Sustainability

At Handelsbanken we understand the impact we have on society, the environment and the financial market. Taking responsibility and taking a long term view are core values that have guided our work over many decades.

Strong and lasting business relationships, low risk-taking and cost-awareness are all cornerstones of our culture. This kind of sustainable thinking has been integrated in how we do business for so long that it has become natural to us. Our financial strength and duty to be a responsible tax payer helps us avoid becoming a burden on society when times get tough. Instead, we positively contribute to society by being financially stable. We always want to be close to the communities we operate in, and the customers.

We have a significant responsibility and we take that responsibility.

Handelsbanken must act responsibly in everything it does. From being a responsible taxpayer, countering financial crime and upholding human rights, to being a financially stable bank and safeguarding customers' personal data and their financial health.

Our sustainability work also include how we act as an employer. Gender equality, diversity and an inclusive corporate culture are part of our core values and shall be a natural part of the daily operations. Our employees various backgrounds and experiences enable us all to contribute to the operations with different perspectives.

Our sustainability goals are related to our core businesses: financing, investment and advisory services, and are based on the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement. The goals include taking on climate challenges and reaching net zero emissions, but also to contribute to reducing the wealth gap between men and women through advisory services and training initiatives.

The Sustainable Development Goals were adopted by the UN General Assembly in September 2015. They consists of 17 goals, which aim at achieving sustainable social, environmental and financial development. We have chosen to focus on six of these goals, all of which are related to our core business.