

67.1

 

100.0

 

327.2

 

100.0

 

340.7

 

100.0

 

 

Geographical breakdown of credit exposures by exposure class

 

Geographical breakdown of gross exposures by exposure class, at December 31, 2017

 

Skr bn

 

Middle 
East/Africa
/Turkey

 

Asia excl. 
Japan

 

Japan

 

North 
America

 

Oceania

 

Latin 
America

 

Sweden

 

Western 
Europe excl. 
Sweden

 

Central and 
Eastern 
Europe

 

Total

 

Central governments

 

1.8

 

5.6

 

4.0

 

 

 

42.7

 

7.4

 

0.2

 

 

61.7

 

Regional governments

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.8

 

0.1

 

 

5.5

 

Multilateral development banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Public sector entity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

0.4

 

Financial institutions

 

 

3.1

 

0.0

 

9.1

 

1.1

 

1.2

 

11.3

 

10.8

 

0.3

 

36.9

 

Corporates

 

23.0

 

14.6

 

0.2

 

53.5

 

0.1

 

9.9

 

74.3

 

39.9

 

7.2

 

222.7

 

Total

 

25.4

 

23.3

 

4.2

 

62.6

 

1.2

 

53.8

 

97.8

 

51.4

 

7.5

 

327.2

 

 

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Geographical breakdown of gross exposures by exposure class, at December 31, 2016

 

Skr bn

 

Middle
 East/Africa
/Turkey

 

Asia excl. 
Japan

 

Japan

 

North 
America

 

Oceania

 

Latin 
America

 

Sweden

 

Western 
Europe excl. 
Sweden

 

Central and 
Eastern 
Europe

 

Total

 

Central governments

 

2.1

 

8.2

 

2.8

 

 

 

43.1

 

10.0

 

3.2

 

 

69.4

 

Regional governments

 

0.6

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.5

 

1.7

 

0.0

 

13.8

 

Multilateral development banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.9

 

 

1.9

 

Public sector entity

 

0.4

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

Financial institutions

 

1.9

 

1.3

 

0.9

 

8.3

 

0.6

 

1.3

 

11.8

 

16.5

 

0.3

 

42.9

 

Corporates

 

20.7

 

17.9

 

2.7

 

30.7

 

0.2

 

12.3

 

72.0

 

45.6

 

10.2

 

212.3

 

Total

 

25.7

 

27.4

 

6.4

 

39.0

 

0.8

 

56.7

 

105.3

 

68.9

 

10.5

 

340.7

 

 

Geographical breakdown of net exposures by exposure class, at December 31, 2017

 

Skr bn

 

Middle 
East/Africa
/Turkey

 

Asia excl. 
Japan

 

Japan

 

North 
America

 

Oceania

 

Latin 
America

 

Sweden

 

Western 
Europe excl.
 Sweden

 

Central and 
Eastern 
Europe

 

Total

 

Central governments

 

 

0.7

 

4.0

 

2.4

 

 

0.9

 

145.1

 

10.9

 

3.1

 

167.1

 

Regional governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.2

 

0.2

 

 

11.4

 

Multilateral development banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

 

0.0

 

Public sector entity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

 

0.4

 

Financial institutions

 

 

3.0

 

0.5

 

9.6

 

1.2

 

1.1

 

6.9

 

16.0

 

0.3

 

38.6

 

Corporates

 

4.9

 

3.6

 

1.7

 

2.9

 

 

3.3

 

72.2

 

21.0

 

0.1

 

109.7

 

Total

 

4.9

 

7.3

 

6.2

 

14.9

 

1.2

 

5.3

 

235.4

 

48.5

 

3.5

 

327.2

 

 

Geographical breakdown of net exposures by exposure class, at December 31, 2016

 

Skr bn

 

Middle 
East/Africa
/Turkey

 

Asia excl. 
Japan

 

Japan

 

North 
America

 

Oceania

 

Latin 
America

 

Sweden

 

Western 
Europe excl. 
Sweden

 

Central and 
Eastern 
Europe

 

Total

 

Central governments

 

 

3.6

 

2.8

 

3.8

 

 

0.9

 

140.7

 

18.6

 

3.3

 

173.7

 

Regional governments

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

18.0

 

1.9

 

 

19.9

 

Multilateral development banks

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.9

 

 

1.9

 

Financial institutions

 

 

1.1

 

1.4

 

9.2

 

0.6

 

1.3

 

7.2

 

24.1

 

0.3

 

45.2

 

Corporates

 

3.9

 

1.8

 

1.4

 

2.4

 

 

3.2

 

68.7

 

18.4

 

0.2

 

100.0

 

Total

 

3.9

 

6.5

 

5.6

 

15.4

 

0.6

 

5.4

 

234.6

 

64.9

 

3.8

 

340.7

 

 

Impact of credit-risk hedges by exposure class and hedge type

 

The table below shows, on the basis of gross exposure class, a breakdown based on whether or not the amounts are covered by credit-risk hedges in the form of guarantees or credit derivatives that are included in the capital adequacy calculations. Credit insurance issued by insurance companies is thus counted as guarantees. Hedged amounts have been divided up in accordance with the hedge issuer’s exposure class and type of hedge. Accordingly, the tables show the hedge types that convert gross exposures to net exposures.

 

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Impact of credit-risk hedges, at December 31, 2017

 

 

 

Gross exposures by exposure class

 

Skr bn

 

Central 
governments

 

Regional
-governments

 

Public 
Sector Entity

 

Financial 
institutions

 

Corporates

 

Total

 

Amounts related to hedges issued by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central governments

 

49.3

 

0.5

 

 

0.4

 

104.4

 

154.6

 

of which, guarantees issued by the EKN

 

48.2

 

0.5

 

 

0.2

 

88.6

 

137.5

 

of which, guarantees issued by other export credit agencies

 

1.1

 

 

 

0.2

 

12.5

 

13.8

 

of which, other guarantees

 

 

 

 

 

3.3

 

3.3

 

Regional governments

 

 

0.0

 

 

5.9

 

0.6

 

6.5

 

Financial institutions

 

0.0

 

 

 

0.0

 

8.0

 

8.0

 

of which, credit default swaps

 

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

1.0

 

of which, guarantees

 

0.0

 

 

 

0.0

 

7.0

 

7.0

 

Corporates

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

3.1

 

3.1

 

of which, credit insurance from insurance companies

 

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

2.5

 

of which, other guarantees

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.6

 

0.6

 

Total hedged exposures

 

49.3

 

0.5

 

 

6.3

 

116.1

 

172.2

 

Unhedged exposures(1)

 

12.4

 

5.0

 

0.4

 

30.6

 

106.6

 

155.0

 

Total

 

61.7

 

5.5

 

0.4

 

36.9

 

222.7

 

327.2

 

 


(1)   Exposures whereby the hedge issuer belongs to the same group as the counterparty in the unhedged exposure have been reported as “Unhedged exposures.” The amounts for these were Skr 22.4 billion for corporates and Skr 0.2 billion for central governments.

 

Impact of credit-risk hedges, at December 31, 2016

 

 

 

Gross exposures by exposure class

 

Skr bn

 

Central 
governments

 

Regional 
governments

 

Multilateral 
development 
banks

 

Public sector 
entity

 

Financial 
institutions

 

Corporates

 

Total

 

Amounts related to hedges issued by:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Central governments

 

51.2

 

0.6

 

 

0.4

 

2.6

 

100.7

 

155.5

 

of which, guarantees issued by the EKN

 

49.8

 

0.6

 

 

0.4

 

2.3

 

77.4

 

130.5

 

of which, guarantees issued by other export credit agencies

 

1.4

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

19.6

 

21.3

 

of which, other guarantees

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.7

 

3.7

 

Regional governments

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

6.3

 

0.4

 

6.7

 

Financial institutions

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

 

 

0.1

 

11.2

 

11.3

 

of which, credit default swaps

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

2.5

 

2.5

 

of which, guarantees

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

 

 

0.1

 

8.7

 

8.8

 

Corporates

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

3.2

 

3.2

 

of which, credit insurance from insurance companies

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

2.5

 

of which, other guarantees

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.7

 

0.7

 

Total hedged exposures

 

51.2

 

0.6

 

 

0.4

 

9.0

 

115.5

 

176.7

 

Unhedged exposures(1)

 

18.2

 

13.2

 

1.9

 

 

33.9

 

96.8

 

164.0

 

Total

 

69.4

 

13.8

 

1.9

 

0.4

 

42.9

 

212.3

 

340.7

 

 


(1)   Exposures whereby the hedge issuer belongs to the same group as the counterparty in the unhedged exposure have been reported as “Unhedged exposures.” The amounts for these were Skr 20.0 billion for corporates and Skr 0.2 billion for central governments.

 

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Gross exposures Europe, excluding Sweden, breakdown by exposure class, at December 31, 2017

 

Skr bn

 

Central
governments

 

Regional
governments

 

Public sector entity

 

Financial -institutions

 

Corporates

 

Total

 

Spain

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

12.4

 

12.5

 

Finland

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

 

 

7.1

 

7.4

 

Norway

 

 

 

 

3.3

 

2.5

 

5.8

 

United Kingdom

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

3.1

 

5.3

 

The Netherlands

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

2.1

 

4.3

 

Italy

 

 

 

 

 

4.2

 

4.2

 

France

 

 

 

 

1.6

 

2.5

 

4.1

 

Russia

 

 

 

 

 

4.0

 

4.0

 

Denmark

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

2.8

 

3.9

 

Poland

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

3.1

 

Luxembourg

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

1.2

 

1.2

 

Switzerland

 

 

 

 

 

0.9

 

0.9

 

Germany

 

 

 

0.4

 

0.3

 

 

0.7

 

Iceland

 

 

 

 

 

0.5

 

0.5

 

Ireland

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

Belgium

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

Latvia

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

0.2

 

Estonia

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

Greece

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

Hungary

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

Ukraine

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

Total

 

0.2

 

0.1

 

0.4

 

11.1

 

47.1

 

58.9

 

 

Gross exposures Europe, excluding Sweden, breakdown by exposure class, at December 31, 2016

 

Skr bn

 

Central 
governments

 

Regional 
governments

 

Multilateral
development banks

 

Financial institutions

 

Corporates

 

Total

 

Spain

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

18.0

 

18.1

 

United Kingdom

 

 

 

 

4.1

 

4.0

 

8.1

 

Finland

 

0.3

 

0.1

 

0.6

 

0.4

 

6.2

 

7.6

 

Denmark

 

 

1.5

 

 

2.4

 

3.2

 

7.1

 

Russia

 

 

 

 

 

6.6

 

6.6

 

The Netherlands

 

 

 

 

2.3

 

2.7

 

5.0

 

France

 

 

 

 

1.6

 

3.2

 

4.8

 

Norway

 

 

 

 

2.9

 

1.9

 

4.8

 

Luxembourg

 

1.9

 

 

1.3

 

0.0

 

1.2

 

4.4

 

Poland

 

 

 

 

 

3.3

 

3.3

 

Italy

 

 

 

 

 

2.3

 

2.3

 

Germany

 

0.5

 

 

 

1.7

 

 

2.2

 

Switzerland

 

 

 

 

1.0

 

0.8

 

1.8

 

Ireland

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

1.1

 

Iceland

 

 

 

 

 

0.6

 

0.6

 

Austria

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.5

 

Latvia

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

0.3

 

Belgium

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.3

 

0.3

 

Hungary

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Portugal

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Estonia

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Ukraine

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Greece

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

Other countries

 

 

0.0

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Total

 

3.2

 

1.6

 

1.9

 

16.8

 

55.9

 

79.4

 

 

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Net exposures Europe, excluding Sweden, breakdown by exposure class, at December 31, 2017

 

Skr bn

 

Central 
governments

 

Regional 
governments

 

Multilateral
development banks

 

Public sector entity

 

Financial
institutions

 

Corporates

 

Total

 

France

 

7.8

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

0.0

 

10.3

 

United Kingdom

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

1.7

 

5.5

 

7.7

 

Finland

 

0.5

 

0.3

 

 

 

 

6.3

 

7.1

 

Norway

 

0.5

 

 

 

 

3.4

 

2.3

 

6.2

 

Denmark

 

0.2

 

 

 

 

2.2

 

2.4

 

4.8

 

Germany

 

1.4

 

 

 

0.4

 

2.0

 

0.9

 

4.7

 

Poland

 

3.1

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.1

 

The Netherlands

 

 

 

 

 

2.4

 

0.2

 

2.6

 

Spain

 

 

 

 

 

0.9

 

1.7

 

2.6

 

Belgium

 

 

 

 

 

0.7

 

0.2

 

0.9

 

Switzerland

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

0.5

 

Luxembourg

 

0.0

 

 

0.0

 

 

0.0

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

Ireland

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

Latvia

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

 

0.2

 

Iceland

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

Italy

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Russia

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

0.1

 

Estonia

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

Austria

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

Hungary

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

Total

 

14.0

 

0.3

 

0.0

 

0.4

 

16.4

 

21.0

 

52.1

 

 

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Net exposures Europe, excluding Sweden, breakdown by exposure class, at December 31, 2016

 

Skr bn

 

Central 
governments

 

Regional 
governments

 

Multilateral
development banks

 

Financial institutions

 

Corporates

 

Total

 

France

 

10.3

 

 

 

3.7

 

0.0

 

14.0

 

United Kingdom

 

1.1

 

 

 

3.9

 

3.5

 

8.5

 

Denmark

 

0.1

 

1.6

 

 

 

4.0

 

2.7

 

8.4

 

Finland

 

0.8

 

0.3

 

0.6

 

0.5

 

5.6

 

7.8

 

Germany

 

3.1

 

 

 

3.0

 

0.8

 

6.9

 

Norway

 

0.6

 

 

 

4.2

 

1.1

 

5.9

 

Luxembourg

 

1.9

 

 

1.3

 

0.0

 

1.6

 

4.8

 

Poland

 

3.3

 

 

 

0.0

 

 

3.3

 

The Netherlands

 

 

 

 

2.5

 

0.3

 

2.8

 

Spain

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

1.7

 

2.1

 

Switzerland

 

 

 

 

1.3

 

0.3

 

1.6

 

Belgium

 

 

 

 

0.4

 

0.2

 

0.6

 

Austria

 

0.5

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.6

 

Ireland

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.4

 

0.4

 

Iceland

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

0.3

 

Latvia

 

 

 

 

0.3

 

 

0.3

 

Portugal

 

0.1

 

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

Estonia

 

 

 

 

0.1

 

 

0.1

 

Italy

 

0.0

 

 

 

 

0.0

 

0.0

 

Other countries

 

 

 

 

 

0.2

 

0.2

 

Total

 

21.9

 

1.9

 

1.9

 

24.4

 

18.6

 

68.7

 

 

Corporate exposures, broken down by industry (GICS)

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Skr bn

 

Gross exposure

 

Net exposure

 

Gross exposure

 

Net exposure

 

IT and telecom

 

88.4

 

12.9

 

74.8

 

10.7

 

Industry

 

41.9

 

36.4

 

45.2

 

34.5

 

Finance

 

32.2

 

19.9

 

28.6

 

15.1

 

Commodities

 

21.9

 

16.8

 

22.2

 

15.8

 

Consumer goods

 

18.3

 

15.9

 

16.3

 

13.4

 

Electricity, water and gas

 

14.1

 

4.4

 

13.4

 

4.4

 

Healthcare

 

3.0

 

2.7

 

6.1

 

5.3

 

Energy

 

2.9

 

0.7

 

5.3

 

0.8

 

Other

 

 

 

0.4

 

0.0

 

Total

 

222.7

 

109.7

 

212.3

 

100.0

 

 

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Market risk

 

Market risk is the risk of loss or changes in future NII due to changes in, for example, interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices or share prices. Market risk includes price risk in connection with sales of assets or the closing of exposures.

 

Risk management

 

SEK’s Board establishes SEK’s market risk appetite and its strategy. In addition, instructions established by the CEO regulate SEK’s management of market risks. The Board’s Finance and Risk Committee makes decisions on limit structures, which clearly define and limit the permissible exposure to net market risk. The Chief Risk Officer decides on the method for determining how market risks are to be calculated and proposes changes in limit structures in connection with reviews of risk appetite and limits. All instructions are re-established annually. Market risk exposures are measured and reported on a daily basis to the CEO, and to the Board’s Finance and Risk Committee at its scheduled meetings. Cases where limits are exceeded are escalated without delay to the CEO, and the Board’s Finance and Risk Committee.

 

SEK borrows funds by issuing bonds or other debt instruments which, regardless of the market risk exposures in the bonds, are hedged by being swapped via derivatives to a floating interest rate. The company’s risk appetite for market risk resulting from unmatched cash flows is low. Borrowed funds are used either immediately for lending, mainly at floating interest rates, or alternatively through derivatives at a floating rate, or to ensure that SEK has adequate liquidity in the form of liquidity investments and liquidity reserves. The aim is to hold assets and liabilities to maturity.

 

The duration of available borrowing matches that of lending and the maturity profile of liquidity investments is adapted to ensure that funds are available for all accepted but as yet undisbursed lending.

 

Unrealized changes in fair value affect the value of SEK’s assets and liabilities and impact the volatility of both earnings and SEK’s own funds. SEK’s largest net exposures are to changes in spread risk, mainly to credit spreads associated with assets and liabilities and to cross-currency basis swap spreads. Spread risks are managed by having established limits and daily limit monitoring.

 

Risk measurement

 

The following describes how SEK calculates and limits market risk internally. For the impact on earnings and other comprehensive income due to the interest-rate risk, see the tables change in value should the market interest rate rise/decline by one percentage point. Additional factors, such as different sensitivity calculations regarding the impact on economic value, earnings, equity and own funds, as well as a number of stress tests, are measured and reported but are not subject to limits. The officially supported export credit system (“CIRR system”) has been excluded since the government compensates SEK for all interest-rate differentials, borrowing costs and net foreign-exchange losses within the “CIRR system” (see Note 1a to the Consolidated Financial Statements).

 

Value at Risk

 

On July 1, 2017, SEK expanded the previous calculation of Value at Risk (VaR) for the liquidity portfolio to encompass the entire company. VaR is a statistical market risk metric that estimates the potential loss with a defined level of likelihood.In other words, for a given period of time and confidence level the VaR states a loss threshold value that will not be exceeded as a result of changes in the financial markets.

 

The VaR model is based on historical simulations in which historic market movements are applied to current holdings to simulate possible outcomes of value changes. Market parameters used as risk factors are interest rates, cross-currency basis spreads, credit spreads, currencies, equities, indices and commodities as well as volatilities of swaptions, caps/floors, equities, commodities and currencies. The VaR calculation is based on two years of historic daily market movements. Further historical data from December 2006 is used to calculate stressed VaR, in which several periods with extreme market movements are included, and a worst-case VaR outcome for the entire period can be identified. Stressed VaR is based on one year of historical daily data.

 

VaR is calculated for positions recognized at fair value in the balance sheet that impact own funds, with the exception of changes due to credit spreads on SEK’s own debt. Currency positions are also included for all of these positions. VaR for own funds amounted to Skr 20 million at year end.

 

Aggregated risk measure

 

The aggregated risk measure is based on analyses of historical scenarios with a monthly risk horizon. The scenarios are updated each month and comprise historical movements in risk factors from the entire period from the end of 2006 until today. The aggregated risk measure estimates the impact on SEK’s equity by applying historically observed movements in the market factors that affect the volatility of SEK’s equity. The exposure, which is based on the worst case scenario, is evaluated using SEK’s portfolio sensitivities to interest-rate risk, cross-currency basis swap risk, credit spread risk in assets, credit spread risk in SEK’s own debt and currency risk. The limit is also based on the worst case scenario, which at the close of 2017 was a scenario based on market movements from June 2012. The risk at year-end 2017 amounted to Skr 582 million (2016: Skr 621 million). The limit is set at Skr 1,100 million (2016: Skr 1,300 million).

 

Risk-specific measures

 

The VaR, aggregated risk measure and stress tests are complemented with risk-specific measures, including interest-rate-risk measures, spread-risk measures, currency-risk measures, etc.

 

The measurement and limiting of interest-rate risk in SEK is divided into two categories:

 

Interest-rate risk regarding changes in the economic value of SEK’s portfolio (EVE)

 

Interest-rate risk regarding changes in future net interest income (NII).

 

Market risk, type

 

Definition

 

Risk profile

Liquidity portfolio VaR

 

The liquidity portfolio VaR measures a potential negative impact on SEK’s equity, in the form of unrealized gains or losses, as a result of value changes from market movements. Daily historic movements with a two-year horizon are applied to current holdings to simulate possible outcomes. The fifth worst outcome is reported as VaR.

 

The risk is attributable to SEK’s liquidity portfolio, primarily for credit spread risk in its bond holdings. At the end of 2017, the risk amounted to Skr 8 million (2016: Skr 10 million) and the limit for Value at Risk was Skr 18 million (2016: Skr 14 million).

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-rate risk regarding changes in the economic value of SEK’s portfolio (EVE)

 

The interest-rate risk regarding changes in economic value is calculated by means of a 100 basis-point parallel shift in all yield curves. Positive and negative exposures are measured separated and whichever is largest, in absolute terms, comprises the exposure.

 

The risk pertains to SEK’s overall business profile, particularly the balance between interest-bearing assets and liabilities in terms of volume and fixed interest terms. The risk measurement captures the long-term impact of changes in interest rates. At the end of 2017, the risk amounted to Skr 223 million (2016: Skr 286 million) and the interest-rate price risk limit amounted to Skr 500 million (2016: Skr 600 million).

 

 

 

 

 

Interest-rate risk regarding changes in future net interest income (NII)

 

The net interest income risk within one year is calculated as the impact on net interest income for the coming year if new financing and investment must take place following a positive interest-rate shift of 100 basis points. For each stress test, the risk per currency is totaled in absolute terms.

 

The risk pertains to SEK’s overall business profile, particularly the balance between interest-bearing assets and liabilities in terms of volume and fixed interest terms for the next year. The risk measurement captures the short-term impact of changes in interest rates. At the end of 2017, the risk amounted to Skr 193 million (2016: Skr 188 million) and the net interest income risk amounted to Skr 250 million (2016: Skr 250 million).

 

 

 

 

 

Credit spread risk in assets

 

Credit spread risk in assets is calculated as a potential impact on SEK’s equity, in the form of unrealized gains or losses, as a result of changes in the credit spreads on assets for those assets measured at fair value. Credit spread risk in assets measures the instantaneous change in value that arises from a 100 basis-point shift in credit spreads for all assets measured at fair value.

 

The risk is attributable to bonds in liquidity investments, including liquidity reserves, credit derivatives that hedge the credit risk in a number of bonds, and securitizations. At the end of 2017, the credit spread risk in assets was negative Skr 210 million (2016: negative Skr 274 million), and the limit for credit spread risk in assets amounted to Skr 500 million (2016: Skr 500 million).

 

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Market risk, type

 

Definition

 

Risk profile

Credit spread risk in own debt

 

Credit spread risk in own debt can have a potential impact on SEK’s equity, in the form of unrealized gains or losses, as a result of changes in present value after all of SEK’s credit spreads have been reduced by 20 basis points.

 

The risk is attributable to SEK’s structured debt measured at fair value. At year-end 2017, the credit spread risk in own debt amounted to Skr 601 million (2016: Skr 668 million) and the limit for credit spread risk in own debt amounted to Skr 1,000 million (2016: Skr 1,000 million).

 

 

 

 

 

Cross-currency basis spread risk

 

The cross-currency basis spread risk measures a potential impact on SEK’s equity, in the form of unrealized gains or losses, as a result of changes in cross-currency basis spreads. The cross-currency basis spread risk is measured, using sensitivities, as the change in present value after an increase in cross-currency basis spreads by a number of points (varying by currency in accordance with a standardized method based on volatility).

 

The risk is attributable to cross-currency basis swaps used by SEK to hedge the currency risk in the portfolio. At the end of 2017, the cross-currency basis spread risk amounted to Skr 161 million (2016: Skr 184 million) and the limit for cross-currency basis spread risk amounted to Skr 450 million (2016: Skr 450 million).

 

 

 

 

 

Risk to NII from cross-currency basis swaps

 

The 12-month risk to NII from cross-currency basis swaps is measured as the impact on SEK’s future earnings resulting from an assumed cost increase (varying by currency in accordance with a standardized method based on volatility) for transfers between currencies for which cross-currency basis swaps are used. For each stress test, the risk per currency is totaled in absolute terms.

 

The risk is attributable to cases where borrowing and lending are not matched in terms of currency and, therefore, the future cost of converting borrowing to the desired currency is dependent on cross-currency basis spreads. The risk is primarily attributable to Swedish kronor, because SEK has a deficit of Swedish kronor and borrows funds in other currencies, which are swapped into Swedish kronor. At the end of 2017, the risk amounted to Skr 23 million (2016: Skr 28 million) and the limit for the risk to NII from cross-currency basis swaps amounted to Skr 100 million (2016: Skr 150 million).

 

 

 

 

 

Currency risk

 

The risk is calculated as the change in value of all foreign currency positions at an assumed 10 percentage-point change in the exchange rate between the respective currency and the Swedish krona.

 

The foreign exchange position excluding unrealized changes in fair value is reported separately since SEK’s hedging strategy entails that only foreign exchange positions excluding unrealized changes in fair value are to be hedged. The foreign exchange position mainly arises on an ongoing basis due to differences between revenues and costs (net interest margins) in foreign currency. Currency risk excluding unrealized changes in fair value is kept low by matching assets and liabilities in terms of currencies or through the use of derivatives. In addition, accrued gains/losses in foreign currency are regularly converted to Swedish kronor. At the end of 2017, the risk amounted to Skr 2 million (2016: Skr 2 million) and the limit for currency risk was Skr 15 million (2016: Skr 15 million).

 

 

 

 

 

Other risks (equities, commodity and volatility risks)

 

These are attributable to structured borrowing and are calculated with the aid of stress tests of underlying equity indices or volatility.

 

SEK’s equities and commodity risks, as well as FX volatility risks, only arise from structured borrowing. The structured borrowing is hedged by being swapped to floating interest rates. While all structured cash flows are matched through a hedging swap, there could be an impact on earnings. This is because measurement of the bond takes account of SEK’s own credit spread, while the swap is not affected by this credit spread, and also because of changes in expected maturity for the structured borrowing. Interest-rate volatility risk also arises from other transactions with early redemption options. These risks are calculated and limited. At the end of 2017, these risks and limits were low.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stress tests

 

SEK conducts regular stress tests by applying movements in market factors that have been historically observed in the market place (historical scenarios) and movements that could happen in the future (hypothetical or forward-looking scenarios). Analyses of this type provide management with insight into the potential impact on SEK’s operations of significant movements in risk factors, or of broader market scenarios, and continuously ensure that the risk measurement is effective.

 

Risk monitoring

 

Market risks are measured, analyzed and reported to the company’s management on a daily basis. Cases where limits are exceeded are escalated without delay and managed pursuant to documented instructions. A more exhaustive analysis is conducted each month of how markets and risks have developed during the period and complemented with stress tests based on a number of historical scenarios.

 

Risk information

 

For a supplementary and expanded account of the market risk-related information, refer to the separate risk report, “SEK — Capital Adequacy and Risk Management Report — Pillar 3.”

 

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Change in value should the market interest rate rise by one percentage point

 

Impact on the value of assets and liabilities, including derivatives, should the market interest rate rise by one percentage point (+1%).

 

 

 

2017

 

2016

 

Consolidated Group Skr mn

 

Total

 

of which, financial instruments
measured at fair
value through profit or
loss

 

of which, financial instruments
measured at fair value 
through other comprehensive 
income

 

Total

 

of which, financial instruments
measured at fair 
value
through profit or loss

 

of which, financial instruments
measured at fair 
value through other 
comprehensive income

 

Foreign currency

 

17

 

326

 

-21

 

-10

 

237

 

-36

 

Swedish kronor

 

-188

 

109

 

-1

 

-213

 

101

 

-21

 

 

 

-171

 

435

 

-22

 

-223

 

338

 

-57

 

 

Change in value should the market interest rate decline by one percentage point

 

Impact on the value of assets and liabilities, including derivatives, should the market interest rate decline by one percentage point (-1%).

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

2017

 

2016

 

 

Total

 

of which, financial instruments
measured at fair
value through profit or
loss

 

of which, financial instruments
 measured at fair value 
through other comprehensive 
income

 

Total

 

of which, financial instruments
measured at fair 
value through profit or loss

 

of which, financial instruments
measured at fair 
value through other 
comprehensive income

 

Foreign currency

 

-4

 

-348

 

22

 

-8

 

-260

 

36

 

Swedish kronor

 

274

 

-110

 

18

 

325

 

-102

 

24

 

 

 

270

 

-458

 

40

 

317

 

-362

 

60

 

 

Assets, liabilities and derivatives denominated in foreign currency

 

Assets, liabilities and derivatives denominated in foreign currency (meaning currencies other than Swedish kronor) have been translated to Swedish kronor using the exchange rates applying at year end between the currency concerned and Swedish kronor.

 

The relevant exchange rates for the currencies representing the largest shares in the Group’s net assets and net liabilities in the balance sheet were as shown in the table below (expressed in Swedish kronor per unit of the particular foreign currency). Share at year end is the share of the total volume of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency. Currency positions at year end are the net for each currency of all assets and liabilities in the balance sheet. The figures pertain to carrying amounts.

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Currency

 

Exchange 
rate

 

Share at
year end, %

 

Currency positions at year end
(Skr mn)

 

Exchange rate

 

Share at
year end, %

 

Currency positions at year
end (Skr mn)

 

SKR

 

1

 

93

 

n.a.

 

1

 

91

 

n.a

 

EUR

 

9.8255

 

2

 

-429

 

9.5407

 

3

 

-559

 

USD

 

8.1950

 

1

 

289

 

9.0682

 

2

 

443

 

JPY

 

0.07281

 

1

 

-216

 

0.07752

 

1

 

-311

 

GBP

 

11.0704

 

1

 

-133

 

11.2126

 

1

 

-155

 

CHF

 

0.4167

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MXN

 

 

 

1

 

-137

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

THB

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

0.2535

 

1

 

-131

 

Other

 

 

 

1

 

-168

 

 

 

1

 

182

 

Total foreign currency position

 

 

 

100

 

-794

 

 

 

100

 

-531

 

 

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Currency risk is limited to accrued net income and is hedged regularly. In accordance with SEK’s rules for risk management, currency positions attributable to unrealized changes in fair value are not hedged. Currency positions excluding unrealized changes in fair value amounted to Skr 6 million (2016: Skr 19 million) at year end. Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency are included in the total volumes of assets and liabilities in the following amounts (in millions of Swedish kronor).

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Skr mn

 

Consolidated Group

 

Parent Company

 

Consolidated Group

 

Parent Company

 

Total assets,

 

264,392

 

264,401

 

299,442

 

299,436

 

of which, denominated in foreign currencies

 

201,371

 

201,371

 

237,516

 

237,516

 

Total liabilities,

 

246,818

 

246,264

 

282,306

 

281,712

 

of which, denominated in foreign currencies

 

202,166

 

202,166

 

238,047

 

238,047

 

 

Liquidity risk and refinancing risk

 

Liquidity and refinancing risk is defined as the risk of SEK not being able to refinance its outstanding loans and committed undisbursed loans, or being unable to meet increased liquidity requirements. Liquidity risk also includes the risk of having to borrow funds at unfavorable interest rates or needing to sell assets at unfavorable prices in order to meet payment commitments.

 

Risk management

 

SEK’s Board has overall responsibility for liquidity and refinancing risks and establishes policy documents for liquidity risk management; in addition, the CEO establishes instructions for operational management. Liquidity risk is managed operationally by the Treasury function. Liquidity and refinancing risk is measured and reported regularly to the relevant manager, the Risk and Compliance Committee, the CEO, and the Board and its committees.

 

SEK has low tolerance for long-term structural liquidity risk and financing must be available throughout the maturity for all credit commitments, pertaining to both outstanding and committed undisbursed loans. For CIRR loans, which SEK manages on behalf of the Swedish government, the company’s credit facility with the Swedish National Debt Office is also regarded as available borrowing. The credit facility, granted by the government through the Swedish National Debt Office, amounted to Skr 125 billion in 2017 (2016: Skr 125 billion) and is available solely for CIRR loans. In December 2017, the state established that the credit facility for 2018 will amount to Skr 125 billion. The credit facility is valid through December 31, 2018 and entitles SEK to receive financing over the maturities of the underlying CIRR loans. This credit facility has not been utilized.

 

Borrowed funds not yet used to finance credits must be invested in interest-bearing securities, also known as liquidity investments. The management of liquidity investments is regulated in the Liquidity Strategy established by the Board’s Finance and Risk Committee. The size of the liquidity portfolio is adapted to cover outflows, outside the CIRR system, attributable to: 1) committed undisbursed loans, 2) CSAs with derivative counterparties, 3) outflows attributable to short-term borrowing transactions and 4) budgeted new lending. The target for SEK’s new lending capacity is to facilitate at least four months of new lending, in line with SEK’s estimated new lending requirements. The maturity profile of liquidity investments is matched against the net of borrowing and lending. Investments must be made in assets of good credit quality. Issuers in the liquidity portfolio must have an internal risk classification of at least A-. For commercial paper and corporate bonds, however, an internal risk classification of at least BBB- is permissible as long as the remaining maturity does not exceed one year and the domicile is in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Norway or Germany. Such investments should take into account the liquidity of the investment under normal market conditions and the investment’s currency must comply with established guidelines. SEK intends to hold these assets to maturity and only divest them should circumstances so demand. The liquidity reserve, in which only securities regarded as highly liquid are included, accounts for a portion of SEK’s liquidity investments. The purpose of the liquidity reserve is to safeguard SEK’s short-term solvency, and to fulfil the company’s requirement for the lowest liquidity coverage ratio (LCR).

 

SEK’s borrowing strategy is regulated in the Financing Strategy Policy, which is established by the Board’s Finance and Risk Committee. The aims of the Financing Strategy include ensuring that SEK’s borrowing is well-diversified in terms of markets, investors, counterparties and currencies. With regard to maturity, no refinancing risk is allowed. For the purpose of ensuring access to short-term funding, SEK has revolving borrowing programs for maturities of less than one year, including a US Commercial Paper Program (UCP) and a European Commercial Paper program (ECP). SEK also has a swingline facility that functions as a back-up facility for SEK’s revolving borrowing program for maturities of less than one year. To secure access to substantial volumes of non-current borrowing, and to ensure that insufficient liquidity or investment appetite among individual borrowing sources does not constitute an obstacle to operations, SEK issues bonds with different structures, currencies and maturities. SEK also issues bonds in many different geographic markets.

 

SEK has a contingency plan for the management of liquidity crises, which is issued by the Head of Treasury & Capital Management. The plan describes what constitutes a liquidity crisis according to SEK and what actions SEK intends to take if such a crisis is deemed to have occurred. The plan also describes the decision-making structure during a liquidity crisis. An internal and external communication plan is also included. The contingency plan is also closely linked to the results of the scenario analyses that are performed regularly, whereby various actions are taken to increase the release of cash and cash equivalents that have been analyzed with a preventive purpose.

 

Risk measurement

 

In the short term, liquidity risk is monitored mainly through measurement of the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR), which shows SEK’s highly liquid assets in relation to its net cash outflows for the next 30 calendar days. Cash-flow forecasts of up to one year are prepared regularly according to various scenarios. SEK’s policy for long-term structural liquidity risk is not to accept refinancing risk. Forecasts are made of the relationship between borrowing, including equity, and lending over time. A net stable funding ratio (NSFR) is also estimated. The NSFR measures the volume of available stable funding in relation to the need of stable funding within a period of 1 year. SEK also performs regular liquidity stress tests.

 

Risk monitoring

 

Liquidity risk is monitored through regular analysis and reporting to the Board of Directors and the Treasury function. Monthly reports are submitted to the Board and cover monitoring of LCR, NSFR, internal metrics, portfolio composition and liquidity stress tests. Daily monitoring of liquidity risk in the form of cash-flow forecasts are reported to the Treasury function.

 

Risk information

 

For a supplementary and expanded account of the liquidity and refinancing risk-related information, refer to the separate risk report, “SEK — Capital Adequacy and Risk Management Report — Pillar 3.”

 

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Liquidity reserve(1) at December 31, 2017

 

Skr billion

 

Total

 

SKR

 

EUR

 

USD

 

Other

 

Balances with other banks and National Debt Office

 

10.5

 

2.0

 

2.5

 

6.0

 

 

Securities issued or guaranteed by sovereigns, central banks or multilateral development banks

 

2.0

 

1.3

 

 

0.5

 

0.2

 

Covered bonds issued by other institutions

 

1.0

 

 

0.6

 

0.4

 

 

Securities issued or guaranteed by municipalities or other public entities

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total liquidity reserve

 

13.5

 

3.3

 

3.1

 

6.9

 

0.2

 

 


(1) The liquidity reserve is a part of SEK’s liquidity investments. The table excludes account balances.

 

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Liqudity investment by rating based on net exposure

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

AAA

 

28

%

38

%

AA+

 

8

%

2

%

AA

 

0

%

5

%

AA-

 

11

%

10

%

A+

 

18

%

20

%

A

 

24

%

21

%

A-

 

9

%

4

%

BBB+

 

1

%

0

%

BBB

 

1

%

0

%

BBB-

 

0

%

0

%

 

Liqudity investment by exposure type

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

States and local governments

 

38

%

44

%

Financial institutions

 

36

%

35

%

Corporates

 

23

%

10

%

Covered Bonds

 

3

%

6

%

Multilateral development banks

 

0

%

3

%

CDS covered corporates

 

0

%

2

%

 

Liqudity investment by region

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

December 31, 2016

 

Sweden

 

43

%

38

%

North America

 

15

%

12

%

Western Europe except Sweden

 

15

%

33

%

Asia except Japan

 

10

%

5

%

Japan

 

8

%

7

%

Middle East/Africa/Turkey

 

7

%

4

%

Australia

 

2

%

1

%

 

Liquidity investments(1) by remaining maturity (“M”)

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2017

 

Dec. 31, 2016

 

M < 1 year

 

84

%

83

%

1 year < M < 3 years

 

16

%

17

%

M > 3 years

 

0

%

0

%

 


(1) SEK’s loan facility with the Swedish National Debt Office is excluded.

 

 

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New lending capacity

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2017

 

Dec. 31, 2016

 

New lending capacity

 

15 months

 

9 months

 

Volume, liquidity investments

 

55.7 bn

 

72.3 bn

 

Volume, committed undisbursed loans

 

72.9 bn

 

54.8 bn

 

of which, CIRR system

 

69.2 bn

 

49.1 bn

 

 

Key figures for liquidity risk

 

 

 

Dec. 31, 2017

 

Dec. 31, 2016

 

LCR under Swedish FSA rules

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

505

%

383

%

EUR

 

3,064

%

2,603

%

USD

 

557

%

313

%

LCR under EU Commission’s delegated act

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

169

%

215

%

NFSR

 

140

%

132

%

 

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Contractual flows

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

Due
< 1 month

 

Due
1 month <
3 months

 

Due
3 months
< 1 year

 

Due
1 year < 5
years

 

Due
> 5 years

 

Total cash flow

 

Discounting
effect

 

Carrying
amount

 

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

1,231

 

 

 

 

 

1,231

 

 

1,231

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

767

 

1,093

 

985

 

1,536

 

 

4,381

 

1

 

4,382

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

3,305

 

8,670

 

22,630

 

5,547

 

 

40,152

 

-345

 

39,807

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

314

 

1,451

 

6,789

 

24,151

 

11,574

 

44,279

 

-3,154

 

41,125

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

210

 

9,973

 

3,479

 

7,417

 

2,907

 

23,986

 

-788

 

23,198

 

Loans to the public

 

4,764

 

7,230

 

24,147

 

76,541

 

43,362

 

156,044

 

-14,933

 

141,111

 

Derivatives

 

309

 

1,069

 

1,165

 

2,801

 

2,687

 

8,031

 

-228

 

7,803

 

Total

 

10,900

 

29,486

 

59,195

 

117,993

 

60,530

 

278,104

 

-19,447

 

258,657

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2017

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

Due
< 1 month

 

Due
1 month <
3 months

 

Due
3 months
< 1 year

 

Due
1 year < 5
years

 

Due
> 5 years

 

Total cash flow

 

Discounting
effect

 

Carrying
amount

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings from credit institutions

 

40

 

-2,368

 

 

 

 

-2,328

 

11

 

-2,317

 

Senior securities issued

 

-1,832

 

-24,648

 

-48,126

 

-136,112

 

-34,095

 

-244,813

 

22,297

 

-222,516

 

Derivatives

 

-70

 

-1,227

 

-667

 

-658

 

236

 

-2,386

 

-14,094

 

-16,480

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

 

 

 

 

-2,049

 

 

 

 

 

-2,049

 

9

 

-2,040

 

Total

 

-1,862

 

-28,243

 

-50,842

 

-136,770

 

-33,859

 

-251,576

 

8,223

 

-243,353

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Committed undisbursed loans

 

-696

 

-3,649

 

-17,753

 

-14,013

 

36,111

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liquidity surplus (+)/ deficit (-)

 

8,342

 

-2,406

 

-9,400

 

-32,790

 

62,782

 

26,528

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated liquidity surplus (+)/deficit (-)

 

8,342

 

5,936

 

-3,464

 

-36,254

 

26,528

 

26,528

 

 

 

 

 

 

In addition to the instruments in the statement of financial position and committed undisbursed loans, SEK has outstanding binding offers of Skr 1.2 billion as well as additional available funds consisting of a credit facility with the Swedish National Debt Office of Skr 125 billion for 2017, which can be used within the CIRR system. In December 2017, the Swedish parliament decided that the credit facility for 2018 should amount to Skr 125 billion. With regard to deficit in cash flow with maturity between three months and five years, SEK has the intention to refinance these through borrowing on the financial markets.

 

Repayments subject to notice for liabilities and hedging derivatives are treated as if notice were to be given immediately, whether it is SEK or the counterparty that has the right to demand early redemption. Assets with repayments subject to notice are assumed to occur on the maturity date. “Subordinated securities issued” which consists of a dated subordinated instrument, were assumed be repaid at the time of the first redemption date. Embedded derivatives in financial assets and liabilities have been excluded. Forward prices are used for contracts with variable interest rate structure, except for contracts that have reached the fixing date in which case the interest rate is used. For a contract with a fixed-interest rate structure, the interest rate has been applied for the entire tenor. When a contract has been structured and uses an interest-rate formula, a plain vanilla setup has been adopted and forward rates applied. The conservative scenario using the prudence concept for cash flows for liabilities and hedging derivatives is not likely to be the real outcome. Differences between book values and future cash flows for financial assets and financial liabilities are reported in the column “Discount effect.”

 

Cash flows for cash collateral under derivatives’ CSAs are assumed to have the same cash flows as the related derivatives.

 

The following items other than financial instruments have an approximate expected recovery time of less than 12 months: other assets; prepaid expenses; accrued revenue; other liabilities; accrued expenses and prepaid revenue. All other balance-sheet items other than financial instruments have an approximate expected recovery time of 12 months or more.

 

The amounts above include interest, except for committed undisbursed loans.

 

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December 31, 2016

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

Due
< 1 month

 

Due
1 month <
 3 months

 

Due
3 months
< 1 year

 

Due
1 year < 5
years

 

Due
> 5 years

 

Total cash flow

 

Discounting
effect

 

Carrying
amount

 

Financial assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

7,054

 

 

 

 

 

7,054

 

 

7,054

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

15

 

479

 

156

 

3,047

 

 

3,697

 

-10

 

3,687

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

6,811

 

14,598

 

21,295

 

7,654

 

 

50,358

 

-457

 

49,901

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

-113

 

230

 

7,030

 

20,549

 

20,549

 

49,217

 

-2,995

 

46,222

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

-59

 

12,029

 

2,016

 

8,676

 

4,394

 

27,056

 

-866

 

26,190

 

Loans to the public

 

3,219

 

7,407

 

25,890

 

88,428

 

36,956

 

161,900

 

-13,991

 

147,909

 

Derivatives

 

1,475

 

1,499

 

1,352

 

4,228

 

5,891

 

14,445

 

-2,440

 

12,005

 

Total

 

18,402

 

36,242

 

57,739

 

138,386

 

62,958

 

313,727

 

-20,759

 

292,968

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2016

 

Consolidated Group
Skr mn

 

Due
< 1 month

 

Due
1 month <
3 months

 

Due
3 months
< 1 year

 

Due
1 year < 5
years

 

Due
> 5 years

 

Total cash flow

 

Discounting
effect

 

Carrying
amount

 

Financial liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowings from credit institutions

 

-119

 

-3,865

 

167

 

 

 

-3,817

 

61

 

-3,756

 

Borrowing from the public

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior securities issued

 

-9,299

 

-37,844

 

-46,345

 

-133,418

 

-52,974

 

-279,880

 

30,688

 

-249,192

 

Derivatives

 

-56

 

-766

 

-1,914

 

-3,151

 

-57

 

-5,944

 

-16,128

 

-22,072

 

Subordinated securities issued

 

 

 

 

-2,267

 

 

-2,267

 

1

 

-2,266

 

Total

 

-9,474

 

-42,475

 

-48,092

 

-138,836

 

-53,031

 

-291,908

 

14,622

 

-277,286

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Committed, undisbursed loans

 

-123

 

-3,534

 

-11,348

 

-10,080

 

25,085

 

0

 

 

 

54,783

 

Liquidity surplus (+) / deficit (-)

 

8,805

 

-9,767

 

-1,701

 

-10,530

 

35,012

 

21,819

 

 

 

 

 

Accumulated liquidity surplus (+) / deficit (-)

 

8,805

 

-962

 

-2,663

 

-13,193

 

21,819

 

21,819

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operational risk

 

Operational risk is the risk of losses resulting from inadequate or faulty internal processes or systems, human error, or from external events. Operational risk also includes legal risk and compliance risk.

 

Risk management

 

Operational risk exists in potentially all functions within SEK. The managers of all the various SEK functions have a responsibility for effective management of operational risk within their own function. To support operational risk management, SEK works in compliance with policy documents in accordance with SEK’s risk framework. The risk function is responsible for monitoring, analyzing and reporting aggregated risk levels, and for monitoring the appropriateness and efficiency of the company’s operational risk management. The Risk and Compliance Committee is responsible for monitoring operational risk. The Risk function reports to the Risk and Compliance Committee and to the Board’s Finance and Risk Committee.

 

Risk measurement

 

SEK measures and reports operational risk levels at least each quarter. The risk level is based on an assessment of the number of risks with a high rating, the scope of losses due to incidents over the past four quarters and whether any breaches of rules related to the operations requiring permits have occurred. SEK uses the standardized approach in calculating the capital requirement for operational risk.

 

Risk monitoring

 

SEK’s work on operational risk is conducted at all levels of the organization to ensure that the company is able to identify and reduce risk. All risk-related events are registered in an IT-based incident-reporting system. The fundamental cause is analyzed and actions are then taken to prevent a recurrence. By means of the new product approval process (NPAP), SEK prevents the company from unknowingly taking on risks that the company is unable to manage. The functions perform regular self-assessments of the operations in order to identify and reduce major risks. The self-assessments and the subsequent analysis are coordinated with business planning and the internal capital assessment. The Risk function carries out aggregated monitoring and analysis of the risks and action plans, as well as of significant operational risk events.

 

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Sustainability risk

 

Sustainability risk is the risk that SEK’s operations directly or indirectly impact their surroundings negatively in respect of business ethics, corruption, climate and the environment, human rights and labor conditions. Human rights includes the child rights perspective, labor conditions encompasses gender equality and diversity, and ethics is included in tax transparency.

 

Risk management

 

Sustainability risks are managed according to a risk-based approach and SEK only engages in transactions for which SEK has conducted know your customer activities. SEK’s measures to manage sustainability risks when lending are subject to national and international regulations and guidelines, along with the state’s ownership policy and guidelines for state-owned companies, SEK’s owner instruction, pertaining to anti-corruption, climate and environmental consideration, human rights and labor conditions. We focus particularly on sustainability when SEK grants credit to companies in countries facing sustainability challenges. SEK sets requirements on the operations and projects the company finances in order to mitigate negative environmental and societal impacts.

 

The international guidelines pursued by SEK are described on page 47.

 

Risk measurement

 

In connection with new business opportunities, the potential sustainability risks are identified and assessed at country, counterparty and transaction level.

 

Country — Countries are classified according to the risk of corruption, human rights violations including labor conditions and the risk of money laundering, financing of terrorism and tax non-transparency.

 

Counterparty — Checks are conducted as part of know your customer, including checks of ownership and checks against international sanction lists, as well as whether the counterparty has been involved in significant sustainability-related incidents.

 

Transaction — Projects and project-related financing are classified based on their potential societal and environmental impact according to the OECD’s framework for export credits or the Equator Principles. Category A projects have a potentially material impact, category B projects potentially have some impact, and category C projects have little or no potential impact. Other business transactions are analyzed to assess the risk of corruption, negative environmental impact, human rights and labor conditions and the risk of money laundering, financing of terrorism and tax non-transparency.

 

Elevated sustainability risk

 

The sustainability risk is considered to be elevated in the following cases:

Category A and B projects

Projects and operations subject to a high risk of corruption or human rights violations including labor conditions.

Areas affected by conflict

The mining and arms sectors

Exporters or the exporters’ customers who are internationally black-listed or have been involved in a significant incident.

 

In-depth sustainability review

 

An in-depth sustainability review is performed in cases of elevated sustainability risk. The extent and form of the review depends on the scope of the financing, the level of the identified risks and SEK’s ability to influence the situation. Where necessary, societal and environmental conditions are included in loan agreements, and site visits may be included as part of an evaluation. In the case of deviations from international standards or other deficient management of sustainability risks, the counterparty is required to take actions to rectify this.

 

Risk monitoring

 

Sustainability risk is monitored through regular analysis and reporting to the Board of Directors. Project or project-related funding with an identified elevated sustainability risk is monitored via continuous incident searches and via checks of compliance with the agreement’s sustainability clauses. In the monitoring, one transaction during the year, which is not project or project-related, was found to have not gone through the risk identification before credit approval.

 

Risk information

 

SEK granted loans to the following category A and B projects in 2017:

Category A project:

Mine in Armenia

Wind Power in the UK

Category B projects:

Two separate projects for paper machines in the UAE

Transmission lines in Ethiopia

Converter stations in the UK

 

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Note 28. Transactions with related parties

SEK defines related parties to the Parent Company as:

the shareholder, i.e. the Swedish government

companies and organizations that are controlled through a common owner, the Swedish government

subsidiaries

key management personnel

other related parties

 

SEK defines related parties to the Group as:

the shareholder, i.e. the Swedish government

companies and organizations that are controlled through a common owner, the Swedish government

senior executives

other related parties

 

The Swedish government owns 100 percent of the company’s share capital. By means of direct guarantees extended by the Swedish National Debt Office and the Swedish Export Credits Guarantee Board, EKN, 35 percent (Year-end 2016: 36 percent) of the company’s loans outstanding on December 31, 2017 were guaranteed by the Swedish government. The remuneration to EKN for the guarantees paid by SEK during 2017 amounted to Skr 2 million (2016: Skr 31 million). SEK administers, in return for compensation, the Swedish government’s system for officially supported export credits (CIRR system), and the government’s previous concessionary credits system, refer to Note 1a (d) and Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

In 2017, SEK had a Skr 125 billion (2016: Skr 125 billion) credit facility with the Swedish National Debt Office which was entirely related to the officially supported export credit system (“CIRR system”). In December 2017, the credit facility was extended for 2018. SEK has not yet utilized the credit facility.

 

SEK enters into transactions in the ordinary course of business with entities that are partially or wholly owned or controlled by the State. SEK also extends export credits (in the form of direct or pass-through loans) to entities related to the State. Transactions with such counterparties are conducted on the same terms (including interest rates and repayment schedules) as transactions with unrelated parties. The Group’s and the Parent Company’s transactions do not differ significantly. Internal transactions between the Parent Company and the subsidiaries amount to Skr - million (2016: Skr - million) for interest expenses from the Parent Company’s point of view. For further information see Note 1 (b), Basis of consolidation and Note 15, Shares to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Key management personnel include the following positions:

The Board of Directors

The Chief Executive Officer

Other executive directors

 

For information about remuneration and other benefits to key management personnel see Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Personnel expenses.

 

Other related parties include close family members of key management personnel as well as companies which are controlled by key management personnel of SEK or controlled by close family members to key management personnel.

 

The following tables further summarize the Group’s transactions with its related parties:

 

 

 

2017

 

 

 

The shareholder,
the Swedish government

 

Companies and organizations
controlled through a common owner, the
 Swedish government

 

Total

 

Skr mn

 

Assets/
liabilities

 

Interest income/
interest expense

 

Assets/
liabilities

 

Interest income/
Interest expense

 

Assets/
liabilities

 

Interest income/
Interest expense

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

401

 

4

 

 

 

401

 

4

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

 

 

5,933

 

-27

 

5,933

 

-27

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

 

 

2,198

 

18

 

2,198

 

18

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

 

2,607

 

52

 

2,607

 

52

 

Loans to the public

 

 

 

2,989

 

37

 

2,989

 

37

 

Settlement claim against State(1)

 

3,309

 

 

 

 

3,309

 

 

Total

 

3,710

 

4

 

13,727

 

80

 

17,437

 

84

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowing from the public

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior securities issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

125

 

 

 

 

125

 

 

Total

 

125

 

 

 

 

125

 

 

 

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2016

 

 

 

The shareholder,
the Swedish government

 

Companies and organizations
controlled through a common owner, the
Swedish government

 

Total

 

Skr mn

 

Assets/
liabilities

 

Interest income/
interest expense

 

Assets/
liabilities

 

Interest income/
Interest expense

 

Assets/
liabilities

 

Interest income/
Interest expense

 

Treasuries/government bonds

 

442

 

1

 

 

 

442

 

1

 

Other interest-bearing securities except loans

 

 

 

3,439

(2)

5

 

3,439

 

5

 

Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities

 

 

 

1,948

 

16

 

1,948

 

16

 

Loans to credit institutions

 

 

 

2,548

 

33

 

2,548

 

33

 

Loans to the public

 

 

 

1,299

 

15

 

1,299

 

15

 

Settlement claim against State(1)

 

3,267

 

 

 

 

3,267

 

 

Total

 

3,709

 

1

 

9,234

 

69

 

12,943

 

70

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowing from credit institutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Borrowing from the public

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Senior securities issued

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other liabilities

 

235

 

 

 

 

235

 

 

Total

 

235

 

 

 

 

235

 

 

 


(1) For information about “Settlement claim against State,” see Note 16 Other assets and Note 25 CIRR system to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

(2) SEK invested a large volume in interest-bearing securities issued by the Riksbank during the fourth quarter of 2016.

 

Note 29. Events after the reporting period

 

No events with significant impact on the information in this report occurred after the end of the reporting period.

 

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Note 30. Risk and capital management

 

The Risk and capital management section addresses significant aspects of SEK’s risk and capital management. For detailed descriptions, including quantitative information on SEK’s capital adequacy and its risk and capital management, refer to Note 26 Capital adequacy and Note 27 Risk information, respectively to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For supplementary and expanded information, refer to the separate risk report, “Capital Adequacy and Risk Management Report — Pillar 3 2017,” available at www.sek.se/en/investor-relations/. Information available on or accessible through SEK’s website is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

Events in 2017

 

In 2017, several events in the external environment affected the macro scenario, such as Brexit, US politics, the conflict between the US and North Korea, the increase in global debt, and high asset and share prices. Although these events have led to some political concern, the markets have been largely stable and the world economy has so far been affected marginally. However, at the beginning of 2018, we have seen a greater instability in terms of, among other things, volatile share prices. In Sweden, we have noted an increase in exports and high GDP growth. Even if regulators have largely agreed on the final capital rules in the US and soon within the EU, the consequences of the new regulations for the financial sector remain considerable in the form of adaptation costs, new fees and stricter capital requirements, primarily related to the introduction of the Banking Recovery and Resolution Directive (BRRD). To some extent, there still exists uncertainty regarding the impact of the new regulations moving forward.

 

SEK’s capital adequacy has decreased slightly in 2017. At the end of the year, the total capital ratio was 23.0 percent (2016: 25.1 percent), of which the Tier 1 capital ratio and the Common Equity Tier 1 ratio both amounted to 20.6 percent (2016: 22.1 percent). The primary reason for the decrease in capital adequacy is the permission received by SEK from the Swedish FSA to apply an internal risk classification method for exposures to central governments, regional governments and multilateral development banks. The minimum capital requirement for these exposures has increased. SEK’s total exposures have marginally decreased since the end of 2016. SEK’s largest financial risks are credit risk (Skr 6.9 billion (2016: Skr 7.5 billion) in allocated capital), market risk (Skr 1.6 billion (2016: Skr 1.6 billion) in allocated capital) and operational risk (Skr 0.1 billion (2016: Skr 0.2 billion) in allocated capital) in line with internally assessed capital adequacy.

 

SEK’s liquidity was stable during the year. The liquidity portfolio varies during the year and totaled Skr 55.7 billion (2016: Skr 72.3 billion) at year end. However, the margin on new lending capacity has been high and amounted to 15 months (2016: 9 months) at year end.

 

VaR metrics were developed for market risk during the year. VaR for own funds amounted to Skr 20 million at year end. The formerly primary risk metric for market risk, the aggregated risk measure (ÖGR) is a more conservative metric and amounted to Skr 582 million (2016: Skr 621 million) at year end.

 

Within the framework of the BRRD, the Swedish National Debt Office has made the assessment that ten Swedish institutions, including SEK, conduct operations that are critical for the financial system. Therefore, the Swedish National Debt Office, has set minimum requirements for own funds and eligible liabilities (MREL), which in SEK’s case amounts to 7.1 percent of total liabilities and own funds. This corresponds to a minimum requirement of 28.0 percent of risk-weighted assets. SEK meets these requirements since a portion of the senior debt can be included. SEK is also impacted by MiFID II, which entered into force at the start of 2018. The requirements encompass primarily SEK’s borrowing in the capital markets.

 

Capital target

 

The company’s capital target, which is one of the Board’s principal control instruments, is established by the owner at a general meeting of shareholders. The capital target is designed to ensure that SEK has sufficient capital to support its strategy and that capital adequacy always exceeds the regulatory requirements, even in the event of deep economic declines. Under normal conditions, SEK’s capital target is for its total capital ratio to exceed the capital adequacy requirement communicated by the Swedish FSA by 1 to 3 percentage points. The point of departure for this is the Swedish FSA’s estimated capital requirement for SEK and SEK’s own assessment, In addition, SEK’s own funds must also cover the volatility that may be expected under normal conditions. As a result of the Swedish FSA’s review and evaluation process, SEK was required to have a total capital ratio of 15.9 percent, based on SEK’s balance sheet at September 30, 2017. At December 31, 2017, the total capital ratio was 23.0 percent.

 

Core risk management principles

 

SEK must be selective in its choice of counterparties and clients in order to ensure a strong credit rating.

 

SEK only lends funds to clients who have successfully undergone SEK’s procedure for gaining understanding of the customer and its business relations (know your customer), and have a business structure that complies with SEK’s mission of promoting the Swedish export industry.

 

The business operations are limited to financial solutions and positions that the company has approved and has procedures for, whose risks can be measured and evaluated and where the company complies with international sustainability risk guidelines.

 

SEK’s liquidity strategy entails that the company secures financing that, at the very least, has the same maturities as the funds that it lends.

 

Risk appetite

 

The Board decides on the company’s risk appetite, which is to encompass all of the company’s significant risk classes and to express the outer limits for the business operations. The risk appetite must specify the risk measurements that, in the opinion of the Board, provide information that is sufficient for the members of the Board to be well versed in the type and scope of the company’s risks. The risk appetite is strongly connected to the company’s loss capacity and thus to its equity. At least on a quarterly basis, the Board is provided with a comprehensive update of the risk exposures’ relationship to the risk appetite.

 

Refer also to the “SEK’s risks and risk management” section of this Note 30, where the risk appetite by risk class is described in detail.

 

Risk governance

 

The owner determines the capital target at a general meeting of shareholders. The Board of Directors has ultimate responsibility for governing and monitoring risk exposure and risk management, and for ensuring satisfactory internal control. The Board determines the overall risk governance by taking decisions on such matters as risk appetite and risk strategy. The Board also decides on risk policies and on matters of considerable importance to credit granting.

 

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SEK has organized risk management and risk control in accordance with the principle of three lines of defense in the form of clear-cut separation of responsibility between the commercial and support operations that own the risks, the control functions that independently identify and monitor the risks and an internal audit, which reviews these matters and reports directly to the Board; see diagram below.

 

Division of responsibility for risk, liquidity and
capital management in SEK

 

 

 

First line of defense

 

· Business and support operations.

 

· Credit and sustainability analyses.

· Day-to-day management of risk, capital and liquidity in compliance with risk appetite and strategy as well as applicable laws and rules.

 

· Daily control and follow-up of credit, market and liquidity risk.

 

 

 

Second line of defense

 

 

 

· Independent risk control and compliance functions.

 

· Risk, liquidity and capital reporting

· Identification, quantification, monitoring and control of risks and risk management.

 

· Maintain an efficient risk management framework and internal control framework.

 

 

· Compliance monitoring and reporting.

 

 

 

Third line of defense

 

 

 

· Independent internal audit.

· Review and evaluation of the efficiency and integrity of risk management.

 

· Performance of audit activities in line with the audit plan confirmed by the Board.

· Direct reporting to the Board.

 

Risk management process

 

The company’s risk management process encompasses: identification, measurement, management, reporting, control and monitoring of those risks with which the business is associated and for which SEK has formulated internal controls with this purpose in mind. SEK’s risk management process consists of the following key elements:

 

Risk identification — at any given time, SEK must be aware of the risks to which it is exposed. Risks are identified, primarily in new transactions, in external changes in SEK’s operating environment or internally in, for example, products, processes, systems and through annual risk analyses that include all aspects of SEK. Both forward-looking and historical analyses and testing are performed.

 

Measurement — the size of the risks is measured on a daily basis in respect of significant measurable risks or are assessed qualitatively as frequently as necessary. For those risks that are not directly measurable, SEK evaluates the risk according to models that are based on SEK’s risk appetite for the respective risk class, specifying appropriate scales of probability and consequence.

 

Governance — SEK aims to oversee the development of business, actively utilize risk-reduction capabilities and control the development of risks over time to ensure that the business activities are kept within the risk appetite and limits. SEK also plans and draws up documentation to ensure the continuity of business-critical processes and systems and that planning is carried out for crisis management. Exercises and training regarding the management of situations that require crisis and/or continuity planning are performed continuously.

 

Reporting — the company reports on the current risk situation, on the use of capital and on related matters to the CEO, the Finance and Risk Committee and the Board, at least once each quarter.

 

Control and monitoring — SEK checks and monitors compliance with limits, risk appetite, capital targets, risk management and internal and external regulations to ensure that risk exposures are kept at an acceptable level for SEK and that risk management is effective and appropriate.

 

SEK’s risk framework

 

Effective risk management and control in SEK are based on a sound risk culture, a shared approach and a well-functioning control environment. SEK emphasizes the importance of high risk awareness among personnel and an understanding of the importance of preventive risk management to, thereby, keep risk exposure within the determined level. SEK also has a risk framework (see the Risk Framework illustration on the preceding page) encompassing all of SEK’s operations, all of its risks and all personnel.

 

The structure of the risk framework is ultimately governed by SEK’s mission from its owner, the Swedish government, and SEK’s business model.

 

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The capital target constitutes the outer boundary for SEK’s strategy. Within the restrictions of the capital target, risk appetite is stated, which is expressed by risk class and comprises the risk to which the Board is prepared to expose SEK in order to achieve its strategic objectives. Risk governance is specified in the form of a risk strategy, a risk policy, in SEK’s risk culture, and in instructions, processes and limits. These policy documents describe the risk management process and define what activities and operations are included in the process, and how they should be performed. The policy documents also indicate how responsibility is structured in terms of the execution, monitoring of and compliance with risk management.

 

SEK’s risks and risk management

 

SEK’s mission is to ensure access to financial solutions for the Swedish export industry on commercial and sustainable terms. Different types of risk arise as part of operations, primarily credit risk. An overview of the risks SEK is exposed to and how these risks are managed is presented in this section. For more detailed descriptions, refer to Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

Risk class

 

Risk profile

 

Risk appetite metrics

 

Risk management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Credit risk

Credit risk is the risk of loss that could occur if a borrower or a counterpart can not meet its obligations. Counterparty risk, concentration risk and settlement risk are certain subsets of credit risk.

 

SEK’s lending portfolio is of a high credit quality. The company’s mission naturally entails certain concentration risks, such as geographical concentration risk against Sweden. The net risk is principally limited to counterparties with high creditworthiness, such as export credit agencies (ECAs), major Swedish exporters, banks and insurers. SEK invests its liquidity in high credit quality securities, primarily with short maturities.

 

·Individual and collectively limited exposures must not exceed 20 percent of SEK’s own funds.
· The company’s expected loss within one year must not exceed two percent, and the total portfolio maturity must not exceed eight percent of the Common Equity Tier 1 capital.
· The average risk weight for SEK’s credit-risk exposures to corporates and institutions may not exceed 65 percent.
· Credit-risk-related concentration risk must not exceed 35 percent of the Swedish FSA’s assessed capital requirement for credit risk.
· The company’s net exposures to counterparties in the segment <= BB- must not exceed four percent of SEK’s total exposure.

 

Lending must be based on in-depth knowledge of SEK’s counterparties as well as counterparties’ repayment capacity. Lending must also be aligned with SEK’s mission based on its owner instruction. SEK’s credit risks are mitigated through a risk-based selection of counterparties and managed through the use of guarantees and other types of collateral. Furthermore, SEK’s lending is guided by the use of a normative credit policy, specifying principles for risk levels and lending terms. Concentrations that occur naturally as a result of the company’s mission are accepted, but the company continuously works towards reducing the risk of concentration where this is possible.

Market risk

Market risk is the risk of loss or reduction of future net income following changes in prices and volatilities on financial markets including price risk in connection with the sale of assets or closing of positions.

 

SEK’s business model leads to exposure mainly to spread risks, interest-rate risk and foreign-exchange risk. The company’s largest net exposures are to changes in spread risks, mainly to credit spreads in assets and liabilities and cross currency basis swap spreads.

 

· SEK’s aggregated market risk measure for all the exposures at fair value must not exceed Skr 1,100 million
· Total interest rate sensitivity to a 100 bps parallel shift of all yield curves, comprising the entire balance sheet, must not exceed Skr 500 million.
· Net interest income (NII) one year, the impact on SEK’s future earnings margin resulting from a change in interest rates, a 100 bps parallel shift, must not exceed Skr 250 million.
· Risk to NII from cross-currency basis swaps one year, the impact on SEK’s future earnings margin resulting from a change in cross-currency basis spreads must not exceed Skr 100 million.

 

SEK conducts no active trading. The core of SEK’s market risk strategy is to borrow funds in the form of bonds which, regardless of the market risk exposures in the bonds, are hedged by being swapped to a floating interest rate. Borrowed funds are used either immediately for lending, mainly at a floating rate of interest, or swapped to a floating rate, or to ensure that SEK has sufficient liquidity. The aim is to hold assets and liabilities to maturity.

Operational risk

Operational risk is the risk of losses resulting from inadequate or faulty internal processes, systems, human error or from external events. Operational risk also

 

Operational risks arise in all parts of the business. The vast majority of incidents that have occurred are minor events that are rectified promptly within the respective functions. Overall risk is low as a result of effective internal control measures and a focus on

 

· The risk appetite for expected losses due to operational risk is limited to Skr 20 million per calendar year.
· SEK does not accept considerable operational risks or critical audit remarks. Operational risk is divided into two categories. Category 1 includes particularly considerable operational risks, which encompass: a) critical external audit

 

SEK manages the operational risk on an ongoing basis through mainly efficient internal control procedures, performing risk analysis before changes, focus on continuous improvements and business continuity management. Costs to reduce risk exposures

 

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Risk class

 

Risk profile

 

Risk appetite metrics

 

Risk management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

includes legal and compliance risk.

 

continuous improvement.

 

remarks; and b) possible losses in excess of Skr 150 million as estimated by SEK. Category 1 must be mitigated to an acceptable level without delay, but no later then within two months. Category 2 includes considerable operational risks, which are in turn divided into: a) critical internal audit remarks; and b) possible losses, as estimated by SEK, of less than Skr 150 million but with an expected loss of over Skr 2 million. Category 2 must be mitigated within six months.

 

must be in proportion to the effect that such measures have.

Liquidity and refinancing risk

Liquidity and refinancing risk is the risk, of the company not being able to refinance its existing assets or being unable to meet increased demands for liquid funds. Liquidity risk also includes the risk of the company having to borrow at an unfavorable interest rate or needing to sell assets at unfavorable prices in order to meet its payment commitments.

 

SEK has secured funding for all its credit commitments, including those agreed but not yet disbursed. In addition, the size of SEK’s liquidity investments allow new lending to continue at a normal pace, even during times of stress. As a consequence of SEK having secured funding for all its credit commitments, the remaining term to maturity for available funding is longer than the remaining term to maturity for lending.

 

· The company must operate with a buffer, for the entire balance sheet and in EUR and USD, of not less than ten percentage points above the LCR regulatory requirement.
· The company is to operate with a Net Stable Funding Ratio (NSFR) exceeding 100 percent.
· The company is to have contingencies for new lending of at least four months.
· All lending transactions are to be funded, on a portfolio basis, using at least the same maturity. The company’s equity capital is included here as funding with perpetual maturity.
· The maturity profile of the liquidity investments must reflect the net maturity of borrowing and lending. Under normal circumstances, the assets should be held until maturity and only be divested under conditions of stress.

 

SEK must have diversified funding to ensure that funding is available through maturity for all credit commitments — outstanding credits as well as agreed but undisbursed credits. The size of SEK’s liquidity investments must ensure that new lending can take place even during times of financial stress.

Valuation risk

SEK is exposed to a valuation risk for financial instruments that are not traded actively and are thereby marked-to-model.

 

Valuation risk is mainly inherent to OTC transactions and the type of instruments that are not actively traded in the market. The risk is mitigated since when entering a transaction, SEK always enters the exact same transaction, with the opposite sign, with another counterparty, which makes the valuation effect on the aggregated level much smaller.

 

· The price adjustment for prudent valuation is not to exceed ten percent of own funds.
· The company may not accept identified material risks concerning valuation methods, including the regulatory framework for prudent valuation.

 

SEK works continuously to improve the quality of market data and internally developed models, to calibrate models against market transactions and to check market value with external counterparties.

Sustainability risk

Sustainability risk is the risk of SEK directly or indirectly, negatively affects externalities within the areas of environmental and climate considerations, anti-corruption, human rights, labor conditions or business ethics.

 

SEK is indirectly exposed to sustainability risks in connection to its lending activities. High sustainability risks could occur in financing of large projects or of businesses in countries with high risk of corruption or human rights violations.

 

· SEK only engages in transactions that are compatible with the mission and for which SEK can serve as a good example through compliance with the international sustainability guidelines adhered to by the company.
· Initially approved projects that can give rise to sustainability-related challenges at a later stage, including reputational risk, are to be assigned particular attention and reported to the Board.

· Know your customer checks and controls to detect money laundering and terrorism financing are to be conducted on an ongoing basis.

· For transactions conducted when other requirements applied and which would not meet current requirements, the company must in the first instance investigate possibilities for divesting and in the second instance have a clear communication plan.

 

Sustainability risks are managed according to a risk-based approach. In cases of heightened sustainability risk, a detailed sustainability review is performed and measures could be required in order to mitigate environmental and social risks. Requirements are based on national and international regulations and guidelines within the areas of environment and climate, anti-corruption, human rights including labor conditions and business ethics including tax.

Business and reputational risk

Business risk is the risk of an unexpected decline in revenue as a result of a decrease in volumes and/or falling margins. .

 

SEK’s earnings tend to increase in stressed situations when the financial sector’s overall lending capacity declines. It is also in these situations that it is considered most likely that SEK could potentially incur substantial loan .

 

· Monitor concentration in revenues derived from a few clients.
· Monitor reputational impact from business activities.

 

Business risk is identified through risk analysis and is monitored and prevented as deemed necessary. Costs to reduce risk exposures must be in proportion to the effect that such measures have. Reputational risk is actively

 

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Risk class

 

Risk profile

 

Risk appetite metrics

 

Risk management

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Reputational risk is the risk of a negative reputation and/or reduced revenue as a result of external perceptions of the company or the sector in general.

 

losses. The negative earnings effect of increased loan losses tends to be compensated by increased earnings over time. Factors considered to affect the reputation of the SEK brand are mainly loan losses, transactions that could be perceived to lack Swedish interest or the perception that the company has breached applicable regulations, for example with regard to sustainability.

 

 

 

prevented and mitigated to an acceptable level. Costs to reduce risk exposures must be in proportion to the effect that such measures have. The company’s communication plan describes the principles for both long-term and short-term management of reputational risk.

Strategic risk (business environment risk)

Strategic risk is the risk of lower revenue as a result of adverse business decisions, improper implementation of decisions or lack of adequate responsiveness to changes in the regulatory and business environment. Strategic risk focuses on large-scale and structural risk factors.

 

SEK’s strategic risks mainly arise through changes in the external operating environment, such as market conditions, which could result in limited lending opportunities for SEK, and regulatory reforms from two perspectives; (1) the impact of these reforms on SEK’s business model and (2) the requirements on the organization resulting from increased regulatory complexity.

 

· SEK accepts conscious strategic risks in line with the company’s strategy.
· Control of the new initiatives should include monitoring of growth in business volumes and in appropriate cases, be limited.

 

Strategic risk is identified through risk analysis and is monitored and prevented as deemed necessary. Costs to reduce risk exposures must be in proportion to the effect that such measures have.

 

Internal capital and liquidity assessment processes

 

The internal capital adequacy assessment process is an integral part of SEK’s strategic planning, whereby the Board determines SEK’s risk appetite and approves the capital target. The purposes of the internal capital adequacy assessment process are to ensure that SEK has sufficient capital to meet the regulatory requirements under both normal and stressed financial conditions and to support SEK’s high credit rating. The capital kept by SEK must be sufficient in relation to the risks that SEK has, or can be exposed to. The capital adequacy assessment is based on SEK’s internal assessments of the risks and their development, as well as assessments of risk measurement models, risk governance and risk management. It is integrated into business planning and forms the foundation for SEK’s strategy for maintaining an adequate level of capital. Capital adequacy assessments are conducted at least for the forthcoming three-year period.

 

In addition to the internal capital adequacy assessment process, an in-depth liquidity analysis is performed. During the planning period, the liquidity requirement and its composition in terms of liquidity requirements for different currencies, among other items, are evaluated to ensure the company has adequate liquidity to implement the business plan and meet regulatory requirements.

 

SEK’s assessment is that the macroeconomic climate represents the foremost source of the risks to its earnings and financial stability. To arrive at an adequate capitalization level that also applies under stressed financial conditions, an analysis is conducted of how the capitalization is affected by stress in global financial markets, as well as of other factors that impact SEK’s business model and net risk exposure.

 

When SEK performs the internal capital adequacy assessment, it applies methods other than those used for the Swedish FSA’s capital requirement. The assessment is based on SEK’s internal calculation of economic capital, which captures all of the specific risks to which SEK’s operations are exposed, even risks over and above those included in the Swedish FSA’s capital requirement. For example, for credit risk, economic capital is based on a quantitative approach whereby Value at Risk (VaR) is calculated at a confidence level of 99.9 percent. This quantitative estimate is performed using a simulation-based tool that produces a probability distribution of the value of the credit portfolio over a defined time horizon (usually one year). The methodology used in the VaR quantification is based on the Credit Metrics model. In addition to the internal capital adequacy assessment, SEK also estimates the total capital requirement as set for SEK by the Swedish FSA in its annual review and evaluation process. The capital adequacy assessment estimated by the Swedish FSA is a minimum requirement for SEK’s own funds. In SEK’s assessment, SEK has own funds that comfortably exceed both the internally estimated need of own funds and the total capital requirement calculated by the Swedish FSA. For supplementary and expanded information, refer to the separate risk report, “Capital Adequacy and Risk Management Report — Pillar 3 2017”, available at www.sek.se/en/investor-relations/. Information available on or accessible through SEK’s website is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

New regulations that impact capital adequacy or liquidity

 

For exposures to central governments and regional governments, SEK has previously had an exemption from using the IRB approach for risk classification and quantification of credit risk. Therefore, SEK has applied the standardized approach for these exposures up until March 30, 2017. In the end of the first quarter of 2017, SEK changed to the IRB approach after receiving permission from the Swedish FSA for so doing. Accordingly, the minimum capital requirement for these exposures has increased.

 

By SEK’s assessment, the company has sufficient eligible own funds in accordance with the BRRD.

 

Under normal conditions, SEK satisfies the new CRR liquidity requirements.

 

Rules stipulating the particular derivatives that have to be cleared are evolving progressively, as are rules for how non-cleared derivatives should be managed. When these rules have been definitively finalized, this will have a certain impact on capital requirements and liquidity flows.

 

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EXHIBIT INDEX

 

Exhibits

 

 

 

 

 

1.1

 

Articles of Association of the Registrant in effect as of the date of this annual report (filed as Exhibit 1.1 to the Company’s Annual Report on 20-F (No. 001-08382) for the year ended December 31, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

2.1

 

Indenture, dated as of August 15, 1991, between the Company and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (as successor in interest to the First National Bank of Chicago) as Trustee, providing for the issuance of debt securities, in one or more series, by the Company (filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Company’s Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K (No. 001-08382) dated September 30, 1991 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

2.2

 

First Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 2, 2004 between the Company and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (filed as Exhibit 4(b) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-131369) dated January 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

2.3

 

Second Supplemental Indenture, dated as of January 30, 2006, between the Company and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (filed as Exhibit 4(c) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (No. 333-131369) dated January 30, 2006 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

2.4

 

Third Supplemental Indenture, dated as of October 23, 2008, relating to the Debt Securities (filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company’s Report of Foreign Issuer on Form 6-K dated October 23, 2008 (No. 001-08382) and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

2.5

 

Fourth Supplemental Indenture, dated as of March 8, 2010, relating to the Debt Securities (filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Company’s Post-Effective Amendment (No. 333-156118) to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form F-3, filed by the Company on March 10, 2010 and filed as Exhibit 2.8 to the Company’s Annual Report on Form 20-F (No. 001-08382) for the year ended December 31, 2009, filed by the Company on March 31, 2010 and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

2.6

 

Fiscal Agency Agreement dated March 30, 2017, relating to an unlimited aggregate principal amount of debt securities authorized to be issued under the Company’s Program for the Continuous Issuance of Debt Instruments (filed herewith).

 

 

 

2.7

 

Deed of Covenant dated April 4, 2014 relating to an unlimited aggregate principal amount of securities of SEK authorized to be issued under the Company’s Program for the Continuous Issuance of Debt Instruments (filed as Exhibit 2.6 to the Company’s Annual Report on 20-F (No. 001-08382) for the year ended December 31, 2014, and incorporated herein by reference).

 

 

 

2.8

 

ASX Austraclear Registry and IPA Services Agreement dated February 29, 2016 relating to an unlimited principal amount of debt securities authorized to be issued under the Company’s Australian Dollar Debt Issue Programme (filed herewith).

 

 

 

2.9

 

Third Note Deed Poll dated 29 February, 2016 relating to an unlimited principal amount of debt securities authorized to be issued under the Company’s Australian Dollar Debt Issue Program (filed herewith).

 

 

 

7.1

 

Statement of Calculation of Ratios of Earnings to Fixed Charges (filed herewith).

 

 

 

8.1

 

List of Subsidiaries (filed herewith).

 

 

 

12.1

 

Certifications pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (filed herewith).

 



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13.1

 

Certifications pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).

 

 

 

14.1

 

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (filed herewith).

 

Pursuant to Instruction 2(b) (i) in the “Instructions as to Exhibits” in Form 20-F, various instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt securities issued by the Company are not being filed herewith because such debt securities are not registered with the Commission and the total amount of debt securities authorized under each such instrument does not exceed 10 percent of the total assets of the Company. The Company hereby agrees to furnish a copy of any such instrument to the Commission upon request.

 



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SIGNATURES

 

The registrant hereby certifies that it meets all requirements for filing on Form 20-F and that it has duly caused and authorized the undersigned to sign this annual report on its behalf.

 

 

AKTIEBOLAGET SVENSK EXPORTKREDIT (publ)

 

(Swedish Export Credit Corporation)

 

(Registrant)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By

/s/ Catrin Fransson

 

 

 

Catrin Fransson, Chief Executive Officer

 

Stockholm, Sweden

February 26, 2018