Sveriges Riksbank

Sveriges Riksbank, commonly known as the Riksbank, is the central bank of Sweden and the world's oldest surviving central bank, established in 1668 by the Riksdag. Headquartered in Stockholm, its core mission is to maintain price stability, targeting an annual change in the consumer price index with a fixed interest rate (CPIF) of 2 percent. Beyond monetary policy, the Riksbank is tasked with contributing to the stability and efficiency of the financial system and ensuring that payments can be made securely and efficiently within the Swedish economy.

The Riksbank's key functions include conducting monetary policy, primarily through setting the policy rate, and issuing Sweden's banknotes and coins. It also oversees the financial system, manages the country's gold and foreign currency reserves, and operates the RIX payment system, which is crucial for interbank payments. The institution is actively involved in researching and developing a central bank digital currency, known as the e-krona, reflecting its commitment to modernizing payment infrastructure and adapting to declining cash usage.

As of early 2026, the Riksbank's Executive Board, led by Governor Erik Thedéen, continues to focus on its inflation target, with recent decisions including maintaining the policy rate at 1.75 percent in March 2026. The bank is an independent public authority accountable to the Riksdag, the Swedish parliament. It has also been engaged in market operations such as the sales of government bonds to enhance market functioning and reduce financial risks on its balance sheet. The Riksbank's proactive stance on digital payment solutions and financial stability underscores its role in navigating evolving economic landscapes.