Our History

SpareBank 1 Østlandet can trace its history back to 1845, when funds from local granaries, forest commons, local authorities and private individuals were pooled to found the first savings banks. 

Sparebanken Hedmark (part of SpareBank 1 Østlandet) came into being through a series of mergers between formerly independent savings banks in Hedmark. Altogether, 22 local savings banks have merged and evolved to become Hedmark’s largest source of capital with its head office in Hamar. Sparebanken Hedmark assumed its name in 1982.

Sparebanken Hedmark was the leading supplier of financial services to individuals, businesses and the public sector within Hedmark. In 2016, the bank widened its market area further through the acquisition of the remaining shares in Bank 1 Oslo Akershus AS and in 2017 the two banks merged into SpareBank 1 Østlandet. 

As the leading financial group in parts of our market area, we assume responsibility for growth and development through the financing of individuals and companies who wish to see their good ideas come to fruition. In this way, the bank helps people to build, live and work here.

Sparebanken Hedmark had a long tradition of returning part of its profit back to the local community. We did this by making annual donations to teams, associations and other worthy causes. Sparebanken Hedmark also spent millions of kroner each year sponsoring recreational sports and other activities for children and young people. In addition, the bank had a separate endowment fund, the proceeds of which are used for major cultural, research and educational projects.