Investor Updates
Large Swedish bank opens in Australia
30 October 2012
Svenska Handelsbanken, one of Sweden’s ‘Big Four’ banks, has opened a representative office in Sydney – the first Nordic bank to have a presence in the country.
Robert Karlsson, who heads the office, was previously with the Swedish Trade Council in Sydney. He said that Handelsbanken will offer a wide range of corporate services and could help customers establish a local network of contacts. He added that many of Handelsbanken’s customers are already established in the Australian market: “therefore we feel that our presence is vital”.
Australia’s strong economy and its proximity to China and other emerging markets in Asia are cited as reasons for the 141 year old bank to open in Australia.
Magnus Uggla, head of Handelsbanken International said that the bank now has a presence in 24 countries. “We are strengthening our position in south-east Asia, where we are a leading Nordic player.”
More information