Sparbanken Skåne has continued to strengthen its capital position, having successfully integrated the three banks it acquired into one stable entity. We therefore raising our long-term counterparty rating on the bank to 'A-' from 'BBB+', and affirming our short-term 'A-2' rating. The outlook is negative, reflecting our view of increasing economic risks in Sweden. On Dec. 15, 2016, S&P Global Ratings raised its long-term counterparty credit rating on Swedish Sparbanken Skåne to 'A-' from 'BBB+'. The outlook is negative. At the same time, we affirmed our 'A-2' short-term rating on the bank. The upgrade reflects our view that Sparbanken Skåne has continued to strengthen its capital position as it has successfully consolidated the three savings banks it acquired in 2014
