Our commitments
Our commitments consist of international agreements, codes, and frameworks that SEB has formally adopted or publicly endorsed. These commitments guide our decisions, shape how we operate, and reflect our determination to conduct responsible banking, manage risks, and support sustainable development.
International codes and agreements that we support
An agreement between governments to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees, compared to pre-industrial levels. SEB is committed since 2015.
The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030 were agreed on by governments, the private sector and civil society to achieve a sustainable development for our planet. SEB is committed to the goals since 2015.
As a bank, SEB has an important role to play in contributing to reach the UN SDGs. Our main contribution is made by supporting our customers in their transition, to steer financial flows towards sustainable purposes. We help our customers identify environmental, social and governance-related risks and opportunities and enable them to find solutions to their challenges.
An expression by all governments in the United Nations of the rights and freedoms everyone is entitled to. SEB is committed since 2008.
A set of guidelines for states and companies to prevent, address and remedy human rights abuses committed in business operations. SEB is committed since 2013.
Principles and rights at work that are considered fundamental for the world of work and should be prioritised for ratification into national laws. SEB is committed since 2014.
Visit the International Labour Organization for Conventions and Recommendations
Principles to guide companies on actions they can take in the workplace, marketplace and community to respect and support children's rights. SEB is committed since 2014.
The publication Children's Rights and Business Principles (pdf)
Recommendations regarding responsible business conduct, addressed by governments to multinational enterprises operating in or from adhering countries. SEB is committed since 2000.
Visit OECD for the annual report on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises
Principles and standards that we have joined or publically endorsed
A framework for corporates to implement universal sustainability principles in the areas of human rights, labour rights, environment and anti-corruption. Adopted by SEB in 2004.
The Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB) is a strategic sustainability framework for banking to enable a positive contribution to society by integrating the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals in objectives and business processes. SEB signed the principles in 2019.
By signing the UNEP FI PRB, we have committed to aligning our business strategy to international goals such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Our key impacts, positive and negative, are related to the exposure we have through our financing and investment activities.
Visit the UN Environment Programme for the Principles for Responsible Banking
International group of asset managers committed to supporting the goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 or sooner. Signed by SEB Funds AB in 2021.
The Principles for Responsible Investments offer a menu of possible actions for incorporating ESG issues into investment practice, in order to better align investors with broader objectives of society. Signed by SEB in 2008.
The Poseidon Principles is a global framework for responsible ship finance. The principles are consistent with the policies and ambitions of the International Maritime Organization, a UN agency responsible for regulating shipping globally. They aim to support the shipping industry's transition towards a greener future. Signed by SEB in 2020.
Responsible Ship Recycling Standards is a joint bank initiative for ensuring environmentally and socially responsible dismantling and recycling of ships. Signed by SEB in 2021.
The Equator Principles is a risk management framework for banks and financial institutions to assess and manage environmental and social risks in financing large projects, ensuring projects meet high environmental and social standards, based on IFC guidelines, covering sectors like energy, mining, and infrastructure. Equator Principles are voluntary guidelines that SEB signed and committed to 2007. The Principles include e.g. transactions related to project finance, project-related corporate loans and project finance advisory services.
For details about when the Equator Principles applies, please visit the Equator Principles website
Applying the Equator Principles in SEB
SEB applies the Equator Principles when applicable, following the summarised process below:
- Business Divisions are responsible for identifying transactions and ensuring that material sustainability-related risks and impacts linked to corporate clients and/or their credit-related transactions are identified, assessed and – where applicable – managed in accordance with Equator Principles.
- A transaction team within a Business Division shall evaluate the project and suggest a preliminary project category (A, B or C), depending on potential environmental and social risks.
- The transaction team is responsible for presenting the transaction with applicable documentation to the Equator Principles committee within SEB. The committee consists of a chairman from Sustainable Banking, a secretary from Project and Infrastructure Finance, the Client Executive (if appointed), transaction responsible(s), and when applicable an advisor from Sustainable Banking. The committee assesses the potential transaction in a structured and organised manner, and requests additional expertise if needed. The preliminary categorisation (A, B or C) of transactions is reviewed by the committee, and the chairman decides on the final classification. Committee decisions are documented.
- Covenants related to Equator Principles will be finalised by the transaction team, when needed in corporation with applicable expertise.
- Follow-up on covenants included in loan documentation as well as (independent) monitoring related to Equator Principles is the responsibility of transaction teams.
Contact us
SEB's sustainability experts have extensive knowledge in areas such as climate and financing solutions, sustainable investments and regulatory development in the European Union.