OREANDA-NEWS. October 15, 2012. At an awards ceremony of the City Enterprise Board of Tallinn recognising socially active companies and organisations, Swedbank was presented with the title of 'Most Responsible Company of the Year', reported the press-centre of Swedbank.

“We're really pleased that the approach we take to our operations has been recognised,” said Priit Perens, the director of Swedbank in Estonia. “We do things and we throw our weight behind things that are important to people here. That includes our staff, who are just as much part of society here, and just as happy and just as worried about the same things – and just as keen to see Estonia become a better place.”

In terms of social activity, the bank has set a number of examples: in association with the Swedbank Institute of Private Finances it has created the Financial Planner, which provides clients with a quick and very clear overview of their money matters; in summer the bank refitted six of its ATMs for use by the blind and visually challenged; the unique Prototron fund in support of start-ups will shortly be issuing its first grants to kick-start innovative ideas; the 'Youth to School' and 'Junior Achievement' initiatives are contributing to much-needed developments in Estonian education; and the bank has just this week launched a competition for scholarships in business ethics for Doctoral students in conjunction with the University of Tartu. In addition, many of the bank's staff members act as volunteers on a wide range of projects.

Swedbank has been promoting responsible enterprise both internally and outside of the company for many years. It has worked consistently to raise the awareness of its staff and launched a number of initiatives in the field.

The Tallinn City Enterprise Board awards recognise the best real estate development project fostering business or tourism, the best partnership project between companies, the best new company, the most outstanding tourism-related undertaking, the company that created the most jobs and the most socially responsible company.

As part of the competition for most responsible company, a special award for the most child- and youth-friendly company is also presented, this year for the fourth time.