Europe is facing a new reality marked by a deteriorating security environment. As a result, the region needs to increase its security and defence investments significantly.
The SEB European Defence & Security Fund is an actively managed fund that seeks to invest in key players in defence, cybersecurity, energy, technology, raw materials, and infrastructure – areas that together build a safe and self-reliant Europe.
“As a responsible corporate citizen, SEB strives to play an active role in strengthening Europe’s defence, security and resilience through providing financial services and investments. In response to a growing interest from our clients, we are pleased to launch this thematic fund. This allows us to meet client demand while contributing to the development of a stronger and more secure Europe,” says Javiera Ragnartz, head of SEB Asset Management, the bank’s fund management company.
Long-term approach
The fund will take a long-term approach to growth by investing across multiple interconnected themes within the broader defence and security ecosystem. While primarily focused on European markets, up to 25 per cent of the portfolio may be allocated to companies based in a NATO or OECD country outside of Europe, and in Taiwan. This will provide access to leading global players and technologies not found in Europe. The fund follows a fundamental, bottom-up stock-picking strategy and will maintain a concentrated portfolio of around 30 to 50 holdings.
“I believe that investments in these areas should be based on holistic and rigorous fundamental analysis to ensure they benefit not only the stock exchange but society. It is both a responsibility and an opportunity to support the development of a stronger, safer, and more competitive Europe,” says Robert Vicsai, Portfolio Manager of the SEB European Defence & Security Fund.
An experienced portfolio management team
Robert Vicsai will be supported by SEB Asset Management’s Fundamental Equity team, which includes Johan Söderström, Pavel Lupandin, and Alexander Winberg. The team brings deep expertise from managing SEB’s technology and AI-focused funds. The team has received multiple awards for its strong track record.
SEB will offer private and professional customers in Finland, Norway and Sweden the opportunity to invest in the fund from 14 August and will gradually open it up for further countries in Europe.
The fund is also available for unit-linked insurance in Sweden.
Detailed information about SEB European Defence & Security Fund (sebgroup.com)
Risk information
Past performance is not indicative of future results. The value of fund units can rise and fall, and you may not get back the amount you invested. The fund can decrease and increase significantly in value due to its composition and management methods. Fund information, including the key information document (KID), prospectus, and sustainability-related disclosures, can be found at sebgroup.lu/funds and seb.se/fondlista.