Communication

The starting point for our communication is a businesslike approach, coupled with respect for the individual and his or her requirements. Swedbank’s communication policy specifies how our communication work is to be conducted. An extract from the policy follows:

Capital market information
Our capital market information shall provide increased knowledge of Swedbank’s financial and economic performance, goals and strategies, and thereby facilitate the acquisition of capital by the Group and a correct valuation of Swedbank’s shares. The capital market information shall also support good liquidity in the trading in shares. The information shall be characterised by openness, rapidity, relevance and reliability.

Price-sensitive information
The listing agreement with the Stockholm Stock Exchange means, amongst other things, that all price-sensitive information - agreements, events or decisions of “not insignificant import” - should be published immediately in the form of a press release (known as the general clause). This means that information which can be expected to affect the valuation of the bank’s shares or to alter the picture of the bank created by previous information shall be published immediately. The aim is to ensure a sound, fair and reliable trade in shares. All decisions and events within the Group that are covered by the general clause, or which otherwise require publication in accordance with the listing agreement, shall, therefore, be reported immediately to the Information Director who, after consultation with the President and, where necessary, with the Chairman of the Board, will determine whether the information shall be published. If any doubt exists, the monitoring function of the Stockholm Stock Exchange shall be consulted.
Swedbank’s policy is to be as open as possible, even in cases where it is not obvious that the information can be regarded as being of “not insignificant import”. The publication of price-sensitive information shall, as a rule, occur as soon as a decision is taken, or once an event has occurred or become known to the bank.

Analyst, investor meeting and media contacts policy
The bank strives to provide analysts, investors and journalists with as complete a picture as possible of the bank and the industry within the framework of the listing agreement’s rules concerning selective information and the provisions of the Insider Trading Act regarding insider information. The underlying principle is that no distinction should be made between the various recipients.

Relationships with the media
The bank strives to establish open and good relationships with journalists by being available and by offering speedy and professional contacts, in positive and negative contexts alike, thereby creating long-term relationships characterised by trust.

Rumours policy
The bank’s policy is not to comment on rumours - neither to deny nor confirm them - irrespective of the bank’s alleged role. The bank shall, instead, provide relevant information when this can be done with reference to all parties concerned.