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 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 a structure for how we identify, select, and monitor these projects, and we report openly on the results to ensure transparency.

2025 Framework update

Swedbank first established a Green Bond Framework in 2017 and developed a Sustainable Funding Framework in 2022. In 2023, Swedbank became the first Nordic bank to issue a social bond.

In 2025, Swedbank has updated its Sustainable Funding Framework to align with the latest market practices and to further clarify the eligibility criteria. The update builds on the 2022 framework and strengthens our work with sustainable financing towards our customers.

The eligible green assets contribute to the EU Taxonomy environmental objectives and the United Nations SDGs. The eligibility criteria align, to a large extent and on a best-effort basis, with the Substantial Contribution Criteria of the EU Delegated Act (EU) 2021/2139 (June 2021).

ISS-Corporate has reviewed and provided a second-party opinion (SPO) of the updated framework. The SPO confirms that the framework meets a high sustainability standard, aligns with the principles of the International Capital Market Association (ICMA), and contributes to the fulfilment of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. For more information, please review the Framework.

• Renewable energy
• Energy efficiency
• Green buildings
• Sustainable management of living natural resources
• Pollution prevention and control
• Sustainable water and wastewater management
• Clean transportation
• Climate change adaptation
• Circular economy

• Employment generation
• Affordable housing
• Socioeconomic advancement and empowerment