Here we’ll list ten best banks in Finland.
Finland is a tiny nation, yet despite its size and structure, the country’s financial system is well developed, and the majority of rules are in place and working as intended.
In Finland, there are now roughly 17 banks in operation. The Bank of Finland is the country’s central bank, in charge of managing and regulating the country’s economy and money supply. Finland’s central bank is in charge of implementing monetary policy and ensuring the country’s financial stability. It is also responsible for the issue of banknotes and the country’s financial and economic system’s stability.
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Performance of Banks in Finland
In 2015, the Finnish economy began to revive after three years of recession. The expansion of Finland’s financial sector is one of the most important components of the country’s swift comeback from the crisis.
The defective assets of Finnish banks have been a serious concern for Finland’s financial sector. In comparison to Sweden (1.1%) and Norway (0.4%), are relatively high in percentages (1.3 percent ). Finland, on the other hand, expects to increase asset quality as interest rates remain low and the housing market remains steady.
According to Moody’s, Finnish banks’ financing and liquidity are projected to stay sound over the next years.
Structure of Banks in Finland
There are now 17 banks in Finland with assets over $100 million. Government banks, savings banks, commercial banks, and foreign bank branches are all part of the Finnish banking industry. Finland’s central bank and monetary authority is known as the Bank of Finland.
The following functions are carried out by it: prepares and executes monetary policy, supervises the financial system’s stability, produces statistics and does research on economic policy, ensures that interbank payments are settled and that its own financial assets are invested, produces banknotes and ensures that payment systems are stable and efficient.
The Finnish banking system, according to Moody’s, is solid, since the domestic economy is expected to sustain the credit profiles of regulated banks in Finland.
This list of the major banks in Finland is a useful starting point for anybody interested in a career in banking in Finland. See the list of best banks in Finland for additional information.
10 Best Banks in Finland
1. Nordea Bank
Nordea Bank is the biggest financial services provider in the Nordic area, as well as one of the major banks in Europe. Around 17 nations are served by the bank. The bank is listed on the Copenhagen Stock Exchange and is traded there. The bank is more than 200 years old and employs more than 10,000 people. Personal Banking, Investment Banking, Wealth Management, and Private Banking are some of the services offered by the bank.
2. OP Corporate Bank PLC
The bank has a considerable presence in Finland and is part of one of the country’s leading financial groups. The bank was established in 2015 and is headquartered in Vallila, Finland. The bank generates revenue of roughly 4 billion euros and employs around 12,000 people.
3. Danske Bank
Danske Bank was established in 1871 and now employs over 19,000 people across 15 countries. The bank is a publicly traded firm with its headquarters in Copenhagen. Insurance, mortgages, business banking, asset management, mobile payments, personal banking, and other financial products are among the services provided by the bank.
4. Evli Bank PLC
Evil Bank PLC, a publicly traded company with around 300 employees, was formed in 1985. The bank’s main business is investment management, and its clientele are mostly high-net-worth individuals. It also serves Sweden, Russia, and the United Arab Emirates, in addition to Finland. The bank also provides brokerage services, with an emphasis on Europe and the Nordic area.
5. Bank of Aland
The Bank of Aland was founded in 1919 and currently operates 13 branches as a commercial bank. The bank is based in Mariehamn, Aland Islands, and employs 700 people. The bank offers residential and business loans, as well as debentures. The bank has also begun to offer debit and credit card services.
6. Aktia Savings Bank
Finnish Savings Bank Foundations hold Aktia Savings Bank. The bank has over 380,000 clients and 45 locations throughout Finland. The bank is located in Helsinki, Finland, and is a publicly traded company. The bank employs about 1,000 people.
7. Carnegie Investment Bank AB
Carnegie Investment Bank AB is a Swedish-owned financial services firm that offers securities trading, investment banking, asset management, and private banking services. The bank was established in 1803 and employs around 600 people.
8. Alexander Corporate Finance Oy
Alexander Corporate Finance Oy is a subsidiary of the Alexander Group, which was created in 1988. Debt syndication, Merger & Acquisition advising, valuation services, and other financial products are among the transaction advisory and capital market services offered by the bank. In its current state, the bank is privately owned. The bank also works as a merchant banker and provides Initial Public Offering (IPO) services.
9. BNP Paribas Fortis
In the year 1990, BNP Paribas Fortis was formed. A total of 37,000 people work for the company. The bank operates four business lines and solely engages in those operations in Finland, namely, banking, insurance, and asset management. Investment Banking, Investment Solutions, Retail and Private Banking, Corporate and Financial Advisory Over 80 offices in key nations make up the bank’s global network. The bank has a stock exchange listing.
10. POP Bank Group
POP Bank Group was established in 1997 and currently employs around 700 people. There are 26 cooperative banks in the organization. The bank provides both retail banking and internet insurance. The bank is based in Stockholm and is publicly traded.
Choosing the Best Banks in Finland
There are several banks to select from in Finland, including domestic, international, Scandinavian, and even online banks.
When looking for the correct bank, it’s a good idea to evaluate the costs that each one charges. Some banks levy a monthly maintenance fee of roughly €2. Others demand a fee for internet banking, though this is less prevalent these days.
Keep in mind that many banks provide free accounts to students and young people, so inquire whether you qualify. Finally, fees for using an ATM at a non-affiliated bank are common, so be sure the bank you pick offers handy ATM locations or alternative means to withdraw cash in the event you need it.
Required Documents to Open a Bank Account in Finland
What do I need to create a bank account in Finland?
While each bank has its own requirements, you’ll most likely need a passport, proof of address (such as a utility bill or official government correspondence), a KELA card (which shows you are eligible for the Finnish social security system), your Finnish personal identification number (called a henkilötunnus), and a visa or residence permit. Call ahead to ensure you have everything on their list before you arrive.
You can apply to open a non-resident bank account if you don’t have a Finnish address. This account, however, has certain limits. Online banking and other services may be unavailable in a non-resident bank account. After three months of residence in the nation, this limitation should be abolished. Before pursuing this path, make careful to compare the restrictions of various non-resident accounts.
Conclusion
Finland is not just one of the happiest countries on the planet, but it is also one of the world’s most cashless countries. As a result, both in cities and in rural regions, Finns are more inclined to pay with a card or a smartphone. We strongly advise you to open a Finnish bank account if you plan on settling in Finland, regardless of which area of the nation you select.
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