during the 19th century, the riksbank maintained a dominant position as a credit institution and issuer of bank-notes. the bank also managed national trade transactions as well as continuing to provide credit to the general public. the first branch-office was opened in 1824, later followed with subsidiary branches opening in each county ("län"). the present operational activities as a central bank differ from those during the 19th century. for example, no interest-rate-related activities were conducted.