Utmost appoints Rikard Havander as Head of Sales Sweden to expand its insurance-based wealth business

Utmost is stepping up its push in Sweden. The insurance-based wealth solutions provider, with £123.4bn (€143.3bn) in assets under administration, announced today the appointment of Rikard Havander as Head of Sales Sweden, where he will lead the commercial development of partner relationships and new business opportunities across the country.

Two decades in Swedish private wealth

Havander has been with the business since 2016, when he joined Lombard International, the firm Utmost acquired in 2024. Before that, he spent more than 23 years at SEB.

He brings a well-established network across the private banking sector, the ultra high net worth and high net worth communities and senior decision-makers in Sweden's corporate sector, together with proven sales and business development experience.

Sweden, a strategic market after the Lombard deal

Sweden is a strategically important market for Utmost, supported by long-standing partner relationships and a significant existing client base following the acquisition of Lombard International. The appointment adds to the group's European expansion, which recently included the launch of Utmost Wealth Portugal, a new distribution company in that country.

According to the firm, demand for insurance-based wealth solutions in Sweden is underpinned by the country's sophisticated wealth management market and by growing interest in flexible, internationally portable solutions for tax-efficient cross-border wealth and succession planning.

Utmost has established a strong international footprint and pre-eminent positions in a number of strategically important European markets, including Sweden. The appointment of Rikard reflects our ambition to capitalise on this strong platform for growth by strengthening our commercial relationships and expanding our presence in Sweden. His extensive experience and market knowledge will be invaluable as we pursue these opportunities.

Stephen Atkinson, Global Head of Sales and Marketing, Utmost

Priorities for the Swedish team

In his new role, Havander will work closely with Utmost's sales and client servicing teams to build on the firm's position in the Swedish market and on the partner relationships developed over many years.

I am excited to take on this new role and build on Utmost's market-leading position in Sweden, and the deep relationships we have established with our partners over many years. My priority will be to work closely with our sales and client servicing teams to deliver the high-quality service and specialist expertise our partners and clients expect. With a strengthened team and clear focus on the Swedish market, Utmost is positioned strongly to support the evolving wealth planning needs of our clients and drive continued growth.

Rikard Havander, Head of Sales Sweden, Utmost