Team size: three

Can you briefly explain how the legal team is structured, highlighting key individuals and their role within the department?

Swedbank Norge is a bank for large corporations and institutions. The legal department is responsible for providing advice and interacting with internal clients. Its scope also includes the preparation of agreements, bilateral and syndicated credits and loans to clients in the shipping and offshore sectors, renewable energy, and real estate. The legal team has a pivotal role in managing M&A and advising on securities when clients are issuing equity, IG Bonds and HY bonds

What are the most significant cases or transactions that your legal team has recently been involved in?

The main activities of the legal department last years have been related to the restructurings of the oil and offshore sector, providing existing and new clients with loans and credits, and assisting them in the transition to sustainability by providing green loans and green bonds.

What will be the main focus for the company in the next 12 months, and how do you intend to assist with this?

The focus in the next 12 months will be transitioning to sustainability. The legal team will assist in the process by issuing green loans and green bonds to clients and implementing new regulations.

How do you feel the pandemic has changed the world of work for in-house counsel and the function of the general counsel?

I do not think the role has changed a lot. The main difference concerns remote work and the adoption of online services and digital platforms to carry out our tasks. The downside is that this approach to work impacts creativity and is damaging for youngsters who miss out on discussions with colleagues.

Thomas Rygg Hannestad
Head of legal
Swedbank Norge