“Trading in Sampo A shares officially began on Nasdaq Stockholm on February 16, 2026, under the ticker SAMPO SEK, marking the transition from Swedish Depositary Receipts (SDRs) to a direct listing of the Finnish insurer’s primary A shares. This structural change enhances accessibility for Swedish investors, simplifies trading mechanics, and aligns with evolving regulatory policies, while Sampo continues its strong performance in the Nordic non-life insurance market.”
Sampo A Shares Begin Direct Trading on Nasdaq Stockholm
Finnish insurance giant Sampo plc has taken a significant step in its capital markets presence with the start of direct trading in its A shares on Nasdaq Stockholm. As of today, investors can trade the company’s primary A shares under the ticker SAMPO SEK, replacing the previous arrangement that relied on Swedish Depositary Receipts.
The transition stems from a policy update by Euroclear Sweden in 2025, which opened the door for foreign companies like Sampo to pursue direct listings on the Swedish exchange rather than using intermediary depositary instruments. Nasdaq Stockholm approved Sampo’s applications for the delisting of SDRs and the admission of A shares on January 28, 2026. The last trading day for the SDRs occurred on February 13, 2026, paving the way for seamless continuity in Swedish market access.
This move represents an evolution rather than a fundamental shift for Sampo, which has maintained a dual-listing strategy since November 22, 2022, when SDR trading first commenced on Nasdaq Stockholm. The SDRs were issued by Svenska Enskilda Banken AB (publ), which also served as market maker and liquidity provider. By converting to direct A-share trading, Sampo eliminates the depositary layer, potentially reducing costs and administrative complexities for participants while providing clearer ownership rights.
For Swedish and Nordic investors, the change means direct access to Sampo’s Helsinki-listed A shares (ticker SAMPO on Nasdaq Helsinki) through the Stockholm platform. Trades executed on the first day settle on a T+3 basis, consistent with standard European market practices. The new listing carries a distinct ISIN code, distinguishing it from the prior SDR structure.
Sampo operates as one of the leading non-life insurance providers in the Nordic region, with significant operations across Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and beyond into the Baltic states and select European markets. The group focuses on property and casualty insurance, complemented by strategic holdings and diversified financial services. Its primary listing remains on Nasdaq Helsinki, where the A shares have shown resilience amid varying market conditions.
Recent performance metrics highlight Sampo’s stability in a challenging insurance landscape. The company has benefited from disciplined underwriting, favorable claims trends in certain segments, and strategic capital management. Over the past year, the stock has delivered solid returns, reflecting confidence in its business model despite broader economic pressures such as inflation impacts on claims costs and interest rate dynamics affecting investment income.
The direct listing on Nasdaq Stockholm is expected to bolster liquidity for Swedish investors, who represent a meaningful portion of Sampo’s shareholder base given the geographic proximity and cultural ties in Nordic insurance markets. This enhanced accessibility could attract additional retail and institutional interest, particularly as Sampo continues to emphasize shareholder returns through dividends and potential share buybacks.
From a broader market perspective, the timing aligns with efforts by several European companies to streamline cross-border listings amid evolving clearing and settlement regulations. While no new capital was raised through this process, the structural upgrade supports Sampo’s long-term goal of maintaining efficient access to capital markets in key regions.
Investors monitoring the debut day activity will watch for initial pricing alignment between the Helsinki and Stockholm venues, as arbitrage opportunities may emerge briefly during the transition. However, the underlying economics remain unchanged: Sampo’s valuation continues to reflect its strong balance sheet, consistent profitability in core insurance operations, and prudent risk management.
This development underscores Sampo’s commitment to optimizing its listing structure for the benefit of a diverse investor community across the Nordics.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial recommendations, or an offer to buy or sell securities. Market data and events can change rapidly.