Nordic Debt Advisor of the Year 2026

Jan de Vries · 2026-05-13

Neptune Partners, a Nordic debt advisory firm, has been named Nordic Debt Advisor of the Year 2026. We sat down with Partner Viktor Olsson to learn more about their independent services and how they're reshaping corporate financing in the region. ### What Makes Neptune Partners Stand Out? The debt advisory market in the Nordics is still relatively new. That means Neptune Partners faces little competition, but it also means many companies haven't worked with a debt advisor before. Viktor and his team are focused on educating the market. They show businesses the real benefits of structured debt financing and the value of having an experienced advisor by your side. This approach builds their reputation while helping others. It's a win-win. Their mission is clear: provide high-end debt advisory to SMEs, improve the level of advice these businesses can access, and unlock new value across the segment.  ### A Team With Real Experience Neptune Partners has a small but mighty team of five people. Together, they bring more than 30 years of combined experience. That's a lot of know-how packed into a tight group. The firm wants to solidify its position as the leading debt advisor for Nordic companies. And they're doing it by ensuring every client gets the best financing possible, whatever that looks like. Their independence is one of their biggest assets. As Viktor puts it: "We have no agreements or other such deals with lenders. We don't represent any specific debt instrument. We have no bias towards any one type of financing. That means we can truly put the client's needs first."  ### A Global Network and In-House Legal Support Another advantage? A global network of lenders they have real relationships with. That's not something every advisor can claim. Plus, they offer some in-house legal advice. This adds speed and cost-effectiveness to the process. For SMEs, who are often strapped for time and cash, having a one-stop shop for debt advisory is a huge plus. ### The Changing Landscape of Nordic Debt The Nordics have seen a big increase in fund companies over the last few years. That's good news because it means more financing options for businesses. But it also makes the market harder to navigate. Viktor and his team are always building new relationships to stay ahead of trends, financing solutions, and lenders. This space is evolving fast. As Viktor explains: "There's a legacy of a bank oligopoly and a conservative view on debt financing in the Nordics. That's changing every year as large corporate banks pull back and alternative lenders step in. Companies are shifting their mindset too. They're starting to see alternative debt not as something negative, but as a flexible solution that allows for growth and future bankability." ### What's Next for Neptune Partners? The Nordics have a history of producing bold, innovative companies. From tech to industrial to fast-growing startups, these businesses are fueled by capital and an open mindset toward new debt solutions. Neptune Partners' agile team is perfectly positioned to keep excelling in this field. Their plans for 2026 include working across the AI and defense/security sectors. They're also launching tailored M&A advisory services. It's an exciting time for the firm and for the Nordic debt market as a whole. - Independent advice with no lender bias - Global lender network - In-house legal support for speed and savings - Focus on SMEs and fast-growing companies If you're a Nordic business exploring debt financing, Neptune Partners might be the partner you need. Their approach is client-first, experience-driven, and built for the future.