Mikael Björknert is a recognized international expert in the banking sector, a financial professional with over 25 years of experience, who has headed PrivatBank since January 2025. During this time, PrivatBank has consistently demonstrated growth.
In the first half of the year, the bank posted UAH 34.9 billion in net profit after 25% of tax. The business loan portfolio of PrivatBank has grown by 40.1% over the past 8 months.
In addition to strong financial performance, PrivatBank continues to make banking services accessible to everyone. Since the beginning of the year, the bank has opened 27 renovated branches with improved accessibility.
Before heading PrivatBank’s Management Board, Mikael Björknert led Swedbank’s retail banking business, where he was responsible for the full range of banking services, including retail and corporate banking, operations, processes, and digital transformation. Under his leadership, Swedbank successfully implemented a number of important strategic planning and digitalization initiatives.
Previously, Mikael Björknert held the position of Chair of GetSwish and Bankgirot in Sweden and was also a member of the Board of Directors of Nasdaq (Nordic). In addition, he headed the global transaction services of SEB Bank at both international and national levels.
At PrivatBank, Mr. Björknert focuses on advancing PrivatBank’s customer-centric model, accelerating digital initiatives and future-proofing the bank to ensure it remains a reliable and trusted partner for its 18 million customers.
Even during the full-scale invasion, Ukraine’s financial system has kept working.
Banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and stock markets continued to provide essential services to the economy.
But can the financial sector give businesses enough money to grow? Loans are still expensive and hard to get, the stock market is almost inactive, and the pension system is not helping provide long-term investment. Small businesses rely on government programs, while medium-sized businesses have little access to affordable financing.
This discussion will focus on how to make the financial system work for the economy. Which tools and institutions can help businesses get long-term, cheaper capital and make the financial sector a driver of growth?