Termination of premium bond operations

Date 03/03/1999

The Riksbank has decided to wind up its premium bond operations. This means that prize stamping, safe custody and trading with premium bonds in the second-hand market will cease at the latest by 30 April. The Riksbank will not take part in new issues. However, the National Debt Office will invite the Riksbank's customers to subscribe to the 1999:1 issue.

The background is a decision in principle that the Riksbank's activities shall concentrate on its role as an authority. The Riksbank considers that premium bond trading in a competitive, commercial market is not compatible with its role as an authority.

In the light of this, the eight local offices now open to the general public will be closed for the general public by 1 June 1999 at the latest. These offices are located at Stockholm, Mölndal, Malmö, Jönköping, Linköping, Örebro, Härnösand, and Luleå. The decision does not affect the activities at the local offices that are directed towards banks, the post office and trade.

The Riksbank's customers have been informed about these changes by letter.

Further information may be obtained from

Tom Dagne, Acting head of Cashiers' Department, tel. 08-787 00 00 or mobile 070-579 96 27
Anders Ekström, Head of Bond and Cash Division, tel. 08-787 00 00 or mobile 070-579 96 25