Impressive Demand for World Bank’s EUR 3 Billion 10-Year Sustainable Development Bond | WPN World People News

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) priced its first Euro-denominated benchmark of 2023, a EUR 3 billion 10-year Sustainable Development Bond maturing in January 2033. IBRD’s Euro benchmark transaction attracted over 100 orders totaling more than Euro 4.3 billion from European and global investors.

BNP Paribas, Deutsche Bank, Natixis and Nomura are the lead managers for the transaction. The bond will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.

The bond priced with a final spread to mid-swaps of +11 basis points and an equivalent annual yield of 2.910%. This equates to a spread vs. the reference Bund of 71.3 basis points.

“In a busy new year period for the markets we are extremely pleased with the response from investors for this Sustainable Development Bond,” said Jorge Familiar, Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank. “Funds raised by the World Bank in the capital markets are supporting its member countries as they respond to the many overlapping challenges being faced by those most in need, such as slowing global growth and elevated inflation.”

Joint Lead Manager Quotes

“The World Bank’s first Euro benchmark since 2021 attracted an impressive volume of European high quality real money investor demand. Upsizing to the final Euro 3 billion deal size is an excellent achievement and equals their largest ever benchmark in the currency, particularly remarkable in the context of an incredibly active primary market with multiple issuances since the beginning of the year. Congratulations to the World Bank Treasury team for smoothly navigating a very busy market and delivering a great outcome,” said Jamie Stirling, Global Head SSA DCM, BNP Paribas.

“We congratulate the World Bank on another landmark trade in the Euro market. The new 3 billion 10-year marks the largest Euro Sustainable Development Bond from IBRD in two years and establishes a liquid anchor point in IBRD’s Euro curve. We were impressed by the dynamic order book growth and outstanding quality and depth of the demand in a very busy new issue environment. The fact that investors chose the World Bank for their investment is a testament to the appeal of IBRD’s important work in the financing of sustainable development activities in its member countries. Deutsche Bank is proud to have participated in this transaction,” said Katrin Wehle, Head of SSA DCM Origination, Deutsche Bank.

“The World Bank managed to price a strong Sustainable Development Bond benchmark in a busy beginning of year window. In returning to this part of the curve, the World Bank has reaffirmed their commitment to the Euro market which has been strongly welcomed by the investing community. It is always a pleasure to partner with the World Bank and we look forward to the continued future success,” said Thomas Leocadio, Co-Head of SSA, Natixis.

“Another fantastic trade to add to the World Bank’s program. With over a year of absence from the Euro market, this trade in a core benchmark maturity was certainly worth the wait. As always, the presence of official sector and real money investors again show why the World Bank retains the broadest of market access,” said Spencer Dove, Managing Director, SSA Debt Capital Markets, Nomura.

Source: World Bank