RISK MANAGEMENT : A comparative study of Handelsbanken and Swedbank; how risk has been managedduring the last decade?

Abstract: In this thesis the authors strive to investigate the risk management phenomena in the banking sector by conducting a longitudinal comparative study in two different banks i.e. Handelsbanken and Swedbank. In a broader perspective to understand the phenomena the authors depart from theoretical framework that recognizes the social and cultural elements of risk. However, to be more specific the thesis narrows down its analysis to three main variables that come under the realm of this discussion which are; how banks organizing for risk, how they measure it and the role of IT and human judgment. This study contributes to the banking sector by providing a road map of how successful banks manage risk. It highlights that the risk question should be addressed strategically and deemed to be a continuous phenomenon.