Swedbank Investigation by US DOJ Concludes

• The DOJ investigation was initiated in 2019 and focused on Swedbank's past anti-money laundering compliance work
• The probe has been closed with no enforcement action or penalties imposed against the bank
• The resolution removes a significant regulatory overhang that had been pending for approximately six years

Swedbank Investigation by US DOJ Concludes

Swedbank announced on Wednesday, January 14, that the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has closed its investigation into the Swedish bank without taking any enforcement action.

The DOJ investigation was launched in 2019 and centered on Swedbank's historical anti-money laundering (AML) practices. The closure represents a significant resolution for the bank after nearly seven years of scrutiny from U.S. authorities.

Key Facts:

• Investigation duration: 2019-2026 (approximately 7 years)
• Focus: Historical anti-money laundering compliance issues
• Outcome: No enforcement action taken by DOJ
• Announcement date: January 14, 2026

Market Implications:

The investigation's closure without penalties is a positive development for Swedbank, removing a major regulatory overhang that has likely weighed on the bank's operations and reputation since 2019. The resolution eliminates potential financial penalties and allows management to focus fully on core banking operations without the distraction of ongoing U.S. legal proceedings.

This outcome may provide relief to Swedbank shareholders and could positively impact the bank's stock performance, as regulatory uncertainty has been eliminated. The banking sector, particularly European financial institutions with U.S. operations or dollar-clearing activities, will view this as a case study in how long-running compliance investigations can ultimately conclude.

The timing is notable as it comes during a period when major U.S. banking giants are reporting earnings, with Wall Street indexes showing mixed performance amid economic and political uncertainties. For Swedbank, the clean resolution strengthens its compliance profile and removes a significant legal risk from its balance sheet.