Internal alert (whistleblowing) process in Swedbank
To detect and address irregularities in our operations, Swedbank has established an Internal alert (whistleblowing) process. Read about how to report irregularities.
It is important that irregularities in our operations are prevented, detected and addressed as soon as possible. Swedbank has a group-wide Internal alert (whistleblowing) process that ensures that all our employees and other stakeholders can report potential or actual irregularities or failures to comply with external regulations applicable to the Group, and internal rules or regulations. This includes irregularities and failures with regard to sustainability (including human rights and environmental issues).
What can be reported
If you suspect irregularities or other serious misconduct within Swedbank, such as fraud, corruption, or other illegal or unethical activities or behaviours in our operations, products or services, we encourage you to report your suspicions through our Internal alert (whistleblowing) process. You do not need to have proof of your suspicion, but all reports should be made in good faith.
Customer complaints or issues related to personal dispute should not be reported through the Internal alert (whistleblowing) process.
Your report should concern a concrete suspicion of irregularities, and you should provide a brief description of the sequence of events and what you consider having been incorrect. You may report anonymously but we encourage you to report openly by providing your name and contact details, as all reports are handled with strict confidentiality.
You may also report verbally through the digital reporting channel.
Handling of the Internal alert (whistleblowing)
Swedbank’s Head of Group Compliance and Head of Group Internal Audit are recipients of the Internal alerts. After reporting your concern, a confirmation of receipt will be sent to you within seven days, provided it does not compromise your identity.
If the report is assessed as an Internal alert case, it will be handled in accordance with the Groups Internal alert (whistleblowing) process. The respective whistleblowing team will manage and investigate the case. Information about the handling of the case will continuously be provided to the whistleblower, and at the latest within three months after the date of reporting the irregularity.
When a report has not been assessed as an Internal alert case, you will be informed of this. In some cases, the report may be assigned to another unit within the Group for further handling.
All internal alerts are treated with strict confidentiality, ensuring that the individual making the report is protected against any retaliation or other negative impact.
Report externally
We encourage you to report directly to our internal reporting channel, but you can also report externally to authorities. In Sweden you can report suspected breaches of the rules on the financial markets to Finansinspektionen and breaches of personal data to the Swedish Authority for Privacy Protection.