Aktia in society
Savings banks have a tradition of social responsibility. Even in their infancy, savings banks were an important developer of society. This tradition is nurtured by Aktia in its current activities and operations.
Aktia has its roots in the Helsinki Savings Bank, which commenced operations in 1826. Already at that time, its basic premise was to take care of the society around it.
The mainstay of our operations is that they are local and that regional activities are supported. Our branch offices are close to our customers – in the cities, and in the countryside. In sparsely populated areas, we offer both banking services and employment opportunities.
Savings bank foundations
Aktia’s ownership structure is that of a public utility. Its largest owner group, the savings bank foundations, owns 48,2% of the Group’s shares. The savings bank foundations were established in 1993, when Aktia was converted into a limited savings bank company. There are currently 27 foundations spread throughout the areas where Aktia operates.
The purpose of the savings bank foundations is to promote saving, support local districts and nurture the savings bank tradition. The foundations realise this purpose by providing financial support for work and research that promotes saving, and by offering stipends locally – mainly for youth, sport and community activities. The savings bank foundations receive the funds for these stipends from Aktia in the form of an annual distribution of profit. In this way, the path between Aktia and society comes full circle.
Social commitment
2004 was the first year of the three-year partnership agreement signed by Aktia and Svenska Teatern (Swedish Theatre) in Helsinki. Supporting the theatre in Finland is a continuation of Aktia’s tradition of sponsoring culture. In 2001–2003, Aktia supported the Design Museum and in 1998–2000, the International Antiques Fair at Svartå Manor. At the local level, Aktia’s branch offices support numerous cultural events and projects, sports clubs and other association-based activities.
Social services
Aktia’s product range includes two mutual funds that have been developed to support social services: Aktia Folkhälsan and Aktia Medica. Altogether 0.5% of the management fees for Aktia Folkhälsan are channelled into Folkhälsan’s (Swedish-speaking NGO in the social wellfare and health care sector) activities, while 0.2% of those for Aktia Medica go to the MediHeli service (emergency medical helicopter service). |
