The information from Handelsbanken, Swedbank and SEB, which Ekonomiekot has reviewed, does not indicate that customers must actively do anything if they want to keep their old interest rate discount. In some cases, the mortgage is converted to a variable rate with a three-month fixed term – with a new and worse discount – without this being clear to the customer.
I'm not completely surprised when I hear this and we have a history where banks may not have distinguished themselves as a miracle of clarity in other situations, says Moa Langemark, consumer protection economist at the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority, to the radio.
As of July 1 this summer, the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority has new general advice for banks, which means that they should inform the consumer in writing and at least one month in advance that the discount on the mortgage interest rate is about to expire.
We developed these general guidelines to make it easier for mortgage borrowers. It would make the terms clearer and fairer. If there are still gaps in clarity, we can take action, says Moa Langemark, adding that "it cannot be ruled out" that FI may return to the issue.
