We at Kraft Finans are proud to strengthen the investment in Kraft Fondene with the appointment of Stein Svalestad as the new head of the funds. Svalestad also fulfils the role of deputy CEO of Kraft Finans and, not least, portfolio manager of Forte Obligasjon.
- "We are delighted to have Stein on board. His expertise and experience will be important when both Kraft Fondene and Kraft Finans as a company continue to grow in the years to come," says CEO of Kraft Finans, Sveinung Byberg.
Stein Svalestad comes from the position as CEO of SKAGEN AS, a role he assumed in 2023. He joined SKAGEN in 2015 as a portfolio strategist, and has since 2017 been responsible for portfolio management. Previously, he has also worked as an analyst and investment consultant at Gabler Investment Consulting AS.
Svalestad has a master's degree in economics from the University of Bergen and is a certified NFF interest rate analyst.
- "I'm really looking forward to embarking on the task of leading Kraft Fondene forward. With a solid foundation and a strong team on the team, we have all the prerequisites to continue the impressive development in both returns and customer growth.
Continuing the success
In recent years, Kraft Fondene has experienced strong growth and good results. In total, Kraft Fondene now manages more than NOK 11 billion, and the funds have consolidated their position as a solid player in the fixed income and credit markets.
Kraft Høyrente and Kraft Nordic Bonds top Nordnet's list of fixed income funds with the highest returns over the past 12 months. In addition, Kraft Nordic Bonds is the fixed income fund in Norway that has delivered the highest return over the past three years.
These results are clear evidence of a successful investment strategy that focuses on active management, risk-adjusted returns and thorough credit analysis. The goal going forward is to build on this foundation and further strengthen the offering - for the benefit of unitholders.
- Returns are not created over days, but over years - through patience, discipline and a clear strategy. This will also be our focus going forward in our daily work to ensure the best possible returns for our customers.
Merger and strengthened management environment
- Kraft Finans has now taken over the management of Forte Fondene. Kraft Finans acquired Forte Fondsforvaltning AS in 2024. On 26 August 2025, a cross-border merger was carried out in which the five Forte funds were merged with three newly established Swedish funds managed by FCG Fonder AB. FCG Fonder has outsourced the portfolio management to Kraft Finans.
In practice, this means that Kraft Fondene currently manages the following funds:
Kraft Høyrente
Kraft Nordic Bonds
Kraft Investment Grade
FORTE Bond
FORTE Norway
FORTE Strategic
