For several decades, the Institute of Private Finances in Sweden has been active in promoting areas related to personal finances. From 18 November the institute will also have a corresponding operation in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. “Our aim is to raise knowledge in private finances in all the bank’s home markets”, said Michael Wolf, CEO of Swedbank. The Institute of Private Finances will be responsible for analysing factors influencing private and household finances from the individual’s and the household’s viewpoint, as well as for educating people in the areas of lending, payments, savings and safety measures related to personal finances. “An increased insight regarding risks and increased knowledge of how financial services work means that people stand a better chance of understanding the benefit of saving and what it means to get in debt. The Institute of Private Finances has an important role to play here. Furthermore, we would like private finances to be included in the school curriculum”, said Ylva Yngveson, head of the Institute of Private Finances in Sweden. In addition, the private finance economists in the Baltic countries will participate in debates and educational training at schools, educational organisations, consumer organisations and the media. “We are going to put a lot of effort into spreading information regarding private finances to all parts of society. We will also work to increase awareness of the long-term importance of savings in situations such as buying a house or laying the foundations for a secure old age”, Michael Wolf added. For further information please contact: Ylva Yngveson, Institute of Private Finances, Swedbank, Sweden, phone: +46 702 00 1245 Anna Sundblad, Group Press Manager, Swedbank, phone: + 46 703 21 3995 Piret Suitsu, Institute of Private Finances, Swedbank in Estonia, phone: +372 888 5815 Ieva Use, Institute of Private Finances, Swedbank in Latvia, phone: +371 67 444 489 Odeta Čičkauskaitė, Institute of Private Finances, Swedbank in Lithuania +370 52 684 111