Sustainable bonds
The Swedbank Sustainable Funding Framework 2025 is an update of the 2022 Sustainable Funding Framework to align with the latest market practices and to further clarify the eligibility criteria. The update is based on the 2022 framework and strengthens our work with sustainable financing.
Swedbank’s Sustainable Funding Framework is aligned with the ICMA Green Bond Principles 2025, Social Bond Principles 2025 and Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2021. Swedbank has a Second Party Opinion from ISS-Corporate to evaluate the Sustainable Funding Framework. Swedbank established the Green Bond Framework in October 2017 to begin issuing green bonds in the global capital markets and to enable and support sustainable financing in our home markets.
Financing sustainable innovations and services
The Sustainable Funding Framework supports Swedbank’s strategy to contribute to net-zero emissions and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Swedbank’s overarching climate objective is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 and to adapt lending and investment portfolios to the 1.5°C target, thereby aligning with the Paris Agreement. In 2024, Swedbank published its initial Climate Transition Plan, outlining the work to achieve net-zero emissions, where the framework works as a strategic driver.
Swedbank has set sector targets to be achieved by 2030 for parts of its loan portfolio in line with the 1.5°C pathways defined in the Agreement. The targets cover key sectors from both an exposure and carbon impact perspective. Furthermore, Swedbank has set an ambition level to triple its sustainable finance volumes by 2027 compared to a 2022 baseline. Green and social financing in line with the Sustainable Funding Framework is a significant part of the sustainable finance volumes.
Swedbank’s Sustainable Funding Framework consists of two key components that together create impact. The first component is about funding – issuing green, social, and sustainability bonds. Through these bonds, we attract capital from investors who want to contribute to sustainable development. The Framework ensures that these bonds follow international standards, which builds trust and helps us meet market and investor requirements.
The second component is about how we use the money – financing green and social assets. The funds raised through the bonds are directed to projects and assets that meet clear criteria and deliver environmental or social benefits, such as renewable energy, energy-efficient buildings, or projects with social purposes. The Framework provides structure for how we identify, select, and monitor these projects, and we report openly on the results to ensure transparency.
By issuing green, social and sustainability bonds, Swedbank has the opportunity to promote and support the long-term development of sustainable solutions through financing sustainable innovations and services.