In its rationale, the jury highlighted how gender equality has been integrated into the bank’s regular governance and accountability structures, and how these efforts are linked to business development and operations. The jury also noted that these issues have become a natural part of the bank’s long-term work and decision-making.

“Receiving this award is recognition that decades of work on diversity and gender equality can deliver results when pursued consistently and with a long-term perspective. We are a bank with a 200-year history, and this award reminds us what kind of organisation we want to be during the next 200 years,” says Artin Shams, Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Swedbank.

The Chief Diversity Officer role in Swedbank’s Group Executive Committee

Since 2022, Swedbank has had a Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) role within its Group Executive Committee, with a two-year rotating term. The role is intended to strengthen the integration of diversity, equity and inclusion matters into the bank’s day-to-day operations and to contribute to making these perspectives an integral part of the bank’s leadership and governance.

“The CDO role is an important way of keeping these issues close to both leadership and the business. It helps ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion are part of how we lead and develop the bank over time,” says Artin Shams.

Diversity Charter Sweden

Diversity Charter Sweden is an EU-initiated network that has been promoting diversity and non-discrimination in Swedish working life since 2010. The network comprises around 170 member organisations, including some of Sweden’s largest companies and public-sector organisations.

Read more about Swedbank’s work on diversity, equity and inclusion:
Diversity and inclusion | Swedbank

Read more about the DCS Awards 2026 in Swedish:
Här är vinnarna i DCS Awards 2026! – Diversity Charter Sweden Awards