Press release
Aktia Bank Plc
8 April 2026 at 9.00 a.m.  

Today, 8 April 2026, marks the 200th anniversary of the day when fisherman's daughter Sophia Albertina Schelin opened the first savings account at the Helsinki Savings Bank and deposited 16 shillings as the bank’s initial capital. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of the merger between Helsinki Savings Bank and seven other regional savings banks under the name Aktia.

“2026 is the first year of Aktia’s next 200 years. This means it is not just about a birthday, but about continuity, about legacy, about values that are passed on from one generation to the next. The core of the anniversary year is the idea that Aktia is an excellent partner in safeguarding wealth, preserving heritage and building the future. Our most important competitive advantage is our personal and active customer service and the close cooperation between the customer and our specialists,” says Anssi Huhta, CEO of Aktia.

In two centuries, the modest local bank has developed into a modern commercial bank, asset manager, and life insurer that helps Finnish households to prosper and pass on their wealth to the next generation. The successful listing in 2009 further strengthened Aktia's position as a long-term and responsible financial institution that moves forward with confidence while honouring its heritage.

The anniversary is reflected in tangible benefits for customers

“Although the 200th anniversary year is celebratory and emotional by nature, it also carries a clear, practical message. Aktia wants to support its customers' finances and everyday life, now and in the future.

In February, Aktia launched a campaign offering new variable-rate housing loans of at least EUR 150,000 with a margin of 0.2 per cent for the first two years*. This spring, Aktia will launch a campaign in which new Premium Banking customers will be offered free estate planning with a bank lawyer. Legal advice is a service that is generally targeted only to Private Banking customers in the sector. In the autumn, the anniversary year will be completed with new benefits.

“In the financial sector, the direction changes quickly, but the bank’s task is to help its customers always think further and to make wise decisions about their finances. The anniversary year is a reminder of why Aktia was founded 200 years ago and why we are still here. We want to be a reliable partner that provides comprehensive insight and guidance, while also taking future generations into account,” Huhta says.

Further information:

Mia Smeds, Director of Communications, tel. 044 5460 379, viestinta(at)aktia.fi   

Aktia, celebrating its 200th anniversary this year, is a growing Finnish financial group. Since 1826, our mission has been to safeguard and increase the wealth and well-being of our customers and society as a whole. Our operations are based on strong values, long-term commitment, and trust. We provide expert, personal support to our customers across Finland, helping them develop their finances and build prosperity across generations. Our award-winning asset management business also sells investment funds internationally. Our strong business model is based on complementary wealth management, life insurance, and banking services. We employ approximately 850 people around Finland. Aktia's gross assets under management (AuM) on 30 September 2025 amounted to EUR 16.3 billion and the balance sheet total was EUR 12.3 billion. Aktia's share is listed on Nasdaq Helsinki Ltd (AKTIA). Read more about Aktia: aktia.com

*The benefit is valid for housing loans applied for by 30 June 2026. The interest rate on a housing loan consists of a margin and an agreed reference rate. After two years, the loan will be subject to a customer-specific margin determined on the basis of loan negotiations and the customer's individual situation and overall customer relationship.

Example calculation for a housing loan of EUR 140,000 with a repayment period of 22 years: The APR is 3.19% when the loan interest rate is 3.02% (margin + 12-month Euribor per 01/2026), bank charge EUR 400.00 and loan management fee EUR 2.90 /month. The number of instalments is 264. The total amount of credit and the total cost of the credit is EUR 193,864. The monthly payment (annuity) is EUR 727. The loan period, loan amount and interest rate are a representative example of housing loans offered by Aktia. Please note that the example loan calculation is indicative and may not correspond to the actual annual interest rate of the loan granted.

In all cases, the granting of credit is subject to an approved credit decision. The credit is granted by Aktia Bank Plc, Arkadiankatu 4-6, 00100, domiciled in Helsinki, Business ID 2181702-8.