The ratings on Swedbank reflect its position as the leading retail bank in Sweden, with a growing franchise in neighboring countries. It is also a leading provider of mutual funds in the Swedish market. Total assets were Swedish krona SKr929 billion ($93 million) at Dec. 31, 2000, while assets under management were SKr288 billion. The ratings also reflect the announcement that Swedbank and Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB (SEB), the third-largest financial services group in the Nordic region, plan to merge. The group has a strong market position in the Swedish market, which ensures stable earnings potential and will improve the ability of new group to carry the costs and risks associated with continued international expansion. The new group will be
