The financial infrastructure

The financial infrastructure is the core in the financial system and is a precondition of its functioning. The financial infrastructure is made up of technical systems through which payments are made and transactions with financial instruments are handled.

The financial infrastructure makes it possible for private households, companies and authorities to make and receive payments safely and efficiently. We must be able to rely on our payments getting through as inexpensively as possible. It also makes it possible to pay for and deliver shares, debt securities and other financial instruments traded on the financial markets.

Several banks and other financial institutions are participants in financial infrastructure systems and, in many cases, these systems also participate in each other’s systems. This interconnectedness means that there are many interdependencies between the systems in the financial market infrastructure, banks and the financial markets. Problems that arise in the financial infrastructure can have serious and negative consequences for the financial system. It is thus important for the stability of the financial system that the infrastructure functions in a safe and efficient manner.

The Riksbank analyses developments in the financial infrastructure

The Riksbank has the task of overseeing the financial infrastructure and other companies that are of particular importance for the financial infrastructure in Sweden.

This means that the Riksbank:

  • oversees the central participants in the financial infrastructure so that these are safe and efficient.
  • oversees other companies that are of particular importance to the financial infrastructure in Sweden.
  • promotes market initiatives that can improve and rationalise the financial infrastructure.
  • influences international standards, laws and regulations so that they contribute to a safe and efficient financial infrastructure.

As a result of its analysis work, the Riksbank shall also create a contingency plan in order to be able to manage a crisis.

Communicates the status of the financial infrastructure

The Riksbank communicates its analysis of safety and efficiency in the financial market infrastructure not only in a direct dialogue with the financial infrastructure systems it oversees and other market participants, but also via public statements, speeches and publications. In addition, the Riksbank reports the results of its work and its view of important issues in the Financial Stability Report.

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Updated 30/12/2022