We support the increased focus on the defence industry

In a time of increasing geopolitical uncertainty, many nations, including the Nordic countries, attach ever greater importance to defence and security of supply. When major global shifts like this occur, our customers’ investing and financing needs change as well.

Danske Bank has been supporting the Nordic defence industry with financing and investing our customers’ assets for many years. As one of the largest banks in the Nordic countries, we therefore also play a natural role in supporting the increased societal focus on the defence industry, and on the companies that are active in the field.

We support companies in the defence industry
Danske Bank is already today engaged with companies in the defence industry, including the majority of the major Nordic companies in the sector. We advise and help secure financing for companies that are already contributing to the industry, and companies that may be able to do so in the long term. We also see the possibility for more companies with activities in, for example, drones, surveillance equipment, etc. to contribute to the defence.

Considering the greater societal focus, we will actively use our experience and our expertise in financing and investing to help promote a strong and resilient Nordic defence industry. This applies to companies in the industry that, among other things, request capital to expand production as well as customers wanting to enter the sector and defence-tech startups seeking advice.
New policy and approach to defence
On that basis, we also adjusted our policy on investments and financing within the defence industry in March 2024 to better cater to the changing geopolitical situation and evolving investment customer preferences. Being active in the defence sector requires attentiveness to international conventions, sanctions, regulation and ethical considerations. 

As an example, Danske Bank will not conduct business with a company if verified information exists that the company directly or through its supplies of bespoke components, systems or services is involved in the production of illegal weapons according to international law, such as anti-personnel mines, cluster munitions, biological and chemical weapons and nuclear weapons outside the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

You can read Danske Bank's updated policy in the area here