FORM 6-K

 

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

 

Report of Foreign Private Issuer

Dated October 22, 2020

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

Aktiebolaget Svensk Exportkredit

Swedish Export Credit Corporation

(Translation of Registrant’s Name into English)

 

Klarabergsviadukten

61-63

SE-101 23 Stockholm

Sweden

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports under cover Form 20-F or Form 40-F.

 

  Form 20-F   x Form 40-F   ¨

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1):   N/A

 

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7):   N/A

 

Indicate by check mark whether by furnishing the information contained in this Form, the registrant is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

  Yes   ¨ No   x

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate below the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):  N/A

 

 

 

 

 

 

Incorporation by Reference

 

This Report on Form 6-K, including the exhibits hereto, is hereby incorporated by reference, in its entirety, into the registration statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-221336) of Aktiebolaget Svensk Exportkredit (publ) (“SEK”).

 

This Report comprises the following:

 

1.  Registrant’s report for the third quarter of 2020.
 
2.  Table of unaudited consolidated capitalization of the Registrant (attached as Exhibit 99.2 hereto).

 

  1  

 

 

AB Svensk Exportkredit

 

Swedish Export Credit Corporation

 

Interim Report 2020

January-September 2020

 

  2  

 

 

SIGNATURE

 

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

 

Dated: October 22, 2020

 

  AB Svensk Exportkredit
   
  (Swedish Export Credit Corporation)
   
  By: /s/ Catrin Fransson
     
    Catrin Fransson, Chief Executive Officer

 

  3  

 

 

AB Svensk Exportkredit
Swedish Export Credit Corporation

 

 

 

 

Summary

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January-September 2020

(Compared to the period January-September 2019)

 

· Net interest income Skr 1,427 million (9M19: Skr 1,286 million)
· Operating profit Skr 802 million (9M19: Skr 933 million)
· Net profit Skr 627 million (9M19: Skr 734 million)
· New lending Skr 106.9 billion (9M19: Skr 61.6 billion)
· Basic and diluted earnings per share Skr 157 (9M19: Skr 184)
· After-tax return on equity 4.3 percent (9M19: 5.3 percent)

 

Third quarter of 2020

(Compared to the third quarter of 2019)

 

· Net interest income Skr 553 million (3Q19: Skr 436 million)
· Operating profit Skr 512 million (3Q19: Skr 253 million)
· Net profit Skr 403 million (3Q19: Skr 198 million)
· New lending Skr 17.1 billion (3Q19: Skr 16.2 billion)
· Basic and diluted earnings per share Skr 101 (3Q19: Skr 50)
· After-tax return on equity 8.2 percent (3Q19: 4.2 percent)

 

Equity and balances

(Compared to December 31, 2019)

 

· Total capital ratio 20.3 percent (year-end 2019: 20.6 percent)
· Total assets Skr 370.4 billion (year-end 2019: Skr 317.3 billion)
· Loans, outstanding and undisbursed Skr 306.5 billion (year-end 2019: Skr 269.7 billion)

 

 

 

2

 

 

Statement by the CEO

 

SEK plays an even more crucial role in times of economic turbulence

 

The high demand for financing that we noted last spring in the wake of COVID-19 and that continued through the second quarter, has fallen off in the third quarter, with lending volumes returning to more normal levels. This is due in part to many exporters having already covered their financing needs and in part to indicators signaling that the Swedish economy has entered a recovery phase. New lending for the third quarter amounted to Skr 17.1 billion, up slightly on the corresponding period last year (3Q19: Skr 16.2 billion). The high level of lending during the year resulted in third-quarter net interest income being the highest to date for SEK. Even if new lending has now returned to normal levels, the developments this year showcase SEK’s crucial role in times of economic turbulence.

 

One remaining effect of the pandemic is that the majority of SEK’s employees are continuing to work remotely, at least until the end of the year. Working from home has been highly effective from both a technical and a practical standpoint. The majority of client meetings are also conducted remotely, which has worked well, and slowly but surely, onboarding of new clients has started to pick up. However, the number of new clients is down on our expectations at the start of the year.

 

It is now more important than ever for industry to invest in the transition to a more sustainable world, in particular given the need to restart the economy and to reach the Swedish climate goals contained in the Paris Agreement. SEK aims to be a positive force in the transition and has excellent prerequisites to contribute. The company has extensive experience of financing renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure on an international scale.

 

We have identified four areas in substantial need of transition, namely: transportation, energy, shipping and smart cities. Through competitive finance offerings, SEK can assist in the industry’s transition to more fossil-frugal products and operations.

 

In line with SEK’s focus on sustainability, the company has issued three Swedish krona denominated green bonds for a total nominal amount of Skr 1.3 billion during the third quarter.

 

Operating profit for the first nine months of the year was Skr 802 million (9M19: Skr 933 million). The decrease in earnings was mainly due to increased provisions for expected credit losses. Net interest income totaled Skr 1,427 million (9M19: Skr 1,286 million), up 11 percent year-on-year.

 

 





Catrin Fransson
Chief Executive Officer
 

 

3

 

 

Operations

 

 

 

 

Increased lending to green investments

 

Following record highs for new lending in the second quarter, volumes have returned to more normal levels. New lending for the third quarter amounted to Skr 17.1 billion (3Q19: Skr 16.2 billion). Many companies resolved their financing needs in the spring, when uncertainty regarding the pandemic was at its greatest. Accordingly, demand from clients is expected to decline over the remainder of the year.

 

In the third quarter, transactions were dominated by factoring services to support just under half of the lending volume and by export credits to Africa. The largest export credit pertained to green financing of solar power parks in Angola, where Hitachi ABB Power Grids and a number of Swedish companies are supplying equipment. The loan has a long maturity of 18 years and the EUR 560 million export credit was arranged by ING Bank in the Netherlands and is guaranteed by the Swedish Export Credit Agency.

 

One of SEK’s new clients is Climeon AB, which converts low temperature heat into clean electricity. Climeon is an excellent example of Swedish engineering expertise with an end-product that contributes to fossil free energy. SEK has high ambitions for working with companies whose products and services promote the transition.

 

New lending
 
Skr bn     Jan-Sep 2020       Jan-Sep 2019       Jan-Dec 2019  
Lending to Swedish exporters1     55.7       20.1       24.9  
Lending to exporters’ customers2     51.2       41.5       49.6  
Total     106.9       61.6       74.5  
CIRR loans as percentage of new lending     16 %     25 %     21 %

 

 

1 Of which Skr 0.8 billion (9M19: 0.8 billion; year-end 2019: Skr 1.8 billion) had not been disbursed at period end.
2 Of which Skr 16.7 billion (9M19: 17.0 billion; year-end 2019: Skr 16.3 billion) had not been disbursed at period end.

 

 

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

 

High issue volumes

 

During the first nine months of the year, SEK has raised sums corresponding to Skr 100 billion with long maturities, that is maturities of over one year, amounting to an increase of Skr 40 billion compared with the same period last year. In parallel, SEK has issued a large volume of commercial paper with shorter maturities, corresponding to Skr 19 billion. SEK’s long-term relationships with investors and its good name in the market resulted in the high volumes being well received.

 

SEK’s borrowing levels have successively declined since the spring, following the severe disruption in the capital markets that arose in conjunction with the COVID-19 pandemic. In August, SEK issued a USD 1 billion five-year fixed-rate benchmark bond. The bond’s interest rate was 13 basis points lower than an equivalent five-year bond issued in May this year. In September, SEK issued a USD 1.25 billion three-year benchmark bond at the same rate as for the corresponding maturity last year.

 

In line with SEK’s focus on sustainability, the company has issued Skr 1.3 billion in green bonds during the third quarter.

 

SEK’s borrowing
 
Skr bn     Jan-Sep 2020       Jan-Sep 2019       Jan-Dec 2019  
New long-term borrowings     99.8       56.5       81.1  
Outstanding senior debt     352.2       292.4       273.0  
Repurchase and redemption of own debt     2.8       6.3       21.3  

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments on the consolidated financial accounts

 

January-September 2020

 

Operating profit amounted to Skr 802 million (9M19: Skr 933 million). Net profit amounted to Skr 627 million (9M19: Skr 734 million). The decrease compared to the same period in the previous year was mainly due to an increase in provisions for expected credit losses and lower net results of financial transactions.

 

Net interest income

 

Net interest income amounted to Skr 1,427 million (9M19: Skr 1,286 million), an increase of 11 percent compared to the same period in the previous year. Net interest income was positively affected by high volumes of new lending during the first half of the year. Net interest income also increased by Skr 63 million due to a lower resolution fee that SEK is required to pay to a fund to support the recovery of credit institutions, which amounted to Skr 64 million (9M19: Skr 127 million). In 2020, the resolution fee amounts to 0.05 percent of the calculation basis (2019: 0.09 percent).

 

The table below shows average interest-bearing assets and liabilities.

 

Skr bn, average   Jan-Sep 2020     Jan-Sep 2019     Change  
Total loans     232.4       218.5       6 %
Liquidity investments     71.1       64.1       11 %
Interest-bearing assets     320.8       290.6       10 %
Interest-bearing liabilities     299.1       275.1       9 %

 

Net results of financial transactions

 

Net results of financial transactions amounted to Skr -4 million (9M19: Skr 113 million). During the period, there was significant volatility in the financial markets. This was reflected by wide swings in the market factors to which SEK’s unrealized earnings are exposed, such as interest rates and, basis and credit spreads. The impact on total earnings in the period was limited, even if individual market factors contributed to increased volatility in unrealized earnings during the period.

 

Operating expenses

 

Skr mn   Jan-Sep 2020     Jan-Sep 2019     Change  
Personnel expenses     -252       -243       4 %
Other administrative expenses     -142       -149       -5 %
Depreciation and impairment of non-financial assets     -39       -43       -9 %
Total operating expenses     -433       -435       0 %

 

Operating expenses decreased slightly compared to the same period in the previous year, which was mainly due to a decrease in other administrative expenses, partially offset by an increase in personnel expenses.

 

A provision of Skr 6 million was made for the individual variable remuneration program (9M19: Skr 7 million).

 

Net credit losses

 

Net credit losses amounted to Skr -160 million (9M19: Skr -8 million), which consisted entirely of increased provisions for expected credit losses. The significant increase in provisions for expected credit losses was primarily attributable to market conditions in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, with SEK noting an increase in stage 1 and 2 expected credit losses. SEK’s IFRS 9 model is based on GDP growth projections estimating the impact on the probability of default. SEK’s management believes it underestimates the probability of default within the asset portfolio, see Note 4. SEK has accordingly made an overall adjustment.

 

Loss allowances as of September 30, 2020 amounted to Skr -261 million compared to Skr -128 million as of December 31, 2019, of which exposures in stage 3 amounted to Skr -49 million (year-end 2019: Skr -64 million). The decrease in stage 3 is the result of an established loss, which had previously been fully reserved.

 

Taxes

 

Tax costs amounted to Skr -175 million (9M19: Skr -199 million), and the effective tax rate amounted to 21.4 percent (9M19: 21.3 percent).

 

Other comprehensive income (OCI)

 

Other comprehensive income before tax amounted to Skr -6 million (9M19: Skr -7 million). The result is explained by a negative result related to the revaluation of defined benefit plans, which were affected by the drop of the discount rate during the year. This was offset by a positive result related to changes in own credit risk.

 

July-September 2020

 

Operating profit amounted to Skr 512 million (3Q19: Skr 253 million). Net profit amounted to Skr 403 million (3Q19: Skr 198 million). The increase compared to the same period in the previous year was mainly due to higher net interest income, in addition to higher net results of financial transactions, which were affected positively by unrealized changes in market values.

 

Net interest income

 

Net interest income amounted to Skr 553 million (3Q19: Skr 436 million), an increase of 27 percent compared to the same period in the previous year. The increased volumes of new lending throughout the first and second quarters and normal levels of lending in the third quarter in aggregate had a positive effect on net interest income in the third quarter. Net interest income also increased by Skr 21 million due to a lower resolution fee that amounted to a total of Skr 21 million (3Q19: Skr 42 million) for the period.

 

 

6

 

 

The table below shows average interest-bearing assets and liabilities.

 

Skr bn, average   Jul-Sep 2020     Jul-Sep 2019     Change  
Total loans     247.6       223.9       11 %
Liquidity investments     67.4       61.2       10 %
Interest-bearing assets     334.1       301.7       11 %
Interest-bearing liabilities     314.8       281.2       12 %

 

Net results of financial transactions

 

Net results of financial transactions amounted to Skr 87 million (3Q19: Skr -42 million). The result is mainly due to a positive effect from basis spreads.

 

Operating expenses

 

Skr mn   Jul-Sep 2020     Jul-Sep 2019     Change  
Personnel expenses     -75       -72       4 %
Other administrative expenses     -44       -43       2 %
Depreciation and impairment of non-financial assets     -13       -15       -13 %
Total operating expenses     -132       -130       2 %

 

Operating expenses increased 2 percent compared to the same period in the previous year.

 

A provision of Skr 6 million was made for the individual variable remuneration program (3Q19: Skr 2 million).

 

Net credit losses

 

Net credit losses amounted to Skr 15 million (3Q19: Skr -4 million) and consist of decreased provisions for expected credit losses. The decreased credit losses for the third quarter were primarily attributable to a decrease in stage 1 expected credit losses. The macroeconomic development during the third quarter has shown a stronger recovery than previously projected. Management has therefore made the assessment that the total expected credit losses will be slightly lower than the assessment in the previous quarter. Management’s assessment, however, is that the recovery is still not as strong as SEK’s IFRS 9 model indicates, see Note 4. SEK has accordingly made an overall adjustment.

 

Taxes

 

Tax costs amounted to Skr -109 million (3Q19: Skr -55 million), and the effective tax rate amounted to 21.4 percent (3Q19: 21.7 percent).

 

Other comprehensive income (OCI)

 

Other comprehensive income before tax amounted to Skr -54 million (3Q19: Skr -26 million), mainly due to negative results related both to changes in own credit risk and the revaluation of defined benefit plans.

 

Statement of Financial Position

 

Total assets and liquidity investments

 

Total assets increased compared to the end of 2019, mainly driven by increased lending volumes and increased lending capacity due to the COVID-19 pandemic. During the period, SEK had a substantial increase in demand for financing, mainly from existing clients, which has also led to an increase in committed loans.

 

Skr bn   September 30,
2020
    December 31,
2019
    Change  
Total assets     370.4       317.3       17 %
Liquidity investments     78.6       63.6       24 %
Total loans     247.1       217.6       14 %
of which loans in the CIRR-system     75.2       76.1       -1 %

 

Total net exposures, exposures after risk mitigation, amounted to Skr 397.9 billion as of September 30, 2020 (year-end 2019: Skr 347.5 billion). Credit exposures to central governments and corporates have increased during the period as a result of increased lending to Swedish exporters, part of which has been guaranteed by government agencies. Exposures to financial institutions have decreased due to active liquidity management measures by the company.

 

Liabilities and equity

 

As of September 30, 2020, the aggregate volume of available funds and shareholders’ equity exceeded the aggregate volume of loans outstanding and loans committed at all maturities. SEK considers all of its outstanding commitments to be covered through maturity.

 

SEK has a credit facility in place with the Swedish National Debt Office of up to Skr 200 billion. To ensure coverage of the increased demand from clients within the officially supported export credit (“CIRR”) framework, SEK utilized Skr 10 billion from the facility during the first quarter of 2020. The credit facility can now be utilized for both loans covered by the CIRR-system and, up to Skr 15 billion, for commercial export financing. The credit facility is intended as a reserve when funding markets are not available to SEK.

 

Capital adequacy

 

As of September 30, 2020, SEK’s total own funds amounted to Skr 19.1 billion (year-end 2019: Skr 18.3 billion). The total capital ratio was 20.3 percent (year-end 2019: 20.6 percent), representing a margin of 5.3 percentage points above SEK’s estimate of Finansinspektionen’s (the Swedish FSA) requirement of 15.0 percent as of September 30, 2020. The corresponding Common Equity Tier 1 capital estimated requirement was 10.0 percent. Given that SEK’s own funds are comprised solely of Common Equity Tier 1 capital, this represents a margin of 10.3 percentage points above the requirement. Overall, SEK is strongly capitalized and has healthy liquidity.

 

 

7

 

 

 

Percent   September 30,
2020
    December 31,
2019
 
Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio     20.3       20.6  
Tier 1 capital ratio     20.3       20.6  
Total capital ratio     20.3       20.6  
Leverage ratio     5.1       5.7  
Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR)1     337       620  
Net stable funding ratio (NSFR)1     139       120  

 

 

1 In the first quarter of 2020, SEK has changed its methodology for calculating LCR and NSFR as an adaptation to future regulatory requirements. The changes to the LCR calculation only have a marginal effect on the outcome, while the new NSFR calculation has a slight positive effect.

 

Rating

 

    Skr   Foreign currency
Moody’s   Aa1/Stable   Aa1/Stable
Standard & Poor’s   AA+/Stable   AA+/Stable

 

Other events

 

Due to the substantial disruption of the financial system and the negative effects for Sweden’s export industry that the COVID-19 pandemic has had, SEK and its owner have implemented measures with the aim of strengthening SEK’s lending capacity and providing the company with a greater ability to support Swedish exporters. One measure consists of a resolution passed at the annual general meeting on March 26, 2020, whereby it was resolved that no dividend would be paid for 2019. The Swedish parliament also authorized the Swedish government to increase SEK’s credit facility with the Swedish National Debt Office from Skr 125 billion to Skr 200 billion. SEK can now use the credit facility both within the current CIRR-system and, up to Skr 15 billion, for commercial export financing.

 

The macro environment

 

In light of the UK’s departure from the EU, SEK has ensured that all of its agreements and limits with the banks the company does business with will continue to apply.

 

Further, SEK has assets and liabilities which are accounted for at fair value. Increased volatility in prices on the financial markets might increase the volatility in SEK’s unrealized results.

 

According to Statistics Sweden, the annualized rate of Swedish GDP growth was -7.7 percent in the second quarter of 2020 and the unemployment rate was 9.1 percent as of August 2020. The consumer price index rose 0.8 percent on an annualized basis in August and the repo rate remained unchanged at zero percent.

 

Swedish exports decreased by 18.2 percent during the second quarter of 2020 compared with the previous quarter. Growth in global trade slowed in 2019 and at the start of 2020. This development accelerated as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, as evidenced by the sharp downturn in global growth, trade and economic indicators. Projections for these indicators were revised sharply downward by leading forecasters during the second quarter. For example, the World Bank projects global growth to decline by 5.2 percent in 2020.

 

The effects of COVID-19 overshadowed the impacts of the departure of the United Kingdom (“UK”) from the European Union (“EU”) in January 2020, trade conflicts and geopolitical risks, as the majority of societal functions worldwide became subject to differing degrees of restrictions or outright closure. During the third quarter, some relief was noted in restrictions and the reopening of certain societal functions in a number of jurisdictions. Economic activity and global trade are showing signs of a slight recovery in many parts of the world. The majority of the macroeconomic figures published in the third quarter have come in better than projected, albeit still at historic lows.

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a major negative impact on Swedish exports, but there are already signs of recovery during the third quarter. Industry order intake in Sweden grew by 5.6 percent between July and August, and Business Sweden’s Export Managers’ Index rose by 11.5 units to 48.7 in August, which indicates a more optimistic view among export companies, especially in their three month outlook.

 

The strong state of Sweden’s public finances, with low public debt, has been advantageous in terms of the possibility of fiscal stimulus. The state has implemented special measures to promote Swedish exports during the COVID-19 pandemic and SEK’s role of securing financing for the Swedish export industry has become even clearer in the form of, inter alia, an expanded credit facility with the Swedish National Debt Office.

 

 

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Risk factors

 

Various risks arise as part of SEK’s operations, which primarily consist of credit risks, but also include market, liquidity, re-financing, operational and sustainability risks. For a more detailed description of these risks, refer to the separate risk report Capital Adequacy and Risk Management Report – Pillar 3 2019 and Note 30 to the annual financial statements included in SEK’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

The following risk factors supplement the “Risk Factors” section in SEK’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

COVID-19 could have an adverse effect on SEK’s business.

 

While the direct and indirect impact of the global COVID-19 outbreak remains uncertain, a number of central banks and governments have announced financial stimulus packages in anticipation of a very significant negative impact on gross domestic product during 2020. Concerns remain as to whether these policy tools will counter anticipated macro-economic risks. A prolongation of the outbreak could significantly adversely affect global economic growth, and impact business operations across the global economy generally, both as a result of weakened economic activity and in terms of the health and wellbeing of employees being affected. Such weakening of the economy and or operations could have a material adverse impact on the financial performance or operations of counterparties to SEK, and correspondingly impact SEK, or the cost of funding for SEK, which could have an adverse impact on SEK’s business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

 

Disruptions in the financial markets or economic recessions, including as a result of geopolitical instability and as a result of the recent global outbreak of COVID-19, may have an adverse effect on SEK’s financial performance.

 

SEK’s business and earnings are affected by general business, economic and market conditions, especially within Sweden and Europe. Uncertainties remain concerning the outlook and the future economic environment related to recent events in those regions, such as the impacts of the global outbreak of COVID-19, a continuing weak economic outlook in certain European countries and the uncertainty surrounding the economic effect of the withdrawal of the UK from the EU on January 31, 2020. Although SEK does not have operations in the UK, a large portion of SEK’s borrowings are arranged through banks in the UK. If SEK fails to maintain these agreements on favorable terms following Brexit or the agreements completed with such UK banks’ EU-based affiliates cannot be utilized effectively, SEK’s business and financial performance will suffer. Uncertainties remain as to what, if any, impact a new regulatory regime in the UK and in the EU will have on these agreements.

 

Additionally, even in the absence of slow economic growth or recessions, other economic circumstances – including, but not limited to, volatility in energy prices, contractions in infrastructure spending, fluctuations in market interest or exchange rates, and concerns over the financial health of sovereign governments and their instrumentalities – may have negative consequences for the companies and industries that the Group provides financing to (as well as the financial condition of SEK’s financial counterparties) and could, in addition to the other factors cited above, have material adverse effects on the Group’s business prospects, financial condition or ability to fulfill its debt obligations.

 

Disruptions in the financial markets or economic recessions (including as a result of the recent global outbreak of COVID-19) may negatively affect the credit quality of borrowers and cause risk to other counterparties, which may cause SEK to incur credit losses or affect the value of its assets.

 

Risks arising from the credit quality of borrowers and counterparties and the recoverability of loans and amounts due from counterparties in derivative transactions are inherent in SEK’s businesses. Consequently, SEK may incur credit losses or delinquency in debt repayments even in normal economic circumstances. Financial market disruptions or economic recessions (including as a result of the recent global outbreak of COVID-19) may further affect SEK’s customers and counterparties, negatively affecting their ability to fulfill their obligations. Market and economic disruptions may affect, among other things, business and consumer spending, bankruptcy rates and asset prices, creating a greater likelihood of impact on an increased number of SEK’s customers’ or counterparties’ credit demand or that they may become delinquent in their loans or other obligations to SEK. For example, following the 2007/2008 financial crisis, SEK was forced to write down the value of some of its assets as a result of disruptions in the financial markets. Such disruptions may affect the recoverability and value of SEK’s assets and may necessitate an increase in SEK’s provisions for delinquent and defaulted debt and other provisions, which could in turn have a material adverse effect on SEK’s business and/or its ability to repay its debts.

 

 

9

 

In addition, SEK has made an adjustment to estimated credit losses in determining its provision for credit losses to take into account the support measures implemented by the government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to help companies in crisis. These measures may not be effective or companies may be affected more greatly than indicated in the models SEK uses, which would result in higher credit losses than SEK has reserved for, which could have a material adverse effect on SEKs results, financial condition or ability to fulfil its debt obligations.

 

Reduced access to international capital markets for the financing of SEK’s operations, or less favorable financing terms, may negatively impact SEK’s profitability and its ability to fulfill its obligations.

 

In order to finance its operations, SEK is dependent on the international capital markets, where it competes with other issuers to obtain financing. Although SEK has been able to successfully finance its operations to date, factors outside SEK’s control may have material adverse effects on the Group’s continued ability to obtain such financing or could cause the cost of such financing to increase. As a result of the recent global outbreak of COVID-19, global markets are extremely turbulent and volatile. For example, as a result of the financial crisis in 2008, SEK experienced higher costs of funding through the international capital markets, as did other issuers during this time. In 2008, SEK was able to offset the increased cost of funding by increasing the margins on its lending, but currently and in the future, that might not be possible, which could result in more expensive access to the capital markets, which could have a material adverse effect on SEK’s results of operations.

 

A key factor affecting the cost and availability of financing is SEK’s credit rating. Although the Group currently has favorable credit ratings from various credit rating agencies, those credit ratings depend on many factors, some of which are outside of SEK’s control. Significant factors in determining SEK’s credit ratings or that otherwise could affect its ability to raise financing include its ownership structure, asset quality, liquidity profile, short and long-term financial prospects, risk exposures, capital ratios, and prudential measures, as well as government support and SEK’s public policy role. Notwithstanding regular confirmation from SEK’s owner (the Swedish State) of its continued support for SEK’s current public policy role, there is a risk that this view could change in the future. Deterioration in any one of these factors or in any combination of these factors may lead rating agencies to downgrade SEK’s credit ratings. If the Group were to experience a downgrade in its credit ratings, it would likely become necessary to offer increased interest margins in the capital markets in order to obtain financing, which would likely substantially lower the Group’s profit margins and earnings, harm its overall liquidity and negatively affect its business and its ability to fulfill its obligations.

 

SEK may experience negative changes in the value of its assets or liabilities and may incur other losses related to volatile and illiquid market conditions.

 

Market volatility, illiquid market conditions and disruptions in the credit markets, including the current conditions as a result of the global outbreak of COVID-19, make it difficult to value certain of SEK’s assets and liabilities during certain periods. For example, SEK is exposed to changes in fair value due to changes in credit spreads on its own debt and due to changes in currency basis spread, which it has not hedged, and such changes in fair value can have a negative impact on SEK’s results as reported under IFRS. Subsequent valuations, in light of factors then prevailing, may result in significant changes in the value of such assets or liabilities in future periods. In addition, at the time of any sale of any such assets, the prices SEK ultimately realizes will depend on the demand and liquidity in the market at that time and may be materially lower than such assets’ current fair value. Any of these factors could require SEK to negatively change the carrying amount of such assets or liabilities, which may have an adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition in future periods.

 

Losses could result from SEK’s derivatives used for hedging, and SEK’s hedging strategies may not be effective.

 

SEK uses hedging instruments in an attempt to manage interest rate, currency, credit, basis and other market-related risks.

 

If any of the variety of instruments and strategies the Group uses to hedge its exposure to these various types of risk is not effective, the Group may incur losses, which may have an adverse effect on the Group’s financial condition and could impair its ability to timely repay or refinance its debts. The majority of SEK’s derivative contracts are OTC derivatives, i.e., derivative contracts that are not transacted on an exchange. These derivatives are entered into under ISDA Master Agreements. If counterparty defaults on these contracts, the underlying exposure would no longer be effectively hedged, which could result in losses.

 

In addition, there can be no assurance that the Group will continue to be able to hedge risks related to current or future assets or liabilities in accordance with its current policies in an efficient manner or at all. Disruptions such as market crises and economic recessions, including the current conditions as a result of the global outbreak of COVID-19, may put a strain on the availability and effectiveness of hedging instruments or strategies. For example, the expected transition away from LIBOR and similar benchmark rates may have a different impact on the hedged item and the hedging instrument, which could cause some of SEK’s hedge to become ineffective, resulting in potential losses. An inability to hedge its risks could increase SEK’s losses due to those risks, which could have an adverse effect on SEK’s financial condition and its ability to fulfill its obligations.

 

SEK is exposed to significant operational risk, which could harm SEK’s business, financial performance or the ability to repay its debt.

 

SEK’s businesses are dependent on the ability to process complex transactions efficiently and accurately. Operational risk for a financial institution such as SEK can arise from fraud, errors by employees, failure to document transactions properly or to obtain proper internal authorizations, equipment failures, natural disasters, information security failures, data loss, cyber-attacks and breaches from known malware or malware that may be developed in the future or the failure of external systems such as, for example, those of SEK’s suppliers or counterparties. These risks could be exacerbated under the current conditions as a result of the global outbreak of COVID-19. Despite having taken preventative actions to protect the security of its information relative to its perceived risks, SEK may nevertheless experience major security failures, data losses, cyber-attacks or breaches in the future, which could have a material adverse effect on SEK’s business. Failure to address operational risk and increased regulatory requirements relating to operational risk may lead to additional costs, losses or damages to SEK’s reputation which may negatively affect customers’ and investors’ confidence, and thus SEK’s business, financial performance or ability to repay its debt. For example, SEK has in the past incurred additional costs related to the enhancement of IT-system due to increased regulatory burdens. If, for example, SEK failed to properly comply with its obligations under financial guarantee contracts or other credit risk reducing arrangements or if the contracts were not properly drafted, this could result in SEK not being able to effectively seek recourse to such guarantees or other arrangements in the event the relevant borrower was unable to repay its debt to SEK.

 

SEK’s reputation could also be damaged if SEK fails to comply with current legislation and best practices or in any other way fails to meet its commitments and expectations. A significant failure in managing SEK’s operational risk could materially and adversely affect the Company’s business, financial condition, results of operation or ability to repay its debt.

 

10

 

 

Financial targets

 

Profitability target A return on equity of at least 6 percent over time.
Dividend policy Payment of an ordinary dividend of 30 percent of the profit for the year.
Capital target SEK’s total capital ratio is to exceed the Swedish FSA’s requirement by 2 to 4 percentage points and SEK’s Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio is to exceed the Swedish FSA’s requirement by at least 4 percentage points. Currently, the capital targets mean that the total capital ratio should amount to 17.0-19.0 percent and the Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio should amount to 14.0 percent, based on SEK’s estimation of the Swedish FSA’s requirements as of September 30, 2020.

 

Key performance indicators

 

Skr mn (if not otherwise indicated)   Jul-Sep 2020     Apr-Jun 2020     Jul-Sep 2019     Jan-Sep 2020     Jan-Sep 2019     Jan-Dec 2019  
New lending     17,097       56,509       16,201       106,896       61,636       74,515  
of which to Swedish exporters     3,288       32,478       6,398       55,654       20,148       24,901  
of which to exporters’ customers     13,809       24,031       9,803       51,242       41,488       49,614  
CIRR-loans as a percentage of new lending     37 %     18 %     1 %     16 %     25 %     21 %
Loans, outstanding and undisbursed     306,473       308,091       285,322       306,473       285,322       269,744  
                                                 
New long-term borrowings     33,423       30,069       21,555       99,784       56,460       81,053  
Outstanding senior debt     325,177       304,493       292,415       325,177       292,415       273,017  
                                                 
After-tax return on equity     8.2 %     2.1 %     4.2 %     4.3 %     5.3 %     5.5 %
                                                 
Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio     20.3 %     20.4 %     18.9 %     20.3 %     18.9 %     20.6 %
Tier 1 capital ratio     20.3 %     20.4 %     18.9 %     20.3 %     18.9 %     20.6 %
Total capital ratio     20.3 %     20.4 %     18.9 %     20.3 %     18.9 %     20.6 %
Leverage ratio     5.1 %     5.4 %     5.3 %     5.1 %     5.3 %     5.7 %
Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR)1     337 %     722 %     739 %     337 %     739 %     620 %
Net stable funding ratio (NSFR)1     139 %     129 %     122 %     139 %     122 %     120 %

 

 

1 In the first quarter of 2020, SEK changed its methodology for calculating LCR and NSFR as an adaptation to future regulatory requirements. The changes to the LCR calculation only have a marginal effect on the outcome, while the new NSFR calculation has a slight positive effect.

 

See definitions on page 31.

 

11

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

 

Skr mn   Note     Jul-Sep 2020     Apr-Jun 2020     Jul-Sep 2019     Jan-Sep 2020     Jan-Sep 2019     Jan-Dec 2019  
Interest income             827       1,073       1,536       3,150       4,723       6,083  
Interest expenses             -274       -604       -1,100       -1,723       -3,437       -4,366  
Net interest income     2       553       469       436       1,427       1,286       1,717  
                                                         
Net fee and commission expense             -11       -10       -7       -28       -23       -33  
Net results of financial transactions     3       87       -24       -42       -4       113       226  
Total operating income             629       435       387       1,395       1,376       1,910  
                                                         
Personnel expenses             -75       -92       -72       -252       -243       -333  
Other administrative expenses             -44       -46       -43       -142       -149       -206  
Depreciation and impairment of non-financial assets             -13       -13       -15       -39       -43       -57  
Total operating expenses             -132       -151       -130       -433       -435       -596  
                                                         
Operating profit before credit losses             497       284       257       962       941       1,314  
                                                         
Net credit losses     4       15       -151       -4       -160       -8       -10  
Operating profit             512       133       253       802       933       1,304  
                                                         
Tax expenses             -109       -32       -55       -175       -199       -277  
Net profit1             403       101       198       627       734       1,027  
                                                         
Other comprehensive income related to:                                                        
Items to be reclassified to profit or loss                                                        
 Derivatives in cash flow hedges             -       -       -       -       -8       -8  
Tax on items to be reclassified to profit or loss             -       -       -       -       2       2  
Net items to be reclassified to profit or loss             -       -       -       -       -6       -6  
                                                         
Items not to be reclassified to profit or loss                                                        
 Own credit risk             -22       -62       -14       27       40       24  
 Revaluation of defined benefit plans             -32       8       -12       -33       -39       -4  
Tax on items not to be reclassified to profit or loss             11       12       6       0       0       -4  
Net items not to be reclassified to profit or loss             -43       -42       -20       -6       1       16  
                                                         
Total other comprehensive income             -43       -42       -20       -6       -5       10  
                                                         
Total comprehensive income1             360       59       178       621       729       1,037  
                                                         
Skr                                                        
Basic and diluted earnings per share2             101       25       50       157       184       257  

 

 

1 The entire profit is attributable to the shareholder of the Parent Company.
2 Net profit divided by average number of shares, which amounts to 3,990,000 for each period.

 

12

 

 

Consolidated Statement of Financial Position

 

Skr mn   Note     September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Assets                  
Cash and cash equivalents     5       7,314       1,362  
Treasuries/government bonds     5       23,397       8,344  
Other interest-bearing securities except loans     5       47,908       53,906  
Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities     4, 5       56,601       43,627  
Loans to credit institutions     4, 5       27,798       27,010  
Loans to the public     4, 5       180,491       163,848  
Derivatives     5, 6       9,125       6,968  
Tangible and intangible assets             137       134  
Deferred tax asset             21       16  
Other assets             14,833       9,334  
Prepaid expenses and accrued revenues             2,730       2,747  
Total assets             370,355       317,296  
                         
Liabilities and equity                        
Borrowing from credit institutions     5       3,582       3,678  
Borrowing from the public     5       10,000       -  
Debt securities issued     5       311,595       269,339  
Derivatives     5, 6       22,680       20,056  
Other liabilities             554       2,466  
Accrued expenses and prepaid revenues             2,118       2,582  
Provisions             123       93  
Total liabilities             350,652       298,214  
                         
Share capital             3,990       3,990  
Reserves             -149       -143  
Retained earnings             15,862       15,235  
Total equity             19,703       19,082  
                         
Total liabilities and equity             370,355       317,296  

 

13

 

 

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

 

                Reserves        
Skr mn   Equity     Share capital    

Hedge

reserve

   

Own credit
risk

    Defined
benefit plans
    Retained
earnings
 
Opening balance of equity January 1, 2019     18,239       3,990           6       -117       -42       14,402  
Net profit Jan-Sep 2019     734                                       734  
Other comprehensive income Jan-Sep 2019     -5               -6       31       -30          
Total comprehensive income Jan-Sep 2019     729       -       -6       31       -30       734  
Dividend     -194                                       -194  
Closing balance of equity September 30, 20191     18,774       3,990       -       -86       -72       14,942  
Opening balance of equity January 1, 2019     18,239       3,990       6       -117       -42       14,402  
Net profit Jan-Dec 2019     1,027                                       1,027  
Other comprehensive income Jan-Dec 2019     10               -6       19       -3          
Total comprehensive income Jan-Dec 2019     1,037       -       -6       19       -3       1,027  
Dividend     -194                                       -194  
Closing balance of equity December 31, 20191     19,082       3,990       -       -98       -45       15,235  
Opening balance of equity January 1, 2020     19,082       3,990       -       -98       -45       15,235  
Net profit Jan-Sep 2020     627                                       627  
Other comprehensive income Jan-Sep 2020     -6                       21       -27          
Total comprehensive income Jan-Sep 2020     621       -       -       21       -27       627  
Dividend     -                                       -  
Closing balance of equity September 30, 20201     19,703       3,990       -       -77       -72       15,862  

 

 

1 The entire equity is attributable to the shareholder of the Parent Company.

 

14

 

 

Condensed Statement of Cash Flows in the Consolidated Group

 

Skr mn   Jan-Sep 2020     Jan-Sep 2019     Jan-Dec 2019  
Operating activities                        
Operating profit     802       933       1,304  
                         
Adjustments for non-cash items in operating profit     -201       -147       -279  
Income tax paid     -249       -244       -366  
Changes in assets and liabilities from operating activities     -31,383       -4,676       -1,433  
Cash flow from operating activities     -31,031       -4,134       -774  
                         
Investing activities                        
Capital expenditures     -22       -26       -40  
Cash flow from investing activities     -22       -26       -40  
                         
Financing activities                        
Change in senior debt     43,328       2,408       -4,420  
Derivatives, net     -5,896       3,682       4,049  
Dividend paid     -       -194       -194  
Payment of lease liability     -20       -33       -39  
Cash flow from financing activities     37,412       5,863       -604  
                         
Cash flow for the period     6,359       1,703       -1,418  
                         
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period     1,362       2,416       2,416  
Cash flow for the period     6,359       1,703       -1,418  
Exchange-rate differences on cash and cash equivalents     -407       368       364  
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period1     7,314       4,487       1,362  

 

 

1 Cash and cash equivalents include, in this context, cash at banks that can be immediately converted into cash and short-term deposits for which the time to maturity does not exceed three months from trade date.

 

15

 

 

Notes

 

Note 1. Accounting policies

Note 2. Net interest income

Note 3. Net results of financial transactions

Note 4. Impairments

Note 5. Financial assets and liabilities at fair value

Note 6. Derivatives

Note 7. CIRR-system

Note 8. Pledged assets and contingent liabilities

Note 9. Capital adequacy

Note 10. Exposures

Note 11. Transactions with related parties

Note 12. Events after the reporting period

 

References to “SEK” or the “Parent Company” are to AB Svensk Exportkredit. References to “Consolidated Group” are to SEK and its consolidated subsidiary. All amounts are in Skr million, unless otherwise indicated. All figures concern the Consolidated Group, unless otherwise indicated.

 

Note 1. Accounting policies

 

This condensed interim report is presented in accordance with International Accounting Standard (IAS) 34, Interim Financial Reporting. The Consolidated Group’s consolidated accounts have been prepared in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), together with the interpretations from IFRS Interpretations Committee (IFRS IC). The IFRS standards applied by SEK are all endorsed by the European Union (EU). The accounting also follows the additional standards imposed by the Annual Accounts Act for Credit Institutions and Securities Companies (1995:1559) (ÅRKL) and the regulation and general guidelines issued by Finansinspektionen (the Swedish FSA), “Annual Reports in Credit Institutions and Securities Companies” (FFFS 2008:25). In addition to this, the supplementary accounting rules for groups (RFR 1) issued by the Swedish Financial Reporting Board have been applied. SEK also follows the state’s principles for external reporting in accordance with its State Ownership Policy and principles for state-owned enterprises.

 

The accounting policies, methods of computation and presentation of the Consolidated Group are, in all material aspects, the same as those used for the 2019 annual financial statements. This condensed interim report does not include all the disclosures required in the annual financial statements, and should be read in conjunction with the company’s annual financial statements as of December 31, 2019.

 

SEK elected early adoption in 2019 of the amendments to IFRS 9, IAS 39 and IFRS 7 Interest Rate Benchmark Reform issued by IASB in September 2019 (IBOR reform), see the annual financial statements included in SEK’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F, Note 1 (c) (ii).

 

Other changes from IASB have not had any material impact on SEK’s financial reporting for 2020 and there are no other IFRS or IFRS Interpretations Committee interpretations that are not yet applicable that are expected to have a material impact on SEK’s financial statements, capital adequacy or large exposure ratios.

 

16

 

 

Note 2. Net interest income

 

Skr mn   Jul-Sep 2020     Apr-Jun 2020     Jul-Sep 2019     Jan-Sep 2020     Jan-Sep 2019     Jan-Dec 2019  
Interest income                                    
Loans to credit institutions     107       255       510       747       1,590       2,005  
Loans to the public     534       562       657       1, 671       2,040       2,656  
Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities     233       243       215       689       617       829  
Interest-bearing securities excluding loans in the form of interest-bearing securities     32       71       176       223       534       686  
Derivatives     -127       -111       -73       -332       -205       -291  
Administrative remuneration CIRR-system     48       53       50       151       145       194  
Other assets     0       0       1       1       2       4  
Total interest income1     827       1,073       1,536       3,150       4,723       6,083  
                                                 
Interest expenses                                                
Interest expenses     -253       -587       -1,058       -1,659       -3,310       -4,197  
Resolution fee     -21       -17       -42       -64       -127       -169  
Total interest expenses     -274       -604       -1,100       -1,723       -3,437       -4,366  
                                                 
Net interest income     553       469       436       1,427       1,286       1,717  

 

 

1 Interest income calculated using the effective interest method amounted to Skr 2,815 million during January-September 2020 (9M19: Skr 4,025 million).

 

Note 3. Net results of financial transactions

 

Skr mn   Jul-Sep 2020     Apr-Jun 2020     Jul-Sep 2019     Jan-Sep 2020     Jan-Sep 2019     Jan-Dec 2019  
Derecognition of financial instruments not measured at fair value through profit or loss     1       8       9       11       17       19  
Financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss     48       1       -31       -61       51       120  
Financial instruments under fair-value hedge accounting     36       -37       -19       44       46       85  
Currency exchange-rate effects on all assets and liabilities excl. currency exchange-rate effects related to revaluation at fair value     2       4       -1       2       -1       2  
Total net results of financial transactions     87       -24       -42       -4       113       226  

 

SEK’s general business model is to hold financial instruments measured at fair value to maturity. The net market value changes are mainly attributable to changes in credit spread on own debt, which are reported in other comprehensive income, and basis spreads, which are reported in net results of financial transactions. The changes could be significant in a single reporting period, but will not affect earnings over time since the lifetime cumulative changes in the instrument’s market value will net to zero if it is held to maturity and is a performing instrument. When financial instruments are not held to maturity, realized gains and losses can occur, as in cases where SEK repurchases its own debt, or where lending is repaid early and

 

the related hedging instruments are terminated prematurely. These effects are presented in the following line items of net results of financial transactions in the table above: “Derecognition of financial instruments not measured at fair value through profit or loss”, “Financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss” and “Financial instruments under fair-value hedge accounting”. “Financial assets or liabilities at fair value through profit or loss” and “Financial instruments under fair-value hedge accounting” include realized as well as unrealized changes in fair value.

 

 

17

 

 

Note 4. Impairments

 

Skr mn   Jul-Sep 2020     Apr-Jun 2020     Jul-Sep 2019     Jan-Sep 2020     Jan-Sep 2019     Jan-Dec 2019  
Expected credit losses, stage 1     20       -110       -5       -107       -8       -19  
Expected credit losses, stage 2     0       -39       -2       -46       6       11  
Expected credit losses, stage 3     -5       -2       3       -7       -21       -17  
Established losses     -       -20       -       -20       -25       -25  
Reserves applied to cover established credit losses     -       20       -       20       40       40  
Recovered credit losses     -       -       -       -       -       -  
Net credit losses     15       -151       -4       -160       -8       -10  

 

    September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Skr mn   Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3     Total     Total  
Loans, before expected credit losses     210,197       36,106       1,068       247,371       217,594  
Off balance sheet exposures, before expected credit losses     36,865       27,586       -       64,451       59,343  
Total, before expected credit losses     247,062       63,692       1,068       311,822       276,937  
                                         
Loss allowance, loans     -158       -54       -49       -261       -124  
Loss allowance, off balance sheet exposures1     -0       -       -       -0       -4  
Total loss allowance     -158       -54       -49       -261       -128  
Provision ratio     0.06 %     0.08 %     4.59 %     0.08 %     0.05 %

 

 

1 Recognized under provision in Consolidated Statement of Financial Position. Off balance sheet exposures consist of guarantee commitments, committed undisbursed loans and binding offers, see Note 8.

 

The table above shows the book value of loans and nominal amounts for off-balance sheet exposures before expected credit losses for each stage as well as related loss allowance amounts, in order to place expected credit losses in relation to credit exposures. Overall, the credit portfolio has an extremely high credit quality and SEK often uses risk mitigation measures,

 

primarily through guarantees from the Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN) and other government export credit agencies in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which explains the low provision ratio.

 

Loss Allowance

 

    September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Skr mn   Stage 1     Stage 2     Stage 3     Total     Total  
Opening balance January 1     -54       -10       -64       -128       -139  
Increases due to origination and acquisition     -64       0       0       -64       -23  
Net remeasurement of loss allowance     -51       -44       -7       -102       10  
Transfer to stage 1     0       0       -       -       0  
Transfer to stage 2     1       -1       -       -       0  
Transfer to stage 3     0       -       0       -       -22  
Decreases due to derecognition     7       0       0       7       10  
Decrease in allowance account due to write-offs     -       -       20       20       40  
Exchange-rate differences1     3       1       2       6       -4  
Closing balance     -158       -54       -49       -261       -128  

 

 

1 Recognized under net results of financial transactions in Statement of Comprehensive Income.

 

Provisions for expected credit losses (ECLs) are calculated using quantitative models based on inputs, assumptions and methods that are highly reliant on assessments. In particular, the following could heavily impact the level of provisions:

 

the establishment of a material increase in credit risk, allowing for forward-looking macroeconomic

 

18

 

 

scenarios, and the measurement of both ECLs over the next 12 months and lifetime ECLs. ECLs are based on objective assessments of what SEK expects to lose on the exposures given what was known on the reporting date and taking into account possible future events. The ECL is a probability-weighted amount that is determined by evaluating the outcome of several possible scenarios and where the data taken into consideration comprises information from previous conditions, current conditions and projections of future economic conditions. SEK’s method entails three scenarios being prepared for each probability of default curve: (i) a base scenario, (ii) a downturn scenario and (iii) an upturn scenario. The base scenario consists of GDP forecasts from the World Bank. The World Bank revised its figures for global growth in June 2020, which was a downward revision of the growth figures compared to its most recent projections. No significant events have taken place since then which would lead to a revision of the World Bank’s forecast. The base scenario has been weighted at 60 percent, and the downturn and upturn scenarios weighted equally at 20 percent. In the third quarter, SEK made an overall adjustment to increase expected credit losses, which was calculated pursuant to SEK’s IFRS 9 model as of September 30, 2020. SEK’s IFRS 9 model is based on GDP growth projections estimating the impact on the probability of default. SEK’s management believes that the strong positive GDP growth projections for 2021 may understate the probability of default of the asset portfolio, as they do not take into account the sharp fall in GDP during the second quarter. SEK has accordingly made an overall adjustment.

 

SEK has conducted an extensive assessment of material increases in credit risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. SEK’s assessment is that the company’s method is still applicable for assessing whether a material increase in credit risk has occurred. SEK has noted an increase in credits moving from stage 1 to stage 2, which was mainly attributable to an increase in forbearance agreements due to the COVID-19 pandemic and decreased ratings. The movements from stage 1 to stage 2 have not had any material impact on expected credit losses.

 

Note 5. Financial assets and liabilities at fair value

 

    September 30, 2020  
Skr mn   Book value     Fair value     Surplus value (+)/
Deficit value (–)
 
Cash and cash equivalents     7,314       7,314       -  
Treasuries/governments bonds     23,397       23,397       -  
Other interest-bearing securities except loans     47,908       47,908       -  
Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities     56,601       57,615       1,014  
Loans to credit institutions     27,798       27,975       177  
Loans to the public     180,491       188,382       7,891  
Derivatives     9,125       9,125       -  
Total financial assets     352,634       361,716       9,082  
                         
Borrowing from credit institutions     3,582       3,582       -  
Borrowing from the public     10,000       10,000     -  
Debt securities issued     311,595       312,040       445  
Derivatives     22,680       22,680       -  
Total financial liabilities     347,857       348,302       445  

 

19

 

 

 

    December 31, 2019  
Skr mn   Book value     Fair value     Surplus value (+)/
Deficit value (–)
 
Cash and cash equivalents     1,362       1,362       -  
Treasuries/governments bonds     8,344       8,344       -  
Other interest-bearing securities except loans     53,906       53,906       -  
Loans in the form of interest-bearing securities     43,627       45,054       1,427  
Loans to credit institutions     27,010       27,133       123  
Loans to the public     163,848       169,612       5,764  
Derivatives     6,968       6,968       -  
Total financial assets     305,065       312,379       7,314  
                         
Borrowing from credit institutions     3,678       3,678       -  
Debt securities issued     269,339       271,549       2,210  
Derivatives     20,056       20,056       -  
Total financial liabilities     293,073       295,283       2,210  

 

Determination of fair value

 

The determination of fair value is described in the annual financial statements included in SEK’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F, see Note 1 (h) (viii) Principles for determination of fair value of financial instruments and (ix) Determination of fair value of certain

 

 

types of financial instruments. The current market situation in the light of the COVID-19 outbreak has not resulted in any changes in methodology for determination of fair value.

 

 

Financial assets in fair value hierarchy

 

    Financial assets at fair value through profit or loss  
Skr mn   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Treasuries/governments bonds     17,468       5,929       -       23,397  
Other interest-bearing securities except loans     18,374       29,534       -       47,908  
Derivatives     -       7,827       1,298       9,125  
Total, September 30, 2020     35,842       43,290       1,298       80,430  
                                 
Total, December 31, 2019     34,450       32,283       2,485       69,218  

 

20

 

 

Financial liabilities in fair value hierarchy

 

    Financial liabilities at fair value through profit or loss  
Skr mn   Level 1     Level 2     Level 3     Total  
Debt securities issued     -       6,985       48,496       55,481  
Derivatives     -       19,737       2,943       22,680  
Total, September 30, 2020     -       26,722       51,439       78,161  
                                 
Total, December 31, 2019     -       30,546       46,215       76,761  

 

A transfer from level 1 to level 2 of Skr 25,031 million was made during the period January-March 2020. As the market for these instruments again is deemed to be active, they all were transferred back to level 1 during the period April-June 2020 (year-end 2019: transfer from level 2 to level 1 of Skr 21,461 million). Due to an increased element of subjective assessment of the input in the valuation, a transfer of Skr -10,649 million for debt securities issued was made from level 2 to level 3. A transfer from level 3 to level 2 of Skr 6,483 million for debt securities issued and a transfer from level 3 to level 2 of net Skr -1,265 million

 

for derivatives was made since these instruments are not significantly affected by non-observable market data. The transfers to and from level 3 both include debt securities issued of Skr 6,391 million that were transferred from level 2 to level 3 during the period January-March 2020 and then back to level 2 during the period April-June 2020 when valuation of these instruments again could be performed using standard principles (year-end 2019: transfer from level 3 to level 2 of Skr 1,040 million for debt securities issued and transfer from level 3 to level 2 of net Skr -30 million for derivatives).

 

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value in Level 3, September 30, 2020

 

Skr mn   January 1,
2020
    Purchases     Settlements &
sales
   

Transfers

to Level 3

   

Transfers
from

Level 3

    Gains (+)
and losses (–)
through profit
or loss1
    Gains (+)
and losses
(–) in Other
comprehensive
income
    Exchange-rate differences     September 30,
2020
 
Debt securities issued     -43,752       -9,556       9,656       -10,649       6,483       -347       48       -378       -48,495  
Derivatives, net     22       4       -273       -       -1,265       -2,474       -       2,341       -1,645  
Net assets and liabilities     -43,730       -9,552       9,383       -10,649       5,218       -2,821       48       1,963       -50,140  

 

Financial assets and liabilities at fair value in Level 3, December 31, 2019

 

Skr mn   January 1,
2019
    Purchases     Settlements &
sales
   

Transfers

to Level 3

   

Transfers
from

Level 3

    Gains (+)
and losses (–) through
profit
or loss1
    Gains (+)
and losses
(–) in Other
comprehen- sive
income
    Exchange-rate differences     December 31,
2019
 
Debt securities issued     -47,898       -10,702       21,314       -       1,040       -3,408       -43       -4,055       -43,752  
Derivatives, net     -4,587       -5       -299       1       -31       3,181       -       1,762       22  
Net assets and liabilities     -52,485       -10,707       21,015       1       1,009       -227       -43       -2,293       -43,730  

 

 

1 Gains and losses through profit or loss, including the impact of exchange-rates, is reported as net interest income and net results of financial transactions. The unrealized fair value changes for assets and liabilities, including the impact of exchange-rates, held as of September 30, 2020 amounted to a Skr 102 million loss (year-end 2019: Skr 69 million loss) and are reported as net results of financial transactions.

 

Uncertainty of valuation of Level 3 instruments

 

As the estimation of parameters included in the models used to calculate the market value of Level 3 instruments is associated with subjectivity and uncertainty, SEK has conducted an analysis of the difference in fair value of Level 3 instruments using other established parameter values. Option models and discounted cash flows are used to value the Level 3 instruments. For the Level 3 instruments that are significantly affected by different types of correlations, which are not based on observable market data, a revaluation has been made by shifting the correlations. The correlation is expressed as a value between 1 and –1, where 0 indicates no relationship, 1 indicates a maximum positive relationship and -1 indicates a maximum negative relationship. The maximum correlation in the range of unobservable inputs can thus be from 1 to –1. In the analysis, the correlations have been adjusted by +/– 0.12, which represents the level SEK uses within its prudent valuation framework.

 

For Level 3 instruments that are significantly affected by non-observable market data in the form of SEK’s own creditworthiness, a revaluation has been made by shifting the credit curve. The revaluation is made by shifting the credit spreads by +/- 10 basis points, which has been assessed as a reasonable change in SEK’s credit spread. The analysis shows the impact of the non-observable market data on the market value. In addition, the market value will be affected by observable market data. The result of the analysis corresponds with SEK’s business model where issued securities are linked with a matched hedging derivative. The underlying market data is used to evaluate the issued security as well as to evaluate the fair value in the derivative. This means that a change in fair value of the issued security, excluding SEK’s own credit spread, is offset by an equally large change in fair value in the derivative.

 

21

 

  

Sensitivity analysis – level 3 assets and liabilities

 

  September 30, 2020  
Assets and liabilities             Range of estimates                
Skr mn   Fair Value1     Unobservable
input
  for unobservable
input2
  Valuation method   Sensitivity
max
    Sensitivity
min
 
Equity     -1,187     Correlation   0.12 - (0.12)   Option Model     -30       30  
Interest rate     6     Correlation   0.12 - (0.12)   Option Model     0       0  
FX     -299     Correlation   0.12 - (0.12)   Option Model     -70       70  
Other     -165     Correlation   0.12 - (0.12)   Option Model     0       0  
Sum derivatives, net     -1,645                   -100       100  
                                     
Equity     -18,834     Correlation   0.12 - (0.12)   Option Model     30       -30  
            Credit spreads   10BP - (10BP)   Discounted cash flow     21       -21  
Interest rate     -14,038     Correlation   0.12 - (0.12)   Option Model     0       0  
            Credit spreads   10BP - (10BP)   Discounted cash flow     74       -74  
FX     -15,521     Correlation   0.12 - (0.12)   Option Model     73       -73  
            Credit spreads   10BP - (10BP)   Discounted cash flow     72       -72  
Other     -103     Correlation   0.12 - (0.12)   Option Model     0       0  
            Credit spreads   10BP - (10BP)   Discounted cash flow     1       -1  
Sum debt securities issued     -48,496                   271       -271  
Total effect on total comprehensive income3                         171       -171  
                                     
Derivatives, net, December 31, 2019     22                   -44       46  
Debt securities issued, December 31, 2019     -43,752                   219       -218  
Total effect on total comprehensive income, December 31, 20193                         175       -172  

 

 

1 In the interim report per June 30, 2020, SEK has improved its methods to categorize derivatives and issued debt securities.
2 The sensitivity analysis shows the effect that a shift in correlations or SEK’s own credit spread has on Level 3 instruments. The table presents maximum positive and negative change in fair value when correlations or SEK’s own credit spread is shifted by +/– 0.12 and +/- 10 basis points, respectively.
3 When determining the total maximum/minimum effect on total comprehensive income the most adverse/favorable shift is chosen, considering the net exposure arising from the issued securities and the derivatives, for each correlation. The resulting effect related to correlation sensitivity is Skr +/- 10 million. The impact from SEK’s own credit spread amounts to Skr 168 million (year-end 2019: Skr 174 million) under a maximum scenario and Skr -168 million (year-end 2019: Skr -173 million) under a minimum scenario.

 

Fair value related to credit risk

 

    Fair value originating from credit risk
(- liabilities increase/ + liabilities decrease)
    The period's change in fair value
originating from credit risk
(+ income/ - loss)
 
Skr mn   September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019     Jan–Sep 2020     Jan–Sep 2019  
CVA/DVA, net1     -23       -12       -11       14  
OCA2     -99       -126       27       40  

 

 

1 Credit value adjustment (CVA) and Debt value adjustment (DVA) reflects how the counterparties’ credit risk as well as SEK’s own credit rating affects the fair value of derivatives.
2 Own credit adjustment (OCA) reflects how the changes in SEK’s credit rating affects the fair value of financial liabilities measured at fair value through profit and loss.

 

22

 

 

Note 6. Derivatives

 

Derivatives by categories

 

    September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Skr mn   Assets
Fair value
    Liabilities
Fair value
    Nominal
amounts
    Assets
Fair value
    Liabilities
Fair value
    Nominal
amounts
 
Interest rate-related contracts     4,258       12,600       343,976       3,998       12,367       304,242  
Currency-related contracts     4,706       6,465       189,425       2,734       6,933       182,668  
Equity-related contracts     67       1,424       19,586       236       584       16,387  
Contracts related to commodities, credit risk, etc.     94       2,191       8,812       0       172       1,997  
Total derivatives     9,125       22,680       561,799       6,968       20,056       505,294  

 

In accordance with SEK’s policies with regard to counterparty, interest rate, currency exchange, and other exposures, SEK uses, and is a party to, different kinds of derivative instruments, mostly various interest rate-related and currency exchange-related

 

contracts, primarily to hedge risk exposure inherent in financial assets and liabilities. These contracts are carried at fair value in the statements of financial position on a contract-by-contract basis.

 

Note 7. CIRR-system

 

Pursuant to the company’s assignment as stated in its owner instruction issued by the Swedish government, SEK administers credit granting in the Swedish system for officially supported export credits (CIRR-system). SEK receives compensation from the Swedish government in the form of an administrative compensation, which is calculated based on the principal amount outstanding.

 

All assets and liabilities related to the CIRR-system are included in the consolidated statement of financial position since SEK bears the credit risk for the lending and acts as the counterparty for lending and borrowing. Unrealized revaluation effects on derivatives related to the CIRR-system are recognized on a net basis under Other assets.

 

The CIRR-system is an assignment whereby SEK acts as an agent on behalf of the Swedish government, rather than being the principal in individual transactions. Accordingly, interest income, interest expense and other costs pertaining to CIRR-system assets and liabilities are not recognized in SEK’s statement of comprehensive income.

 

The administrative compensation received by SEK from the Swedish government is recognized as part of interest income in SEK’s statement of comprehensive income since the commission received in compensation is equivalent to interest. Any

 

income for SEK that arises from its credit arranger role is recognized in SEK’s statement of comprehensive income under net interest income. Net credit losses are shown in the statement of comprehensive income for SEK as SEK bears the credit risk for the lending. Refer also to Note 1 (f) to the annual financial statements included in SEK’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

The administrative compensation paid by the state to SEK as compensation is recognized in the CIRR-system as administrative compensation to SEK. Arrangement fees to SEK are recognized together with other arrangement fees as interest expenses. Refer to the following tables of the statement of comprehensive income and statement of financial positions for the CIRR-system.

 

In addition to the CIRR-system, SEK administers the Swedish government’s previous concessionary credit program according to the same principles as the CIRR-system. No new lending is being offered under the concessionary credit program. As of September 30, 2020, concessionary loans outstanding amounted to Skr 474 million (year-end 2019: Skr 547 million) and operating profit for the program amounted to Skr -22 million for the period January-September 2020 (9M19: Skr -28 million). SEK’s administrative compensation for administrating the concessionary credit program amounted to Skr 1 million (9M19: Skr 1 million).

 

 

Statement of Comprehensive Income for the CIRR-system

 

Skr mn   Jul-Sep 2020     Apr-Jun 2020     Jul-Sep 2019     Jan-Sep 2020     Jan-Sep 2019     Jan-Dec 2019  
Interest income     540       582       528       1,661       1,546       2,074  
Interest expenses     -511       -529       -493       -1,552       -1,429       -1,912  
Net interest income     29       53       35       109       117       162  
                                                 
Interest compensation     0       11       0       14       1       1  
Exchange-rate differences     0       -1       9       2       14       5  
Profit before compensation to SEK     29       63       44       125       132       168  
                                                 
Administrative remuneration to SEK     -48       -52       -50       -150       -144       -192  
Operating profit CIRR-system     -19       11       -6       -25       -12       -24  
                                                 
Reimbursement to (–) / from (+) the State     19       -11       6       25       12       24  

23

 

 

Statement of Financial Position for the CIRR-system (included in SEK’s statement of financial position)

 

Skr mn   September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Cash and cash equivalents     1       0  
Loans     75,166       76,120  
Derivatives     -       26  
Other assets     13,775       9,307  
Prepaid expenses and accrued revenues     648       569  
Total assets     89,590       86,022  
                 
Liabilities     75,578       76,257  
Derivatives     13,541       9,117  
Accrued expenses and prepaid revenues     471       648  
Total liabilities     89,590       86,022  
                 
Commitments                
Committed undisbursed loans     54,480       47,868  
Binding offers     1,391       37  

 

Note 8. Pledged assets and contingent liabilities

 

Skr mn   September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Collateral provided            
Cash collateral under the security agreements for derivative contracts     17,780       16,891  
Contingent liabilities1                
Guarantee commitments     3,625       4,393  
Commitments1                
Committed undisbursed loans     59,363       52,150  
Binding offers     1,463       2,800  

 

 

1 For expected credit losses in guarantee commitments, committed undisbursed loans and binding offers, see Note 4.

 

24

 

 

Note 9. Capital adequacy

 

The capital adequacy analysis relates to the parent company AB Svensk Exportkredit. The information is disclosed according to FFFS 2014:12. For further information on capital adequacy and risks, see Note 30 to the annual financial statements included in SEK’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F and see SEK’s 2019 Capital Adequacy and Risk Management (Pillar 3) Report.

 

Capital Adequacy Analysis

 

    September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Capital ratios   percent1     percent1  
Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio     20.3       20.6  
Tier 1 capital ratio     20.3       20.6  
Total capital ratio     20.3       20.6  

 

 

1 Capital ratios excl. of buffer requirements are the quotients of the relevant capital measure and the total risk exposure amount. See tables Own funds - adjusting items and Minimum capital requirements exclusive of buffer.

 

    September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Buffers requirement     Skr mn       percent1       Skr mn       percent1  
Institution specific Common Equity Tier 1 capital requirement incl. of buffers     6,604       7.0       7,890       8.9  
 of which minimum Common Equity Tier 1 requirements2     4,227       4.5       3,990       4.5  
 of which Capital conservation buffer     2,349       2.5       2,216       2.5  
 of which Countercyclical buffer     28       0.0       1,684       1.9  
 of which Systemic risk buffer     -       -       -       -  
Common Equity Tier 1 capital available as a buffer3     11,555       12.3       11,171       12.6  

 

 

1 Expressed as a percentage of total risk exposure amount.
2 The minimum requirements according to CRR (Regulation (EU) No 575/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 26, 2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms and amending Regulation (EU) No 648/2012) have fully come into force in Sweden without regard to the transitional period. The minimum requirements are 4.5 percent, 6.0 percent and 8.0 percent related to Common Equity Tier 1 capital, Tier 1 capital and total Own Funds respectively.
3 Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio as reported less the minimum requirement of 4.5 percent and less 3.5 percent, consisting of Common Equity Tier 1 capital used to meet the Tier 1 and Tier 2 requirements, since SEK do not have any Additional Tier 1 or Tier 2 capital.

 

    September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Total capital requirement including buffers     Skr mn       percent1       Skr mn       percent1  
Total CRR capital requirement2     9,892       10.5       10,993       12.4  
Total FSA capital requirement (calculated as of June 30, 2020)3     13,679       14.7       15,606       16.4  

 

 

1 Expressed as a percentage of total risk exposure amount.
2 The requirement includes the minimum requirement of 8 percent, the capital conservation buffer and the countercyclical buffer. Expressed as a percentage of total risk exposure amount.
3 The requirement includes the minimum requirement of 8 percent, the capital conservation buffer and the countercyclical buffer and an additional capital requirement according to the Swedish FSA. See the additional capital requirement in the table below. Current figures are calculated with one quarter lag.

 

    Capital situation per September 30, 2020,
calculation based on reported values
as of June 30, 2020
    Capital situation per December 31,
2019, calculation based on reported
values as of September 30, 2019
 
Additional Capital requirement according to Swedish FSA     Skr mn       percent1       Skr mn       percent1  
Credit-related concentration risk     2,089       2.3       2,089       2.2  
Interest rate risk in the banking book     844       0.9       844       0.9  
Pension risk     11       0.0       11       0.0  
Other Pillar 2 capital requirements     936       1.0       936       1.0  
Capital planning buffer     -       -       -       -  
Total Additional Capital requirement according to Swedish FSA     3,880       4.2       3,880       4.1  

 

 

1 Expressed as a percentage of total risk exposure amount.

 

25

 

 

 

Own funds – Adjusting items

 

Skr mn   September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Share capital     3,990       3,990  
Retained earnings     14,872       12,829  
Accumulated other comprehensive income and other reserves1     275       245  
Independently reviewed profit net of any foreseeable charge or dividend     460       1,766  
Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital before regulatory adjustments     19,597       18,830  
Additional value adjustments due to prudent valuation     -428       -445  
Intangible assets     -83       -56  
Fair value reserves related to gains or losses on cash flow hedges     0       0  
Gains or losses on liabilities valued at fair value resulting from changes in own credit standing     70       93  
Negative amounts resulting from the calculation of expected loss amounts     -41       -115  
Total regulatory adjustments to Common Equity Tier 1 capital     -482       -523  
Total Common Equity Tier 1 capital     19,115       18,307  
Additional Tier 1 capital     -       -  
Total Tier 1 capital     19,115       18,307  
Tier 2-eligible subordinated debt     -       -  
Credit risk adjustments2     -       -  
Total Tier 2 capital     -       -  
Total Own funds     19,115       18,307  

 

 

1 The equity-portions of untaxed reserves is included in the line “Accumulated other comprehensive income and other reserves”.
2 Expected loss amount calculated according to the IRB approach is a gross deduction from Own funds. The gross deduction is decreased by impairment related to exposure ratios for which expected loss is calculated. Excess amounts of such impairment will increase Own funds. This increase is limited to 0.6 percent of SEK’s risk exposure amount according to the IRB approach related to exposures to central governments, corporates and financial institutions. As of September 30, 2020, the limitation rule has had no effect (year-end 2019: no effect).

 

Minimum capital requirements exclusive of buffer

 

    September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Skr mn   EAD1     Risk
exposure
amount
    Minimum
capital
requirement
    EAD1     Risk
exposure
amount
    Minimum
capital
requirement
 
Credit risk standardized method                                                
Corporates     2,248       2,248       180       2,367       2,367       189  
Total credit risk standardized method     2,248       2,248       180       2,367       2,367       189  
                                                 
Credit risk IRB method                                                
Central Governments     218,166       10,687       855       172,148       8,816       705  
Financial institutions2     37,119       8,987       719       45,437       10,802       864  
Corporates 3     122,615       65,663       5,253       110,592       60,068       4,806  
Assets without counterparty     151       151       12       152       152       12  
Total credit risk IRB method     378,051       85,488       6,839       328,329       79,838       6,387  
                                                 
Credit valuation adjustment risk     n.a.       2,291       183       n.a.       2,534       203  
Foreign exchange risk     n.a.       698       56       n.a.       695       56  
Commodities risk     n.a.       6       1       n.a.       9       1  
Operational risk     n.a.       3,214       257       n.a.       3,214       257  
Total     380,299       93,945       7,516       330,696       88,657       7,093  

 

 

1 Exposure at default (EAD) shows the size of the outstanding exposure at default.
2 Of which counterparty risk in derivatives: EAD Skr 5,934 million (year-end 2019: Skr 5,613 million), Risk exposure amount of Skr 2,017 million (year-end 2019: Skr 1,980 million) and Capital requirement of Skr 161 million (year-end 2019: Skr 158 million).
3 Of which related to specialized lending: EAD Skr 3,251 million (year-end 2019: 3,646 million), Risk exposure amount of Skr 2,307 million (year -end 2019: Skr 2,352 million and capital requirement of Skr 185 million (year-end 2019: Skr 188 million).

 

26

 

 

Credit risk

 

For risk classification and quantification of credit risk, SEK uses the IRB approach. Specifically, SEK applies the Foundation Approach. Under the Foundation Approach, the company determines the probability of default within one year (PD) for each of its counterparties, while the remaining parameters are established in accordance with CRR. The Swedish FSA has approved SEK’s IRB approach. Certain exposures are, by permission from the Swedish FSA, exempted from application of the IRB approach, and, instead, the standardized approach is applied. Counterparty risk exposure amounts in derivatives are calculated in accordance with the mark-to-market method.

 

Credit valuation adjustment risk

 

Credit valuation adjustment risk is calculated for all over-the-counter derivative contracts, except for credit derivatives used as credit protection and transactions with a qualifying central counterparty. SEK calculates this capital requirement according to the standardized method.

 

Foreign exchange risk

 

Foreign exchange risk is calculated according to the standardized approach, whereas the scenario approach is used for calculating the gamma and volatility risks.

 

Commodities risk

 

Capital requirements for commodity risk are calculated in accordance with the simplified approach under the standardized approach. The scenario approach is used for calculating the gamma and volatility risks.

 

Operational risk

 

Capital requirement for operational risk is calculated according to the standardized approach. The company’s operations are divided into business areas as defined in the CRR. The capital requirement for each area is calculated by multiplying a factor depending on the business area by an income indicator. The factors applicable for SEK are 15 percent and 18 percent. The income indicators consist of the average operating income for the past three financial years for each business area.

 

Transitional rules

 

The capital adequacy ratios reflect the full impact of IFRS 9 as no transitional rules for IFRS 9 were utilized.

 

Capital buffer requirements

 

SEK expects to meet capital buffer requirements with Common Equity Tier 1 capital. The mandatory capital conservation buffer is 2.5 percent. The countercyclical buffer rate that is applied to exposures located in Sweden was lowered from 2.5 percent to 0 percent as of March 16, 2020. The reduction is made for preventive purposes, in order to counteract credit tightening due to the recent development and spread of COVID-19 and its effects on the economy. As of September 30, 2020, the capital requirement related to relevant exposures in Sweden was 71 percent (year-end 2019: 70 percent) of the total relevant capital requirement regardless of location; this fraction is also the weight applied on the Swedish buffer rate when calculating SEK’s countercyclical capital buffer. The countercyclical capital buffer as of September 30, 2020 for Sweden has been dissolved due to the reduction of the countercyclical buffer value to 0 percent. Buffer rates applicable in other countries may have effects on SEK, but as most capital requirements for SEK’s relevant credit exposures are related to Sweden, the potential effect is limited. As of September 30, 2020, the contribution to SEK’s countercyclical buffer from buffer rates in other countries was 0.03 percentage points (year-end 2019: 0.1 percentage points). SEK has not been classified as a systemically important institution by any financial regulatory authority. The capital buffer requirements for systemically important institutions that came into force January 1, 2016, therefore do not apply to SEK.

 

Leverage Ratio

 

Skr mn   September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Exposure measure for the leverage ratio                
On-balance sheet exposures     333,381       288,146  
Off-balance sheet exposures     38,360       35,856  
Total exposure measure     371,741       324,002  
Leverage ratio     5.1 %     5.7 %

 

The leverage ratio is defined by CRR as the quotient of the Tier 1 capital and an exposure measure. Currently there is no minimum requirement for the leverage ratio. The leverage ratio reflects the full impact of IFRS 9 as no transitional rules were utilized.

 

Internally assessed economic capital

 

Skr mn   September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Credit risk     6,327       7,337  
Operational risk     183       183  
Market risk     1,134       1,109  
Other risks     183       203  
Capital planning buffer     2,831       992  
Total     10,658       9,824  

 

SEK regularly conducts an internal capital adequacy assessment process, during which the company determines how much capital is needed in order to cover its risks. The result of SEK’s assessment of capital adequacy is presented above. For more information regarding the internal capital adequacy assessment process and its methods, please Note 30 to the annual financial statements included in SEK’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F.

 

 

27

 

 

Note 10. Exposures

 

Net exposures are reported after taking into consideration effects of guarantees and credit default swaps. Amounts are calculated in accordance with capital adequacy calculations, but before the application of credit conversion factors.

 

Total net exposures

 

  Credits & interest-bearing securities     Committed undisbursed loans,
derivatives, etc.
    Total  
Skr bn   September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019     September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019     September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Classified by type of counterparty   Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %     Amount     %  
Central governments     155.0       47.3       110.4       39.1       57.6       81.9       50.9       78.3       212.6       53.4       161.3       46.4  
Regional governments     12.7       3.9       16.5       5.8                               12.7       3.2       16.5       4.7  
Multilateral development banks     2.9       0.9       3.1       1.1       0.1       0.1                   3.0       0.8       3.1       0.9  
Public Sector Entity     4.3       1.3       4.0       1.4                               4.3       1.1       4.0       1.2  
Financial institutions     30.4       9.3       38.9       13.8       7.0       9.9       6.8       10.5       37.4       9.4       45.7       13.2  
Corporates     122.2       37.3       109.6       38.8       5.7       8.1       7.3       11.2       127.9       32.1       116.9       33.6  
Total     327.5       100.0       282.5       100.0       70.4       100.0       65.0       100.0       397.9       100.0       347.5       100.0  

 

Net exposure by region and exposure class, as of September 30, 2020

 

Skr bn   Middle
East/
Africa
    Asia excl.
Japan
    Japan     North
America
    Oceania     Latin
America
    Sweden     West
European
countries
excl.
Sweden
    Central -
and East
European
countries
    Total  
Central governments     0.1       0.5       1.3       0.8       -       -       189.7       17.1       3.1       212.6  
Regional governments     -       -       -       -       -       -       12.6       0.1       -       12.7  
Multilateral development banks     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       3.0       -       3.0  
Public Sector Entity     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       4.3       -       4.3  
Financial institutions     -       1.0       0.3       3.7       0.9       -       12.5       18.8       0.2       37.4  
Corporates     2.7       1.2       2.8       5.8       -       3.2       89.4       22.4       0.4       127.9  
Total     2.8       2.7       4.4       10.3       0.9       3.2       304.2       65.7       3.7       397.9  

 

Net exposure by region and exposure class, as of December 31, 2019

 

Skr bn   Middle
East/
Africa
    Asia excl.
Japan
    Japan     North
America
    Oceania     Latin
America
    Sweden     West
European
countries
excl.
Sweden
    Central -
and East
European
countries
    Total  
Central governments     -       0.6       2.8       2.8       -       -       138.1       13.9       3.1       161.3  
Regional governments     -       -       -       -       -       -       16.3       0.2       -       16.5  
Multilateral development banks     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       3.1       -       3.1  
Public Sector Entity     -       -       -       -       -       -       -       4.0       -       4.0  
Financial institutions     -       2.7       0.9       6.6       0.9       -       16.7       17.7       0.2       45.7  
Corporates     4.5       1.7       3.8       4.0       -       2.8       80.1       19.9       0.1       116.9  
Total     4.5       5.0       7.5       13.4       0.9       2.8       251.2       58.8       3.4       347.5  

 

28

 

 

Net exposure to European countries, excluding Sweden

 

Skr bn   September 30, 2020     December 31, 2019  
Germany     9.8       9.1  
France     8.3       8.0  
Norway     7.4       7.3  
United Kingdom     7.4       8.0  
Finland     7.4       6.8  
Austria     5.3       1.7  
Luxembourg     4.7       4.4  
The Netherlands     4.1       3.9  
Denmark     3.3       3.3  
Poland     3.2       3.1  
Spain     3.1       2.1  
Switzerland     2.6       0.7  
Belgium     1.1       2.4  
Portugal     0.6       0.6  
Ireland     0.3       0.3  
Serbia     0.3       -  
Latvia     0.2       0.2  
Iceland     0.1       0.1  
Italy     0.1       0.1  
Estonia     0.1       0.1  
Total     69.4       62.2  

 

 

Note 11. Transactions with related parties

 

Transactions with related parties are described in Note 27 to the annual financial statements in SEK’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F. During 2020, SEK utilized the credit facility it has with the Swedish National Debt Office and borrowed Skr 10 billion. No other material changes have taken place in relation to transactions with related parties compared to that description.

 

Note 12. Events after the reporting period

 

No events with a significant impact on the information contained in this report have occurred after the end of the reporting period.

 

 

29

 

 

The Board of Directors and the Chief Executive Officer confirm that this Interim report provides a fair overview of the Consolidated Group’s operations and its financial position and result, and describes material risks and uncertainties facing the Consolidated Group.

 

Stockholm, October 22, 2020

 

AB SVENSK EXPORTKREDIT

 

SWEDISH EXPORT CREDIT CORPORATION

 

Lars Linder-Aronson   Cecilia Ardström   Anna Brandt
Chairman of the Board   Director of the Board   Director of the Board
         
Reinhold Geijer   Hanna Lagercrantz   Hans Larsson
Director of the Board   Director of the Board   Director of the Board

 

  Eva Nilsagård   Ulla Nilsson  
  Director of the Board   Director of the Board  

 

Catrin Fransson

Chief Executive Officer

 

SEK has established the following expected dates for the publication of financial information and other related matters:

 

February 2, 2021 Year-end report for the period January 1, 2020 - December 31, 2020

 

The report contains information that SEK will disclose pursuant to the Securities Markets Act and/or the Financial Instruments Trading Act. The information was submitted for publication on October 22, 2020, 15:00 (CEST).

 

Additional information about SEK, including investor presentations and SEK’s 2019 Annual Report on Form 20-F, is available at www.sek.se. Information available on or accessible through SEK’s website is not incorporated herein by reference.

 

30

 

Definitions

 

Alternative performance measures (see *)

Alternative performance measures (APMs) are key performance indicators that are not defined under IFRS or in the Capital Requirements Directive IV (CRD IV) or in regulation (EU) No. 575/2013 on prudential requirements for credit institutions and investment firms (CRR). SEK has presented these, either because they are in common use within the industry or because they comply with SEK’s assignment from the Swedish government. The APMs are used internally to monitor and manage operations, and are not considered to be directly comparable with similar key performance indicators presented by other companies. For additional information regarding the APMs, refer to www.sek.se.

 

*After-tax return on equity

Net profit, expressed as a percentage per annum of the current year’s average equity (calculated using the opening and closing balances for the report period).

 

*Average interest-bearing assets

The total of cash and cash equivalents, treasuries/government bonds, other interest-bearing securities except loans, loans in the form of interest-bearing securities, loans to credit institutions and loans to the public. Calculated using the opening and closing balances for the report period.

 

*Average interest-bearing liabilities

The total of outstanding senior debt and subordinated liabilities. Calculated using the opening and closing balances for the report period.

 

Basic and diluted earnings per share (Skr)

Net profit divided by the average number of shares, which amounted to 3,990,000 for each period.

 

*CIRR loans as percentage of new lending

The proportion of officially supported export credits (CIRR) of new lending.

 

CIRR-system

The CIRR-system comprises of the system of officially supported export credits (CIRR).

 

Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio

The capital ratio is the quotient of total common equity tier 1 capital and the total risk exposure amount.

 

Large companies

Companies with an annual turnover of more than Skr 5 billion.

 

Leverage ratio

Tier 1 capital expressed as a percentage of the exposure measured under CRR (refer to Note 9).

 

Liquidity coverage ratio (LCR)

The liquidity coverage ratio is a liquidity metric that shows SEK’s highly liquid assets in relation to the company’s net cash outflows for the next 30 calendar days. An LCR of 100 percent means that the company’s liquidity reserve is of sufficient size to enable the company to manage stressed liquidity outflows over a period of 30 days. Unlike the Swedish FSA’s rules, the EU rules take into account the outflows that correspond to the need to pledge collateral for derivatives that would arise as a result of the effects of a negative market scenario.

Loans

Lending pertains to all credit facilities provided in the form of interest-bearing securities, and credit facilities granted by traditional documentation. SEK considers these amounts to be useful measurements of SEK’s lending volumes. Accordingly, comments on lending volumes in this report pertain to amounts based on this definition.

 

*Loans, outstanding and undisbursed

The total of loans in the form of interest-bearing securities, loans to credit institutions, loans to the public and loans, outstanding and undisbursed. Deduction is made for cash collateral under the security agreements for derivative contracts and deposits with time to maturity exceeding three months (see the Statement of Financial Position and Note 8).

 

Medium-sized companies

Companies with an annual turnover between Skr 500 million and Skr 5 billion, inclusive.

 

Net stable funding ratio (NSFR)

This ratio measures stable funding in relation to the company’s illiquid assets over a one-year, stressed scenario in accordance with Basel III.

 

*New lending

New lending includes all new committed loans, irrespective of tenor. Not all new lending is reported in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position and the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows since certain portions comprise committed undisbursed loans (see Note 8). The amounts reported for committed undisbursed loans may change when presented in the Consolidated Statement of Financial Position due to changes in exchange rates, for example.

 

*New long-term borrowings

New borrowings with maturities exceeding one year, for which the amounts are based on the trade date.

 

*Outstanding senior debt

The total of borrowing from credit institutions, borrowing from the public and debt securities issued.

 

Own credit risk

Net fair value change due to credit risk on financial liabilities designated as at fair value through profit or loss.

 

Repurchase and redemption of own debt

The amounts are based on the trade date.

 

Swedish exporters

SEK’s clients that directly or indirectly promote Swedish export.

 

Tier 1 capital ratio

The capital ratio is the quotient of total tier 1 capital and the total risk exposure amount.

 

Total capital ratio

The capital ratio is the quotient of total Own funds and the total risk exposure amount.

 

  

Unless otherwise stated, amounts in this report are in millions (mn) of Swedish kronor (Skr), abbreviated “Skr mn” and relate to the group consisting of the Parent Company and its consolidated subsidiary (together, the “Group” or the “Consolidated Group”). AB Svensk Exportkredit (SEK), is a Swedish corporation with the identity number 556084-0315, and with its registered office in Stockholm, Sweden. SEK is a public limited liability company as defined in the Swedish Companies Act. In some instances, under Swedish law, a public company is obliged to add “(publ.)” to its company name.

 

31

 

 

About AB Svensk Exportkredit (SEK)

 

SEK is owned by the Swedish state, and since 1962 they have enabled growth for thousands of Swedish companies. To expand its production, make acquisitions, employ more people and selling goods and services to customers worldwide.

 

SEK’s mission Our mission is to ensure access to financial solutions for the Swedish export industry on commercial and sustainable terms. The mission includes making available fixed-interest export credits within the officially supported CIRR system.  
   
SEK’s vision Our vision is to strengthen the competitiveness of the Swedish export industry to create employment and sustainable growth in Sweden.  
   
SEK’s core values We are governed by our core values: Solution orientation, Collaboration and Professionalism.  
   
SEK’s clients We finances exporters, their subcontractors and foreign clients. The target group is companies with an annual sales exceeding Skr 200 million and that are linked to Swedish interests and exports.  
   
SEK’s partnerships Through Team Sweden, we have close partnerships with other export promotion agencies in Sweden such as Business Sweden and The Swedish Export Credit Agency (EKN). Our international network is substantial and we also work together with numerous Swedish and international banks.

 

32

 

 

Exhibit 99.2

 

CAPITALIZATION

 

The following table sets out SEK’s consolidated capitalization as at September 30, 2020. This table should be read in conjunction with the unaudited financial statements included in our Report on Form 6-K for the three months ended September 30, 2020.

 

(Skr millions)      
Senior debt:        
Long-term     232,060  
Short-term     93,117  
Total senior debt (1), (2)     325,177  
         
Subordinated debt:        
Long-term     -  
Short-term     -  
Total subordinated debt (1)     -  
         
Equity:        
Share capital (3,990,000) shares issued and paid-up, par value skr 1,000 (3)     3,990  
Reserves     –149  
Retained earnings     15,862  
         
Total     19,703  
         
Total capitalization     344,880  

 

 

(1) At September 30, 2020, our consolidated group had no contingent liabilities. Other than that disclosed herein, we had no other indebtedness as at September 30, 2020.

(2) Unguaranteed and unsecured.

(3) In accordance with our Articles of Association, SEK’s share capital shall neither be less than Skr 1,500 million nor more than Skr 6,000 million.

 

There has been no material change in SEK’s capitalization, contingent liabilities and guarantees since September 30, 2020.