Sweden’s ‘local’ bank in Perth

Swedish bank Handelsbanken, which operates on a “decentralised” model that allows local managers to make their own decisions, is to expand its presence in Scotland next month when it opens a branch in Perth.

The group currently has around 130 branches across the UK, including Edinburgh, Glasgow and Stirling. Edinburgh-based property manager Cowiesburn Asset Management said it had acted with a private investor to secure the ten-year lease, in Perth’s Old Academy building.

Branch manager Alex McDougall said: “We pride ourselves that the majority of all business decisions in Handelsbanken are taken at branch level.

“All customers have access to a dedicated relationship manager who they can reach via direct line and who is empowered to make decisions locally.”