Business Services

Christina Norrbring

Head of Business Services

Great place to learn about banking from the ground up

“Once the sale is completed, our job starts. We work with the bank’s deliveries every day and make sure everything works,” says Christina Norrbring, who heads the Business Services unit and is leading SEB’s automation journey.

Christina Norrbring has a long career at SEB and has moved among various parts of the bank’s operations. She joined SEB in 2008 in the Technology division, where she was in charge of 1,200 employees in IT development. After just over a decade, she became head of business development for the Swedish banking division, Corporate & Private Customers.

She has now gone over to the Business Services unit, where she leads some 1,700 employees. They are the link between customers and the bank and make sure that all practical matters work surrounding loans, handling of funds, trading settlements, customer reports and enquiries from authorities.

“We work with all of the bank’s customer segments in all countries and in all markets,” she says. “Our largest units are in Riga, Vilnius, Stockholm, and Singapore. Business Services is an essential part of the customer delivery and a great place to learn banking for real.”

As head of Business Services, Christina is leading the work with SEB’s automation journey. This entails fully automated processes as far as possible, where customers’ transactions can be performed directly without manual handling by the bank’s employees. This transformation is being conducted with the help of robot programming and to a growing extent with machine learning and AI.

The aim is to improve the customer experience, shorten lead times and increase accessibility 24 hours a day.

“Of course, there are complex matters that require human dialogue. But in many cases, customers expect a greater amount of automation,” Christina explains. “A customer applying for a home mortgage does not want to wait for manual handling, but instead wants an answer immediately to be able to cancel, refinance or pay off a loan on their own. The same goes for businesses. They don’t want to have to call someone to get a report on their bank data or make a change to their banking arrangement.”

Greater automation also reduces the risk for errors. The more manual work that is done, the higher the risk is for an error.

How is it working for a bank?

It’s not at all like people think. Now I have had the good fortune to be part of the transformation that the entire banking sector is currently undergoing, with digitalisation as the main driver. It’s very exciting! Since I have worked in various parts of the bank, I have also had the opportunity to see this development from many perspectives.

It also adds an extra dimension to work in a societally essential company that plays a vital role in keeping the wheels of the economy rolling. It’s stimulating to feel a sense of purpose of why you go to work.

What advice would you give yourself as a younger person?

Take it a little easy. It’s not important to have your career crystal-clear and charted out. On the contrary: Take opportunities as they come but be cognizant of what energises you and not only what others think is important. Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to try something new.

If you want to work for a bank, Business Services is a great place. Here you get insight into the bank’s entire customer deliver and all its business processes.

Rūta Skroblaitė

Team Manager for Guarantees Administration I Unit 

Building communities and growing through every opportunity

Rūta Skroblaitė joined SEB straight from university and has built her career from bank operations specialist to team manager for Guarantees Administration I Unit. Alongside her leadership role, she is known for bringing people together through events, initiatives and community-building activities.

Can you tell us about your journey at SEB?

SEB was my first professional workplace after university. I joined as a bank operations specialist and, together with my manager, created a long-term career plan early on. Through determination, learning and support from colleagues and leaders, I eventually achieved my goal of becoming a team manager.

What helped you take the next steps in your career?

Open conversations with managers played a huge role. At the same time, curiosity and motivation were equally important. I don't believe you need to know everything before taking the next step. If you're willing to learn, ask questions and put in the effort, you'll continue growing.

You are known for organising events and initiatives. What motivates you?

People are my biggest motivation. Seeing colleagues connect, enjoy themselves and build stronger relationships is incredibly rewarding. I believe these moments help transform groups of coworkers into genuine communities.

Which initiative are you most proud of?

One highlight was being part of the organising committee for SEB Summer Fest, which brings together colleagues from across the Baltics. I'm also proud of smaller initiatives like board game nights, quiz events, talent programmes and internal events focused on automation and AI to support everyday work. 

How do new ways of working help teams achieve better results?

In our daily work (just like in our career) we can't just wait for changes to happen. For results to improve, it is very important stay curious, challenge the routines and be willing to adapt. This mindset enables the team members to shine and the team to produce the best results. Often, it starts with a simple question: Can this be done differently?

If you had to describe SEB in three words, what would they be?

Community. Opportunity. Motivation.

Community because of the people and connections you build. Opportunity because there is genuine room to grow and develop your career. Motivation because you're encouraged to challenge yourself, learn and pursue your goals.
 

Gintarė Venskavičiūtė

Process Developer in Cash Management Client Services at SEB

Adaptability to change is one of the key competencies of the modern employee

Gintarė Venskavičiūtė works as a Process Developer in Cash Management Client Services. Passionate about data, AI and continuous improvement, she helps bridge the gap between business, technology and customer needs.

Can you tell us about your role and what a typical day looks like for you?

I work in Cash Management Client Services as a Process Developer. While the title might sound quite structured, no two days are ever the same.

Much of my work is about connecting the dots between business, data, technology and people. One hour I might be discussing a customer challenge with colleagues across different markets, and the next I could be analysing data, exploring automation opportunities or testing how AI can help us work smarter. I also spend time sharing knowledge, supporting colleagues and driving improvement initiatives.

What I enjoy most is the variety. Every challenge is different, which means there is always something new to learn. Ultimately, my goal is to make life easier for both our customers and colleagues.

You are known as a data and AI enthusiast. How do these areas connect to your work?

For me, data and AI are some of the most valuable tools we have. Everything we do is focused on creating value for customers, and these tools help us achieve that more effectively.

Data allows us to move from assumptions to facts. AI helps us automate repetitive work and enables us to focus on areas where human judgment, creativity and relationship-building matter most.

Can you share an initiative you've driven that had a meaningful impact?

One initiative that stands out is a project focused on fee data mapping and standardisation. It created a shared language around fee data, made analysis easier and improved conversations with customers. Most importantly, it became the foundation for future automation, AI solutions and smarter reporting.

Are there any skills you once underestimated but now consider essential?

Definitely. The skill I underestimated most was the ability to continuously learn and adapt. Curiosity has been my career compass. It's what led me to data, AI and many of the initiatives I've been involved in.

How important is collaboration when driving change?

Collaboration is absolutely essential. The best ideas and results come from people with different perspectives working towards a shared goal. No meaningful change happens because of one person alone.

What excites you most about the future of data, AI and banking?

I believe we're only at the beginning of what's possible. What excites me most is the opportunity to make banking more proactive, personalised and simple for customers. Technology allows us to spend less time on repetitive tasks and more time solving problems, building relationships and being creative.

Karolis Kaminskas

Learning and Development specialist at SEB Global Services Vilnius

Continuous development at the workplace – the path to a successful career

Karolis, a Learning and Development Specialist at SEB Global Services Centre in Vilnius, has been working for the company for the past 11 years. Although he started his career at SEB as a bank operations specialist, he soon realized that his main interest lay in learning and development area. Karolis' career story shows how starting with small steps can lead to discovering an area of interest and successfully changing the job role. In this interview, he shares his insights on the importance of continuous learning, future skills, and motivation to develop and grow in his field.

You've worked at SEB for 11 years. Tell us briefly about your career path.

I started my career at SEB 11 years ago as a Bank Operations Specialist and after six months I was given a new responsibility – to introduce SEB newcomers to their role and the workplace. I immediately liked the role and saw its great benefits. Later, I also started to organize training for colleagues who were working on employee onboarding. I was very keen to contribute to all these processes, as I was very interested in this area. I started to deliver training and develop training materials. After a while, I also became the manager of the bank's operations team. At the same time, I was also a team manager and I spent about 10% of my time on my additional responsibility of coordinating the work of the newcomers. But I have found that 10% of my time is the most interesting for me. So, when a vacancy came up in SEB specifically in the learning and development area, I immediately applied and was offered the job.

Why were you interested in the field of learning?

Before joining SEB, I worked in other companies where I also had to contribute a little to the training of newcomers. As soon as the opportunity arose at SEB to get involved in these processes, I immediately took it. I saw the great value of this work – how important it is to give the newcomer a proper introduction to his functions. Now that modern tools are available, the support for the newcomer has become much more flexible. The new tools give us more freedom and more possibilities.

Why do you think it is important to have a smooth onboarding process?

A new employee who starts with the right introduction tends to stay longer in the organization. And they feel more secure when the structure and processes are laid out for them at the start. A newcomer who has been properly introduced to the job tends to make fewer mistakes in the workplace. There are also better psychological well-being and quicker integration into the team – there are certainly many advantages to investment in the newcomer and his/her proper integration into the team. Having the right approach is not only good for the newcomer but also for the employee who trains the newcomer and for the team.

Briefly describe what the Learning and Development department does.

Our department consists of around 40 people. One part of the team is based in Stockholm and the other part is based here at the SEB Global Services Centre in Vilnius. Our goal is to implement SEB's training strategy and put it into practice.  Our work can be divided into three main areas: the strategic part, where we set priorities (which training should be important for our employees), the tactical part, where we develop the training itself, and the operational part, where we deal with various employee issues, training reports, statistics, etc.

The SEB currently has a recommended number of 42 hours of learning per year. Why exactly this amount?

We monitor the overall market, looking at the average number of learning hours in other similar companies. We set our own recommended hours based on these global averages. I am pleased to see that many SEB employees do manage to achieve 42 hours of learning per year. There are also a few employees who go well beyond that. Our internal SEB learning platform, Campus, has around 7,000 trainings. We have a similar number on our external platforms. SEB employees have access to around 14-15,000 different trainings and courses. There are a lot of opportunities, you just must be willing and know what you want to learn.

Why do you think it is important to learn every day and keep up with the latest trends? 

Not only at work but also in life, I think if you don't improve and grow, you will face one problem or another. The skills needed for today's employees are certainly many and many of them are not acquired in a day. So, you must keep improving and growing. The ever-changing market and new jobs that come up also encourage us to learn new skills. 

What are you learning now?

Now I want to learn more filmmaking and video editing skills. I am also very interested in artificial intelligence and its technologies. I think that once I understand what the technology is all about, it will be easier for me to apply it. And it is a fact that these technologies will be needed, they are already needed now.

What do you think will be the most important skills of the future?

Skills such as the ability to communicate, to interest, to be involved, and to listen to others will always be relevant. In terms of technical skills, I think the ability to use artificial intelligence tools will be very important. It is also important to have an interest in sustainability – not only in terms of environmental protection or ecology but also in terms of understanding how to work and learn more sustainably and how to use our time and resources more sustainably.

What do you value most about SEB? 

There are many things I could list, but one of the most important is my colleagues and team. I'm talking about the team in the broadest sense, which includes the culture of the whole company, the diversity, and the modern approach that SEB has. I like that there is freedom to make decisions and be creative, you can implement your ideas. 

What are your hobbies?

It’s said you should have three hobbies – for body, mind and wallet. I like sports – skiing in the winter and other activities in the summer. I like cinema, theatre, board games, economics, and investments. 
 

Mantvydas Lukauskas

Business Analyst, Transaction Banking Services Development, SEB global services centre

Never give up looking for new career opportunities

Mantvydas has been working with SEB for almost 13 years. Having changed many professions - from construction engineer to martial arts instructor – before making the long journey to SEB and becoming a business analyst, he emphasizes the importance of being curious and open to new opportunities. He sees SEB as an organization that can provide you with the necessary tools and opportunities for development, but you should strive to use them for personal and professional growth. Mantvydas always seeks ways to gain new knowledge and values sharing experience with his colleagues. 

Can you tell us more about your career path? 

Before joining our company, I worked as a construction engineer with a master's degree in the field. After the 2008 crisis, I switched to banking and started in Accounts Operations. Six months later, I joined the Payments Booking team for three years, my manager offered me this opportunity. My next role was in Fund Administration and Operations, a completely new area for me, where I worked for another three years, and when my son was born, I went on a paternity leave for 1.5 years. During this time, I understood that I need something new, and I want to learn more about business. There was an opening in Cash management Client services. I decided to give it a try and got the position, where over the past five years I have gained extensive experience in cash management and business, that has led me to my current position as a Business Analyst. 

What inspired you to have such a career path? 

I am the kind of person who is always searching for more and demanding more from myself. When you change positions, you learn about different systems and workflows. I always try to think broadly. If I excel at one function, I look for more opportunities to take on additional responsibilities. That's how natural progression works. If you're interested and eager to learn and do more, you will eventually find yourself in new roles.

What do you like about SEB?

Previously, I had experience only with local companies, and I wanted to see what it was like to work with other employees. At SEB everything was new and interesting: different ways of working, views, and approaches. For me, it was interesting to learn more about the Scandinavian way of living and working. 
I like that SEB is about relationships. You meet many interesting people here and navigate various situations together. You share experiences, learn, and teach. Also, I like that you can always voice your thoughts. You can discuss issues with your team or higher managers and share your opinions. I like the knowledge and experience sharing here. 

Does SEB provide growth opportunities? 

We have a lot of opportunities at SEB. It is a large organization that is constantly changing and growing. You can look for other positions within the company, as well as attend conferences and training sessions, but your growth depends on your mindset. You are supposed to be that internal driver inside yourself, to be curious and strive to learn new things and get new achievements. Always search for new goals, set them for yourself, and then work to achieve them.

What can you say to people, who want to make a new step in their career within SEB?

You need to understand that you are the master of your path, whatever you are doing. Keep searching. Keep going. Always try to think broadly and set reasonable plans. Always be curious. Be more open and strive to learn more. 
No matter how the situation looks, there is always a solution, a possibility, and a choice. Just never give up searching for it.

What are your hobbies?

Now I'm trying to keep the physical activity and spend as much time as I can with my family and with my son. Back in the day, I trained extensively in martial arts for 14 years, and I have four black belts and for a while I was a martial arts instructor. I can say that it helped me to build internal strength. Because of these experiences, I still maintain my focus on martial arts and Japanese culture. Also, I have a strong interest in art and painting. 

Simona Paurytė

Business Coordinator at Data and Reporting Services, SEB Global Services Vilnius 

How relationships at work contribute to your growth: Simona about her career path at SEB

Simona has been with SEB for five years, during which she has held three different roles: Customer service specialist, Banking operations specialist, and currently, a Business Coordinator in one of SEB’s departments. Reflecting on her career, Simona emphasizes that her greatest personal and professional growth has come from building strong relationships with colleagues who continually inspire her to evolve. Today, she actively engages in initiatives that foster a sense of purpose in daily work, strengthen team bonds, and cultivate a community-focused atmosphere at SEB.

How has your career progressed at SEB?

I’ve been with SEB for five years. I started as a customer service specialist and later transitioned to a Banking operations role. After two years, I was promoted to senior banking operations specialist, a position I held for nearly a year. Currently, I work as an Business Coordinator in the Data and Reporting Services Department at SEB’s Global Services. This most recent career shift was a significant change for me, as it came with new responsibilities and a completely different type of work.

What was your first impression of SEB?

From the very beginning, SEB stood out for its focus on relationships and support. I was assigned a mentor who guided me through work processes, introduced me to my colleagues, familiarized me with the company culture, and helped me settle into my new role. This level of care and attention for newcomers pleasantly surprised me – it was unlike anything I had experienced before. I believe this kind of onboarding process is crucial, as it shows new employees they are valued and welcomed, which boosts their confidence during those first days.
When I joined SEB, I lacked confidence, as I didn’t have much professional experience. I worried that my colleagues, who seemed like seasoned professionals, would outshine me in every way. And indeed, SEB is home to many experts in their fields. But what I found inspiring was that, even as a newcomer, I could have meaningful, friendly interactions with long-standing employees and managers alike. It created a sense of equality and openness that made me feel at ease.

What motivated you to change roles within SEB?

Once again, my colleagues played a crucial role. I took on my current role at the encouragement of a colleague who saw potential in me and understood my ambitions. I’m someone who’s not afraid to openly share my goals, so my colleagues were aware of where I wanted to go. This openness, combined with their support, helped me take this next step in my career – a decision I consider one of my best so far.

What are your main responsibilities in your current role?

My work is very dynamic, requiring a lot of planning, communication, and coordination. I am responsible for internal communications within our department, managing communication channels, creating content for them, and keeping our team informed about organizational changes. Additionally, I organize various events and initiatives to strengthen our community of around 240 people.

What is most important to you in your work?

For me, relationships with colleagues are essential. We spend so much of our time at work, so it’s crucial to be surrounded by supportive, understanding people who are willing to help. Such an environment allows you to speak up, ask questions, and be yourself, fostering psychological safety that is essential in the workplace. I also place great importance on my relationship with my manager. 

Why do you think workplace relationships are so important, and what have they brought to your career?

I believe that relationships are a key driver of progress in both professional and personal life. Strong connections with colleagues not only make daily work easier but also open doors to career opportunities. When you’re visible and valued, your efforts don’t go unnoticed. Additionally, sharing and collaborating with others provide a wealth of benefits, from receiving constructive feedback that helps you grow to feeling motivated to aim higher.
Relationships with managers have given me a lot of courage and motivation in my career path. One of the most striking examples was the support of my then-manager, who entrusted me with coordinating a team of 600 people during the SEB summer celebration. At that time, I had recently started in a new role, so even though I was nervous, I felt immense confidence from my manager in my abilities. It is very important to me that a manager values my competencies and encourages me to take on responsibility. For this, I am grateful to SEB – here, I can learn, grow, and strengthen my self-confidence.

How do you build strong relationships with colleagues?

There’s no single formula, but I follow one simple principle: treat others the way you’d like to be treated. Empathy, friendliness, and openness are essential values for building good relationships. It’s important to give compliments, listen to different perspectives, and work towards shared solutions. Sincerity is always a great icebreaker.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

My free time is just as dynamic as my work. I’ve loved racket sports since childhood – I used to play tennis, and now I play padel. I also enjoy exploring new physical activities; recently, I participated in a few running competitions. Another passion of mine is makeup artistry. I’m learning the basics and experimenting with decorative cosmetics. From childhood to now, I’ve always been on a journey of self-discovery, seeking new activities and opportunities. I believe that’s what makes life so exciting.