The Riksbank today warns in a new report that the corona crisis could lead to a banking crisis if it continues for a long time. The economic crisis may mean that more and more people cannot pay their loans. Credit losses will then rise.

However, among all warnings, the Riksbank has a small section where it lists positive factors that have made the conditions better for the banks. Among other things, the Riksbank writes “Given the uncertainty, the banks have also said that they are pushing for decisions on dividends. The Riksbank supports these measures. "

SEB has not decided

But only three of the four major Swedish banks have decided not to distribute money to shareholders during the spring. Handelsbanken, Swedbank and Nordea have set dividends totaling SEK 38 billion.

The fourth major bank, SEB, has still not set foot. The fourth major bank, SEB, has still not set foot. The bank has postponed the Annual General Meeting until June 29. The old proposal from the Board is to distribute SEK 13 billion to the shareholders.

"The bank is thinking about turning around and not distributing it to shareholders," says Governor Stefan Ingves.

If they do?

- Then we'll see. In another part of Swedish society, there is a discussion about how to handle contributions from the state and dividends at the same time.

Support for stock giants was stopped

As SVT's review has shown, several large Swedish stock exchange giants have distributed billion amounts to shareholders at the same time as they have sought state layoffs. It was then stopped by Tillväxtverket.

Many of the stock market giants, including those who requested lay-off support, have canceled stock dividends altogether. The 30 most traded companies set dividends totaling SEK 124 billion during the spring.

But over half, including Handelsbanken, Swedbank and Nordea, have flagged so that they can call for an extraordinary general meeting during the autumn and distribute the money then instead.

If the banks end up in crisis, they may also need state support, which happened during the financial crisis.