Currency exchange

Currency transactions allow the customer to effect transactions with different currencies on the basis of the exchange rates defined by the bank, as well as to establish hedging for possible negative foreign exchange market fluctuations.

Currency can be exchanged in:

  • Swedbank internet banking;
  • by phone via Swedbank's currency dealers, if the transaction amount exceeds 7000 EUR (the customer may receive consulting on the trends in the foreign exchange market from Swedbank's Financial Markets specialists).
Currency exchange rates

Currency transactions by phone via Swedbank's currency dealers

In case of sizeable exchange volumes (over 7000 EUR) and the necessity to perform transactions regularly (several times per quarter), the customer may effect the currency conversion transactions by telephone via Swedbank's currency dealers.

Possibilities:

  • Convert currencies according to competitive exchange rates,
  • Give instructions for currency conversion transactions by telephone,
  • Receive advice from Swedbank Financial Markets specialists regarding the trends in the foreign exchange market.

What you need:

  • Open an accountwith Swedbank,
  • Sign an "Agreement for Financial Market Transactions" with Swedbank.

After signing an agreement on foreign exchange transactions, the customer is given a password, by means of which the customer's identity is verified prior to each transaction.

  • Currency conversion becomes effective when the parties have agreed on the terms of the transaction (record of the telephone conversation serves as a proof of the agreement on the transaction).
  • The transaction is entered in the customer's accounts within an hour after its conclusion.

A forward is a currency conversion with a future value date. The maturity of the forward transaction may vary between three banking days to 1 year and longer. Forwards are convenient if the customer's incoming and outgoing cash flows are in different currencies and the dates and amounts of such cash flows can be estimated some time in advance. The bank offers to define a currency exchange rate for future currency conversions, which means that the customer's revenue in the selected basic currency will not fluctuate along with general exchange rate fluctuations.

The terms of the forward transaction stipulates that both the bank and the customer undertake the obligation to convert currency on the date and in the amount agreed on the basis of the pre-established currency exchange rate.

Possibilities:

  • Hedge currency risks,
  • Accurately plan revenues independent of exchange rate fluctuations,
  • Fix the future currency exchange rate today,
  • Perform forward transactions issuing instructions by telephone.

Security needed:

The need for a security is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, while the amount of the security depends on the term of the transaction and the currencies involved.

What you need:

  • Open an accountwith Swedbank,
  • Sign an "Agreement for Financial Market Transactions" with Swedbank.

After signing an agreement on foreign exchange transactions, the customer is given a password, by means of which the customer's identity is verified prior to each transaction.

  • Valūtas maiņas darījums stājas spēkā tajā brīdī, kad puses ir vienojušās par darījuma noteikumiem (mutvārdos noslēgtā darījuma noteikumu pierādījums ir telefonsarunas ieraksts).
  • The transaction is entered in the customer's accounts within an hour after its conclusion.

Swap transactions are banking services allowing the customer to agree with the bank on currency conversion according to a fixed exchange rate in the nearest future, at the same time undertaking to convert the currency back according to a pre-established exchange rate in more distant future. Accordingly, a swap can be considered to comprise two loans where the bank lends money in one currency at the same time borrowing an equivalent amount in another currency. Swaps are off balance sheet transactions displayed as two transactions - a regular currency conversion and a forward with the same transaction amount, but effected in opposite directions and on different dates.

Currency exchange rates on both occasions are different and depend on the exchange rate differences of the currencies involved.

Possibilities:

  • Hedge currency risks,
  • Balance, without additional currency risks, currency resources in situations where there are excess funds in one currency and shortage in another, to perform swap transactions by giving instructions by telephone.

Security needed:

The need for a security is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, while the amount of the security depends on the term of the transaction and the currencies involved.

What you need:

  • Open an accountwith Swedbank,
  • Sign an "Agreement for Financial Market Transactions" with Swedbank.

After signing an agreement on foreign exchange transactions, the customer is given a password, by means of which the customer's identity is verified prior to each transaction.

  • Currency conversion becomes effective when the parties have agreed on the terms of the transaction (record of the telephone conversation serves as a proof of the agreement on the transaction).
  • The transaction is entered in the customer's accounts within an hour after its conclusion.

Currency Options is a banking service allowing the customer to hedge against future changes in the currency exchange rate. By buying a Currency Option, the customer has the right, but no obligation to make currency conversion according to a previously established exchange rate on a specified date. The customer or the party purchasing the option pays a premium (option price) to the bank or the party that guarantees performance of obligations.

Currency Options are convenient if the customer's incoming and outgoing cash flows are in different currencies and the dates and amounts of such cash flows can be previously estimated. Currency Option grants the right to its owner but does not incur an obligation to perform currency exchange if the exchange rate fluctuations are not favourable for the customer. The amount of the option price or premium is calculated depending on instability of the currencies involved, the exchange rate established for the deal, exchange rate differences of the currencies involved, maturity of the deal, etc. The right to buy currency in the future is called a call option for such currency, while the right to sell a currency is a put option for such currency.

Possibilities:

  • Hedge currency risks,
  • Use the right to perform currency conversion in the future according to a pre-established exchange rate,
  • Avoid responsibility to perform currency conversion according to a pre-established exchange rate,
  • Perform currency option transactions issuing instructions by telephone.

What you need:

  • Open an accountwith Swedbank,
  • Sign an "Agreement for Financial Market Transactions" with Swedbank.

After signing an agreement on foreign exchange transactions, the customer is given a password, by means of which the customer's identity is verified prior to each transaction.

  • Currency conversion becomes effective when the parties have agreed on the terms of the transaction (record of the telephone conversation serves as a proof of the agreement on the transaction).
  • The transaction is entered in the customer's accounts within an hour after its conclusion.

What to do in emergencies?

If you've lost your card or any data used in your Authentication tools or if you suspect that they‘re disclosed to other people, immediately call us at any time of the day or night. We will block your card or access to Internet Bank account immediately and no one else will be able to access money in your bank accounts.

  • For private clients: call (+371 67444444).
  • For business clients: call (+371 67444444).

We will also automatically block access to Internet Bank if incorrect login data (User ID or code from the PIN code generator) is entered 5 times in a row. You can unblock it by calling us at (+371 67444444). In case of a repeated block, you will have to visit the bank’s branch. You should book a visit in advance. Have you discovered any unauthorised transactions on your account performed prior to the blocking of Internet Bank access? Review your account statement and submit the information to us.

Secure your login data

  • You shouldn’t confirm transactions or logins to internet bank or app, which are not initiated by you under no circumstances.
  • You shouldn’t ever disclose your personal data or data used for login to internet bank & app to other persons, including family members, friends or bank employees, unless you are calling to the bank.
  • Do not write down, send by e-mail, SMS, etc. or otherwise save any confidential codes and passwords to unlock the screen of your computer or mobile phone. Create complex passwords, that are difficult to guess, memorise them and change them regularly. When creating PIN codes, be sure to make PIN codes in random number combination. Do not use combinations, such as 1111, 1234, dates of birth other personal details etc.
  • Remember that your User ID number is as important as your personal code, thus pay a great deal of attention to its security.
  • Keep in mind that after login you will have access to many services including external ones which do not require additional authentication.

Closing browsing session

The login session is terminated when no activity happens for 5 minutes. You will be asked to re-enter your login details. Time limits are used for security reasons, to prevent Internet Bank access if a user forgets to log off from his/her account after finishing using the Internet Bank.

Once you finish Internet Bank session, log off (by clicking 'Logoff') and close the browser.

Address of the Internet Bank website

On the computer:

By clicking on the lock sign you should see the correct Swedbank certificate:

On the smart device:

Before entering your login data, make sure that the website domain is “swedbank.lv”.

Take a moment to familiarise with our security recommendations:

  • Do not share your personal authentication means. If you want to give your family members or your employees rights to manage funds on your accounts, please, request the Bank to grant them respective rights. They will be able to use company’s accounts on behalf of their own and by using their own personal authentication means. You can revoke these rights at any time. It is also possible to order a supplementary card linked to your account for a family member to use.. Sharing the same authentication mean between the employees or family members is strictly forbidden.
  • Remember, that security of all your data (User ID, PIN codes, mobile phone number provided to the bank, personal number, etc.) is the key for protecting an access to your money.
  • If you’re using a public computer, avoid entering personal information as there might be malware that records your details.
  • Do not keep User ID number together with authentication means and their confidential codes.
  • Never send authentication data by email.
  • Never disclose your login information, unless you are initiating the call with the bank. No one has the right to request you to provide your personal number and authentication mean by phone. If you receive a call from a person stating he is an employee of the bank, end the conversation immediately.
  • Your Smart-ID or PIN code generator PINs should not coincide with any part of your phone number or the sequence of numbers.
  • Always compare control number and read “see what you sign” if available.
  • By entering PIN2 of Smart-ID you are usually confirming a payment or an agreement. Be extra careful when doing it.
  • You will get an SMS when new Smart ID account is created. Contact bank immediately if it wasn’t you who created Smart ID.

When accessing internet bank via a laptop or stationary computer, follow these safety measures:

  • Install antivirus software and configure it to automatic update of the virus definitions database (at least one auto-update per day).
  • Install the local firewall. It should be configured so that it prevents connections from the Internet to your computer.
  • Use the latest browser and operating system available.
  • Turn on automatic updates for all software. If it cannot be updated automatically, regularly check on its latest software.
  • Set your browser to block pop-ups.

Check computer safety

  • More information on the ways to secure your device and to safely use other Internet services is available on the following websites:

https://cert.lv/lv.

Do not forget to follow safety measures when accessing internet bank via mobile devices:

  • Download applications only from trusted sources such as the App Store, Google Play or Windows Phone Apps – Microsoft store.
  • Do not jailbreak your mobile device to get around limitations set by your mobile network operator or device manufacturer. It will remove protections built into the device to defend against mobile threats.
  • Always screen lock your smart phone or any of your computers. If several levels of screen lock security are offered, always use the highest security level.
  • Do not allow other persons to use your phone or tablet were Swedbank App is installed.
  • Do not reveal the screen lock codes to other persons and do not allow to unlock your phone with other persons’ biometric data.
  • Use antivirus software.
  • Always adhere to the requirements or security alerts of the manufacturer of your phone device.

When shopping online, be prudent with your personal and financial data. Properly assess the threats, which you may encounter on the internet. We recommend to ensure protection of personal devices and always follow these safety tips:

  • Shop in reliable shops only. It is always safe to buy goods and services in well-known Lithuanian and foreign e-shops with a good reputation. Take a critical approach to unknown sellers and try to find out more information about their activity. Study public internet feedback about a specific online shop. Find out whether the website presents detailed contact data of its administrator (address, phone, email, etc.), and make sure it does not contain various errors in their links (additional words or letters, strange symbols), popup windows, advertisings, a great number of links instead of informative content.
  • Be cautious about discounts. You have found a high-quality product offered at a particularly low price? Before making a payment order, be sure that the company that offers the product really exists and is trustworthy. Be careful about advertisements in social networks. They may lead you to a fake online shop.
  • Safe shopping by card. When shopping in foreign e-shops, the most common way of payment is by card. In this case you will have to indicate the details of your payment card. If an online shop participates in international security programmes, special logos such as “MasterCard SecureCode”, and “Verified by Visa” for Visa cards are used in this shop. You may be redirected to internet bank to confirm payment transaction by logging in. Learn more about “Safe online shopping” programme here. Before making payment in online shop, please evaluate safety of such online shop and study public internet feedback about its activity.
  • Safe payment via electronic banking system. When shopping in Latvian online shops, usually you will be redirected to Swedbank internet bank account. You will recognise it from the Swedbank logo and internet bank address: https://www.swedbank.lv/banklink. It confirms that payment is made directly through the bank system. After you enter your login details, the website will automatically display the generated payment form.
  • Third party providers. As of 14/09/2019, when you shop online, you might be offered to use payment initiation service, offered by payment institution (PISP), other than the bank, to pay for goods or services. If you choose to initiate payment from your account, kept with the bank, you might be asked to fill in the payment order form in the PISP’s environment, and give your consent to transfer data, necessary for performance of payment transaction, and later to confirm payment order with the Swedbank internet bank authentication mean. If you have noticed any transaction in the account statement, not authorised by you, inform us immediately by calling +371 67444444 (for private clients) or +371 67444444 (for business clients).

Suspicious SMS messages. Stay alert!

  • Fraudsters could impersonalize bank by sending fraudulent SMS under our name to obtain personal and Authentication mean data. These messages usually offer to click on an indicated link, to open an attachment or to call the indicated phone number in order to allegedly update, revise, check or activate your account in internet bank.
  • Never answer to a SMS message requesting you to submit confidential data. Never click on the links and do not open attachments from the unknown sender because this way you can activate a virus, or you will be redirected to a fraudulent website.
  • In case you are clicked on the link and were redirected to a website resembling our site, do not enter any requested data and contact us. Here you can find the information on how you can recognise the authentic website.
  • If you suspect that other persons have gained access to your login data, contact us immediately.

Suspicious emails or calls. Be cautious!

  • If you receive a suspicious call or email from an alleged “bank employee” or “police officer” requesting you to disclose confidential login details – under no circumstances disclose such information. Do not trust this person only because he or she knows something about you. Fraudsters can have different scenarios to steal money (they request to update data; inform about suspicious bank transactions, etc.), yet they have one common feature – they request to disclose confidential internet bank login data or to enter the generated code of Authentication mean and transaction confirmation.
  • Neither bank employees nor representatives of law enforcement or other institutions contact residents requesting them to disclose their Internet Bank details (User ID, PIN codes, etc.) or initiate as well as confirm transactions not initiated by you. Therefore, stay alert and do not open suspicious emails. Make sure that you log in to the Internet Bank via the right website (https://www.swedbank.lv).

Here are some of the most common indicators that a phone call or email or SMS that you have received is most likely a scam or an attack:

  • Any message that communicates a tremendous sense of urgency. The criminals are trying to rush you into making a mistake.
  • Any message that pressures you into bypassing or ignoring our policies and procedures.
  • Any message that promotes possibilities to gain high profit. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Be very suspicious of any phone call or message that pretends to be an official or government organization urging you to take immediate action.

You have found the security flaw? Notify us!

It is important for us at Swedbank that our customers can feel safe and secure when managing their monetary affairs with our electronic channels. Therefore, we seek to ensure the highest security level in IT systems. Despite this, an error may slip by. If you have found a security flaw, we would like to hear more about it to be able to correct the problem as soon as possible.

How do you report?

Send an email to us at responsible-disclosure@swedbank.com. We prefer that you use our public PGP key to protect the information you send over. Make sure to have included the following information:

  • Detailed description of the vulnerability containing such info as URL and type of vulnerability;
  • The necessary information that we need in order to reproduce the problem;
  • If applicable, a screenshot of the vulnerability you have found;
  • Contact information, name and surname, email, phone number, and your public PGP key (if you have one).

This personal data submitted by you will be processed by Swedbank in order to inform you about the analysis of IT security flaws noticed by you and their correction, and, if necessary, to contact you regarding the revision of the information submitted by you. More information about Swedbank’s data processing procedure is available in the Swedbank Principles of Processing Personal Data at www.swedbank.lv.

What can you report?

You can report security flaws that you have found in any of our services. Examples of security flaws are cross-site scripting, flaws in encryption or flaws with security implications in logic controls. The reporting service is not designated for other logical errors, errors in texts, questions about our services, questions about the security of our services or similar.

What can you expect from Swedbank?

We will confirm that we have received your description, continuously keep you updated while we process the issue, and inform you when the issue is fixed. Claims for compensation as a condition for sending in a vulnerability are not accepted.

What is required from you?

It is important for both us and our clients that you follow good practice, i.e. that:

  • You do not use the vulnerability to access or attempt to access information that does not belong to you;
  • You do not use the vulnerability to remove or modify information;
  • You do not affect the availability of our services;
  • You give us an opportunity to fix the reported vulnerability before going public with it.

Can you file a report anonymously?

Yes, but then we cannot respond back and keep you updated on the status.

PGP key

PGP key

Key ID: 0x0AD6CCAF

Control code: 2D14 4030 6D4B 68C3 F286 3AC6 333B E8E4 0AD6 CCAF