Mid Sweden University

The integration of sustainability into banking operations is becoming increasingly essential as financial institutions strive to meet environmental and social challenges. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (SEB), one of Sweden’s largest banks, has made significant strides in embedding sustainability into its core practices, aligning with international policies such as the Paris Agreement. However, gaps remain in the tools and frameworks necessary to effectively analyze sustainable portfolios, set strategic goals, and achieve environmental targets.

This study aims to explore SEB's journey toward sustainability by focusing on its environmental risk management practices, green financial products, and overall strategic alignment with global sustainability frameworks. The research employs a combination of qualitative methods, including interviews with SEB employees, and an analysis of SEB’s sustainability reports, to provide a comprehensive overview of the bank’s practices.

The results reveal significant gaps in SEB’s current sustainability tools and offer insights into areas where the bank can improve its approach to sustainable finance. The study concludes with actionable recommendations to strengthen SEB's sustainability efforts, which can also serve as a model for broader improvements in the financial sector’s transition toward more sustainable practices.