In English
Welcome to The Association of Swedish Finance Houses
A presentation
The Association of Swedish Finance Houses was founded in 1960 as an association for cooperation between companies that carry on the business of financing. The main functions of the association is to:
- safeguard and contribute to the development of the various forms of financing and other services offered by the members
- represent the members in common matters
- provide for the members’ information need in matters of interest for the industry
- in relation to the authorities and the government monitor issues and represent the member companies.
The association brings together those finance companies that share common values, with the aim of upholding and developing a reputable industry and financing business which is accorded respect and credibility by the legislature, authorities, clients and the general public.
Members and associates
Companies elected into the association are those that carry on the business of financing with or without official authorisation.
Companies that are accepted as associates are those that, whilst not carrying on the business of financing, have an interest in monitoring information and debate in this area. Also sales-finance departments may be accepted as associates.
Applications are reviewed and decided by the association's board. Each member/associate pays fees to the association.
The activities of the association
Best Practices
The association issues if deemed necessary Best practices in finance companies. By doing so the association and its members act as a standard setter with respect to financial services and fair practice.
Contacts with the legislature, authorities and industry
The association is an established and respected body to which all legislative issues in the credit-market area are referred and is frequently represented in various State committees.
The association continuously meets with the Financial Supervisory Authority, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Justice and others. Additionally, the association is amongst others represented on the Public Complaints Board.
The association is a member and/or head of several business organisations such as the ICC (the International Chamber of Commerce), the Trade and Industry Delegation for Market Law - NDM, the Board of Swedish Industry and Commerce for Better Regulation - NNR, the Insolvency Law Forum, Eurofinas and Leaseurope. Cooperation also takes place with other organisations.
Information
The association regularly compiles and distributes circulars and announcements with information regarding the most important aspects of financing activities. These contain amongst other things, regulations, and commentary, development tendencies, advice and guidelines. The association informs continuously via its website and publishes annually an annual report.
The association also arranges and itself participates in seminars related to the credit market area.
Meetings and contact between members
Regular meetings held in the association include:
- Annual General Meeting
- Members Meetings
- Board Meetings
- Meetings in the Legal Affairs Committee and other Committees treating particular issues or services.
Through these meetings, and in working groups and in other ways, the association takes into account the views of its members vis-à-vis the association’s counterparts.