The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority published remarks by its head of sustainability, Emilia Högquist, emphasising that financial firms must ensure sustainability-related statements about their business and products are accurate, clearly presented and not misleading as part of efforts to prevent greenwashing and support consumer protection. Firms are expected to be clear in their communications, deliver on sustainability promises, and report what sustainability outcomes have actually been achieved. The authority flagged issues it has found in reviews of funds that claim to exclude weapons, including cases where funds invested in weapons and nuclear weapons companies despite an exclusion policy. It also confirmed that it will conduct a targeted review during the year of funds with sustainability-related names, noting that such names must not be misleading. The update also referenced ongoing work with the European Banking Authority, the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority and the European Securities and Markets Authority, including four principles and related guidance stating that sustainability claims should be fair, well substantiated, easy to understand and kept up to date, as regulatory revisions create challenges for firms balancing current compliance with preparation for upcoming changes.
Finansinspektionen 2026-03-18
Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority stresses accurate sustainability claims and will scrutinise funds with sustainability-related names
The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority stressed the need for financial firms to ensure accuracy in sustainability statements to prevent greenwashing. It found issues with funds claiming to exclude weapons but investing in such companies and announced a review of funds with sustainability-related names. The authority is working with European regulators to ensure sustainability claims are fair, substantiated, and current amid evolving regulations.