In order to implement monetary policy, the Eurosystem grants credit to euro zone banks against collateral. Banks with branches in Finland are able to apply to the Bank of Finland for funding. These credit operations have been utilised during the Covid-19 pandemic to maintain bank lending to the private sector. Indeed, take-up by Finnish banks during this period has been unprecedented. These developments are discussed, supported by the relevant data to help illustrate how activity during 2020 compares with previous years. (1 table, 3 figures, references) 1252/37 Monetary and financial developments