Handelsbanken is the first Swedish bank to have its internal capital adequacy assessment process (ICAAP) completed by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority

As part of the new capital adequacy regulations, the Swedish
Financial Supervisory Authority must assess the banks' internal
capital assessment processes. Handelsbanken is the first Swedish bank
to complete this process. The Supervisory Authority writes in its
decision that Handelsbanken has sufficient capital and that the
Bank's internal capital targets reflect the selected risk level."Handelsbanken's internal capital assessment process shows that the
Bank's low tolerance of risks and strong culture of risk awareness
are an excellent starting point in troubled times. The purpose of our
strict approach to risk is always to be able to be a good business
partner for our customers," comments Handelsbanken's CFO Ulf Riese.

For further information, please contact:
Rolf Marquardt, Head of Central Risk Control, tfn: 08 - 701 17 70
                                                             mobilnr:
070-605 17 70