The Riksbank is an authority under the Swedish Riksdag whose activities are regulated by the Sveriges Riksbank Act. The overriding objective of the Riksbank is to maintain a low and stable inflation, also known as the price stability target. Without neglecting the price stability target, the Riksbank shall contribute to a balanced development of production and employment (consideration for the real economy).^[1] Chapter 2, Section 1 of the Sveriges Riksbank Act. The Riksbank shall also, without neglecting the price stability target, contribute to the stability and efficiency of the financial system, including the ability of the public to make payments.^[2] Chapter 3, Section 1 of the Sveriges Riksbank Act.

Climate change, and measures taken to combat it, pose risks to both price stability and financial stability, and may affect the Riksbank's ability to fulfil its objectives. These are mainly jeopardised by physical risks and transition risks. Physical risks include fires caused by drought, torrential rain and floods that cause injury to people, animals, nature and property. Transition risks arise when the world’s societies need to take mitigation measures in order to reduce emissions. A further risk is that climate measures are not taken, or are taken too late, and this can be summarised as the risk of a disorderly transition.

The Sveriges Riksbank Act states that the Riksbank shall identify threats to sustainable development that affect the conditions for its activities.^[3] Chapter 1, Section 9 of the Sveriges Riksbank Act. Sustainability refers to long-term economic, social and environmental development.^[4] Government Bill 2021/22:41 p. 82 and 246. These aspects of sustainability are also included in the description of Sweden's goals for the implementation of the 2030 Agenda (Government Bill 2019/20:188, Committee report 2020/21:FiU28, Riksdag Communication 2020/21:154).

The Riksbank manages financial assets in order to fulfil its tasks and powers and to generate sufficient income to finance its activities. The assets shall be managed with low risk and taking into account the Riksbank’s status as a central bank and the purpose of the asset holdings. The Sveriges Riksbank Act states that in its asset management the Riksbank shall attach particular weight to how sustainable development can be promoted, as long as this does not adversely affect the objectives of asset management or the principles of consideration for the Riksbank's tasks and low-risk management.^[5] Chapter 9, Section 1 of the Sveriges Riksbank Act. This involves the Riksbank analysing and managing sustainability-related financial risks.

The Riksbank is responsible for promoting a well-functioning payment system.^[6] Chapter 9, Section 13 of the Instrument of Government. One of the Riksbank's tasks is to ensure that the public can make payments, including during peacetime crisis situations and states of heightened alert.^[7] Chapter 3, Section 1 and Chapter 5, section 1 of the Sveriges Riksbank Act. The Riksbank has set the objective that payments in Sweden shall be safe, efficient and accessible. In order for payments to be efficient, the costs to society, including energy consumption, for various methods of payment should be low. The Riksbank is therefore analysing sustainability-related risks and promotes sustainable development in the payment market.