Kraft Finans takes a historic step and opens its first office outside Norway. 29. January marked the official opening of the company’s new office in Stockholm, located at Strandvägen 7A. The establishment is the first step in Kraft Finans’ expansion to the European market.
The Stockholm office will be an important supplement to Kraft Finans’ existing offices in Sandnes, Bergen, Trondheim, Tromsø, Ålesund, Oslo and Kristiansand. The reason for the establishment is a sharp increase in demand for the company’s fixed income funds, particularly from European investors.
Swedish investors have already committed for several billion kroner in Kraft Finans’ funds, which are managed through Kraft Fondene. The high interest has contributed to the company now also launching its own share classes adapted to investors in Germany and Austria, among other countries, from February 12.
Strong growth and increasing international interest
Over the past year, Kraft Finans has experienced extraordinary growth. Assets under management (AUM) increased by around NOK 10 billion in the last year, and the company has now passed NOK 23 billion in total assets under management. The growth last year alone is roughly equivalent to the growth the company achieved during its first ten years.
– The interest from European investors has been very high, which is why we are now taking decisive steps to meet the demand, says CEO Sveinung Byberg.
He points out that a local presence in Stockholm will make it possible to get closer to customers and build long-term relationships in the Swedish market.
Local team in Stockholm
The new office in Stockholm is led by Christopher Heybroek.
– I am very pleased to lead Kraft Finans’ establishment in Stockholm. We see a clear and growing interest among Swedish investors for Nordic high-yield funds, and Kraft Finans has a strong and well defined position within active fixed income management. With a local team in place in Stockholm, we can offer proximity, accessibility and deep market knowledge. Our goal is to build long-term relationships and become a natural partner for Swedish investors over time, says Heybroek.
The natural next step in the Nordic region
According to CEO Sveinung Byberg, Sweden is a natural next step for the company.
– After ten years of strong growth and increasing confidence in the Norwegian market, we are now taking the next step in the Nordic region. Sweden is a logical choice both geographically and from a market perspective, and I am confident that the Stockholm office will provide a solid foundation for further growth and long-term value creation, he says.
Stein Svalestad, Head of Kraft Fondene and Deputy CEO of Kraft Finans, highlights in particular the opportunities in the high yield segment.
– The Swedish capital market is well developed, and interest in alternative fixed income investments is increasing. With our experience in active management of high yield funds, we believe we are well positioned to offer attractive solutions that can complement Swedish investors’ existing portfolios, says Svalestad.
