The article is devoted to the Bank of Sweden - one of the most open central banks in the world - and its information policy, communication with financial markets and the society and, in general, its transparency as regards financial stability.

The issue of how open a central bank should be as concerns issues related to financial stability such as crisis management or the role of a lender of last resort is still very controversial. Many central banks pursue a relatively less transparent policy and stick to the "constructive ambiguity" principle, taking into account the dangers resulting from the temptation of abuse. Meanwhile, the Bank of Sweden - as a result of the experience gained during the 90's crisis - presents an extraordinary stance in this respect: the openness of Riksbank's policy serves as a method of limiting the temptation of abuse. The Bank of Sweden believes that a public and open analysis of the risk factors and of the risks sources to the system at the early stage may prevent a crisis in the banking system.

The article presents the information policy tools and methods used by the Bank of Sweden in its communication with the society, as well as the details concerning Riksbank's interpretation and approach to the function of supporting financial stability.

Pursuant to the approach adopted by the Bank of Sweden, concern for the financial system's stability makes it possible to maintain stability of that system and to prevent its crisis. This function of the central bank is performed, among other things, through crisis management, including necessary measures in the event of a crisis of the financial system, where the role of Riksbank as the lender of last resort is particularly important. The article presents the details concerning preparation of the Bank of Sweden to act in the event of a crisis in the financial system, including preparation of the action plan, a crisis management centre, conclusions drawn from exercises and the rules of providing emergency liquidity support in the event of a crisis. As regards supporting financial stability, the Bank of Sweden - contrary to majority of central banks in the world - is particularly transparent and does not avoid public discussions on such sensitive issues.