Strategy and vision

The customers of Arion Bank have diverse and varied goals, reflecting the ambition and energy which drives them. And it is precisely this energy we seek to draw upon. We want to drive the success of our customers – in Iceland and in the Arctic – by offering diverse and smart financial solutions which meet their needs and help them, us and society as a whole succeed.

In 2023 the Board of Directors of Arion Bank approved the Bank’s new strategy, new values and service standards.

Strategy

Our mission is to help those who want to achieve success in Iceland and the Arctic through smart and reliable financial solutions which enhance financial health and create sustainable value.

Our vision is to be the best at meeting the needs of our target groups – a leader which is a driver of success for our customers and society as a whole.

Our purpose is to unleash the power of the new north.

Values

The values describe our attitude and how we approach our work.

We say what we mean
  • We adopt good practices guided by sustainability
  • We are honest and point out where things can be improved
  • We maintain confidentiality at all times and act respectfully
We find solutions
  • We are positive and solution-oriented in everything we do
  • We believe that a creative mindset and brilliant initiative generate ingenious solutions
  • We are more than a bank – we are resourceful partners who help people and communities achieve success
We work together
  • We are responsible for creating a working environment which is enriching, enjoyable and motivational
  • We foster close collaboration, both with different divisions of the Bank and with our partners
  • We work with our customers so that they achieve their goals

We have also adopted a code of ethics which promotes responsible decision making. The code of ethics can be seen here.

Service standards

By offering universal financial services and insurance to individuals, companies and investors, the Bank can provide our customers with a comprehensive overview of all their finances in just one location. This is how we meet different needs and apply our expertise so that we can help the customer reach their full potential.

We want customer experience at Arion to be unique and we have established standards which our services have to meet. Our service standards are a road map for providing and developing services and represent a vital step towards becoming the best at meeting the needs of our target groups. They are written from the viewpoint of the customers and describe how we want them to experience our services.

Goes the extra mile
  • Places my interests first
  • Makes banking simple for me
  • Guides me every step
Understanding with empathy
  • Understands me
  • Builds on my journey
  • Addresses my needs holistically
Refreshing
  • Shows passion and joy for the work they do
  • Surprises and delights me in the moment
  • Gives me a sense of belonging

Sustainable value creation

By applying smart and reliable financial solutions we aim to enhance financial health and promote sustainable value creation. We also want to act as a role model in responsible and profitable business practices, taking into account the environment and society. We aim to ensure that social responsibility and sustainability are integral parts of the Bank's day-to-day activities, its decision-making and processes.

We realize that the greatest impact that banks can have is through lending and investment and we take this responsibility seriously. We want to promote investment by women and improve the gender balance on the financial market. In 2023 we launched a long-term campaign aimed at achieving this. We have also adopted an ambitious environment and climate policy because we are committed to helping Iceland meet its obligations under the Paris Climate Agreement and other domestic and international environment and climate treaties. We offer our customer green financial services, such as green car loans, deposits, mortgages, corporate loans and green funds at Stefnir.

Your success

Success can mean many things. We are all different, with diverse goals but we all aim to get ahead and the success of our customers – your success – is what we are aiming for.

Helping our customers succeed

Whether it is a major company investing in green production or a start-up seeking funding, young people heading overseas to study or older people developing asset portfolios and securing their financial futures, we are always working for the success of our customers.

Helping society succeed

The projects we finance have a major impact on our society and environment. We believe in a robust economy and are leaders in green financing, a position we intend to maintain.

Helping our shareholders succeed

Thousands of people in Iceland are shareholders in Arion Bank, both directly and indirectly through pension funds. We are aware of our responsibility and aspire to create greater value for our shareholders.

Helping our employees succeed

Our employees are a diverse group of people who share a passion for their work. We endeavour to build a workplace where knowledge, expertise and skills can be put to good use.