Sveriges Riksbank, or simply the Riksbank, is the central bank of Sweden. Founded in 1668, it is the world's oldest surviving central bank, and the third oldest bank in continuous operation. Until the 20th century, it was also the only state-owned central bank outside of the Russian Empire.
Headquarters
A mid-19th century banknote for 32 Skillingar Banco (1843)
A central bank, reserve bank, national bank, or monetary authority is an institution that manages the currency and monetary policy of a country or monetary union. In contrast to a commercial bank, a central bank possesses a monopoly on increasing the monetary base. Many central banks also have supervisory or regulatory powers to ensure the stability of commercial banks in their jurisdiction, to prevent bank runs, and in some cases also to enforce policies on financial consumer protection and against bank fraud, money laundering, or terrorism financing.
Walter Bagehot, influential 19th-century theorist of the economic role of central banks
Interior of the Llotja de Barcelona where the city's Taula de canvi was operated
The Bank of England in 1791
The Bank of Finland in Helsinki