SEB Launches European Defence & Security Fund to Strengthen Regional Resilience and Self-Reliance

(IN BRIEF) SEB Asset Management has launched the SEB European Defence & Security Fund, targeting companies in defence, cybersecurity, energy, technology, raw materials, and infrastructure to strengthen Europe’s resilience and self-sufficiency. The actively managed fund will hold 30–50 stocks, with a focus on European markets but the flexibility to invest up to 25% in NATO, OECD countries outside Europe, and Taiwan. Led by Portfolio Manager Robert Vicsai and supported by SEB’s award-winning Fundamental Equity team, the fund will be available from 14 August to investors in Finland, Norway, and Sweden, and later to other European markets.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 14-Aug-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — SEB’s fund management arm, SEB Asset Management, has launched the SEB European Defence & Security Fund, a new actively managed investment vehicle aimed at supporting Europe’s defence, security, and resilience. The fund will target companies that play a critical role in safeguarding the continent, with investments spanning defence, cybersecurity, energy, technology, raw materials, and infrastructure—sectors that together form the backbone of a secure and self-reliant Europe.

The launch comes at a time when Europe faces a deteriorating security landscape, requiring substantial and sustained increases in defence and security-related investments. “As a responsible corporate citizen, SEB strives to play an active role in strengthening Europe’s defence, security and resilience through providing financial services and investments,” said Javiera Ragnartz, Head of SEB Asset Management. “This thematic fund responds to growing client interest, allowing us to meet demand while contributing to a safer and stronger Europe.”

The fund adopts a long-term growth strategy, investing across interconnected themes within the broader defence and security ecosystem. While maintaining a European focus, up to 25% of the portfolio can be allocated to companies based in NATO or OECD member countries outside Europe, as well as Taiwan, providing access to global leaders and cutting-edge technologies not available in Europe. The portfolio will be concentrated, holding approximately 30 to 50 carefully selected companies, chosen through rigorous, bottom-up fundamental analysis.

“I believe that investments in these areas should be based on holistic and rigorous fundamental analysis to ensure they benefit not only the stock exchange but society,” said Portfolio Manager Robert Vicsai. “It is both a responsibility and an opportunity to support the development of a stronger, safer, and more competitive Europe.”

Vicsai will lead the fund alongside SEB Asset Management’s award-winning Fundamental Equity team, including Johan Söderström, Pavel Lupandin, and Alexander Winberg. The team brings extensive experience managing technology and AI-focused portfolios, providing deep sector knowledge and analytical expertise.

The fund will be available to private and professional investors in Finland, Norway, and Sweden from 14 August, with plans to expand availability to other European markets over time. In Sweden, it will also be offered through unit-linked insurance.

Media contact:

Press office: +46 8 763 91 10
E-mail:press@seb.se
SEB switchboard: +46 771 621 000

Media contact:
press hotline: +4687639110 or e-mail: press@seb.se

SOURCE:  Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB