When financing becomes a strategic part of the business
The treasury function has evolved into a strategic partner within organizations. In an environment shaped by geopolitical uncertainty, market volatility, and shifting supply chains, financing is no longer defined solely by cost, but by structure, flexibility, and risk management.
For export companies – regardless of size – the key question is not only access to capital, but how financing is structured. How resilient is the setup? How well does it match cash flows across different currencies? And how does it create room to act during both growth and uncertainty?
SEK provides financing solutions for Swedish exporters and buyers of Swedish exports – from long-term financing to working capital solutions.
Diversification and international reach
According to Helen Junker, Head of Mid Corporates at SEK, many companies are actively working to diversify their sources of financing.
“The balance between bank financing and alternative funding sources has become increasingly important. Treasury functions want to reduce concentration risk and build more diversified financing structures. Financing from SEK can create flexibility and complement a company’s overall financing setup – for both mid-sized and large companies.”
She explains that financing decisions today are no longer only about minimizing costs, but increasingly about building flexibility and resilience over time.
“For companies with cash flows across multiple markets, access to financing in local currencies can be a key component of effective risk management.”
She emphasizes the importance of close dialogue, especially as financing structures become more complex. SEK has extensive experience in international markets and works to strengthen the competitiveness of Swedish exporters through financial solutions.
“Understanding a company’s business model, investment plans, and capital structure is essential. Financing works best when it is integrated into the overall business strategy.”
Despite geopolitical uncertainty, sustainability remains a priority. Sustainability-classified lending has grown faster than the overall lending portfolio. A company’s ability to present a robust business model and a credible climate and transition plan is an important part of the risk assessment.
Working capital as a strategic priority
While long-term financing provides stability, working capital plays a crucial role in operational flexibility. Maria Hägglöv, Head of Trade and Working Capital Solutions at SEK, describes a clear shift in how companies view their balance sheets.
“The use of the balance sheet in a more active way – through tools such as receivables financing or the management of advance payment guarantees – continues to increase. Many companies are reviewing how they can unlock capital to support growth and investments.”
The pandemic demonstrated how vulnerable supply chains can be, strengthening the link between the physical and financial value chain.
“This affected procurement strategies and made the financing of strategically important suppliers a priority. Today, supply chain finance is as much about risk management as it is about cash flow.”
She points out that working capital solutions can also be a competitive advantage in international business.
“The ability to offer extended payment terms can be commercially decisive. Through guarantees or receivables financing, companies can strengthen their own liquidity while also creating stability throughout the value chain.”
She adds that SEK typically works in close cooperation with companies’ banking partners.
“Banks remain central to the financing structure. Our role is often to complement and collaborate rather than replace – both for large corporations and for mid-sized companies with international operations.”
An integrated part of the business
Both long-term financing and working capital are increasingly viewed as strategic tools. For treasurers and CFOs, this expanded role means greater responsibility – and greater influence over the direction of the business.
In a world where uncertainty is constant, a holistic perspective is essential. Financing should be viewed as an integrated part of the business model – not merely as a cost.
Financing does more than provide capital – it creates strategic flexibility.
Do you want to know more?
Helen Junker, Head of Mid Corporates