Global Finance's annual ranking places Handelsbanken as the safest commercial bank in the world. This is the first time a Swedish bank has topped the list of the most financially stable and secure banks from all over the globe.
"First place is a testament to the strength of our decentralised business model," says Michael Green, President and Chief Executive Officer of Handelsbanken.
The study covers over 500 banks worldwide, and looks at factors such as credit ratings from the leading rating agencies and an assessment of the banks' long-term financial strength. Handelsbanken was already ranked as Europe's safest bank. Now the Bank has climbed to the top of the global ranking, becoming the first ever Swedish bank to do so.
"A bank is never stronger than its customers. We know our customers, often personally, and a great many of them share our focus on long-term decision-making and stability. This is the foundation of Handelsbanken's competitiveness, financial health and capacity to create value over time," says Michael Green.
No other privately owned bank in the world has a higher credit rating than Handelsbanken when looking at the combined assessments of the leading credit rating agencies: Fitch, Moody's, and S&P.
"With our financial strength, we are well equipped to support our customers and provide them with credit, no matter the state of the business environment or market climate. Our combined rating puts us at the absolute peak of all the world's banks, which understably makes us immensely proud", says Mårten Bjurman, Handelsbanken's CFO.
While products and services are continuously being developed and adapted to meet customer demand, the business model and corporate culture have remained constant for generations. By consistently valuing a long-term perspective ahead of short-term gains, the Bank has earned the trust of its customers, investors and other stakeholders.
"Handelsbanken's achievement in reaching the top of our World's Safest Commercial Banks ranking is a remarkable milestone, demonstrating the strength of a long-term, customer-centric banking model. The Swedish bank's strategy is built on close, personal customer relationships and a low tolerance for risk. That approach has delivered strong capitalization, sound governance and disciplined lending through changing market conditions. In an increasingly uncertain global environment, Handelsbanken stands out as a benchmark for resilience and stability", says Joseph Giarraputo, founder and editorial director of Global Finance.
More information about the study
Global Finance's "The World's Safest Commercial Banks" is an annual ranking of the most safe and secure commercial banks worldwide. The list does not include banks that are majority-owned by governments or regions. Read more about the study here.
For further information, please contact:
Handelsbanken Press Office, press@handelsbanken.se, +46 8 701 80 18
For more information about Handelsbanken, see: https://www.handelsbanken.com/