Today, Swedish corporate governance is closely linked to how corporate governance has developed internationally in recent decades. However, the Swedish model differs in several important respects from the one-tier model used in the Anglo-Saxon countries and the two-tier model that is found in several continental European countries. Differences include how the ownership role is viewed, the distribution of responsibilities and authority among the various corporate bodies, the composition of the board and the role of the auditor.
The Board regards increasing knowledge and understanding of Swedish corporate governance as a crucial assignment, not least in the international capital market. An introductory section of the Swedish Corporate Governance Code therefore provides a general description of the Swedish corporate governance model.
To find out more about the distinctive features of Swedish corporate governance in an international perspective, see also The Swedish Corporate Governance Model, chapter 6.14 in The International Corporate Governance Handbook, Institute of Directors, London 2009.
The Board has also produced a summary in question-and-answer form of the main features of the Swedish model for corporate governance in listed companies. We welcome any suggestions on new questions or issues that should be covered.
Frequently asked questions on the Swedish corporate governance model.