HQ Function

Served as the global operational and strategic command center for Kaupthing Bank, overseeing its extensive domestic and international banking activities including corporate finance, investment banking, asset management, and treasury operations until its collapse in 2008.

Notable Features:

The Borgartún 19 building was a prominent modern office structure in Reykjavík's financial district, reflecting the bank's peak status. Post-collapse, it has been occupied by Arion Bank, Kaupthing's successor for its Icelandic operations.

Work Culture:

Prior to its collapse, Kaupthing was known for an ambitious, aggressive, and fast-paced work culture, characteristic of rapidly expanding financial institutions of that era. There was a strong emphasis on international growth, deal-making, and performance-driven incentives.

HQ Significance:

The headquarters was highly significant as the nerve center of Iceland's largest bank and a symbol of the country's foray into international finance. Its failure marked a critical point in the 2008 Icelandic financial crisis, highlighting the vulnerabilities of its rapidly expanded banking sector.

Values Reflected in HQ: During Kaupthing's occupancy, the HQ reflected values of global ambition, aggressive expansion, financial innovation, and Icelandic economic prowess. For its current occupant, Arion Bank, it likely represents a transition towards more cautious, stable, and sustainable banking practices in the post-crisis era.

Location:

Before its collapse in 2008, Kaupthing Bank had aggressively expanded its operations internationally, establishing a presence in approximately 15 countries. Its global functions included comprehensive corporate and investment banking, capital markets activities (equities, fixed income, FX), asset management for institutional and private clients, and private banking. Key operational territories beyond Iceland included the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, Switzerland, the Nordic countries (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland), and the USA, with representative offices or smaller operations in locations like the Isle of Man, Dubai, and Hong Kong.

Street Address:

Borgartún 19

City:

Reykjavík

State/Province:

Capital Region (Höfuðborgarsvæðið)

Country:

Iceland