Oluwatobi Adu 
ABUJA, Nigeria – World Bank secures record-breaking investor demand for its new $6 billion 10-year benchmark bond, attracting more than $24 billion in orders from over 255 investors worldwide.
The bond transaction, announced on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., marks the largest investor orderbook in the World Bank’s history and reflects growing global confidence in the institution’s financial strength and development agenda.
The US dollar-denominated bond, maturing in May 2036, carries a semi-annual coupon rate of 4.50 per cent and will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
World Bank Vice President and Treasurer Jorge Familiar say the overwhelming investor response highlights strong trust in the institution’s mission.
“The record depth and breadth of demand for this 10-year bond reflects the strong trust global investors place in the World Bank’s credit and our mission,” Familiar says.
“As the World Bank returns to the USD benchmark market, this extraordinary level of support helps mobilise financing and helps countries create the conditions for more jobs.”
According to investor allocation data, central banks and official institutions account for 50 per cent of subscriptions, while banks, corporates and treasuries represent 34 per cent.
Asset managers, insurance firms and pension funds make up the remaining 16 per cent.
Regionally, investors from Europe, the Middle East and Africa contribute 48 per cent of demand, followed by the Americas with 32 per cent and Asia with 20 per cent.
Officials from financial institutions including BMO Capital Markets, BNP Paribas, HSBC and Wells Fargo describe the deal as a landmark achievement despite volatile market conditions.
Founded in 1944, the World Bank says proceeds from its Sustainable Development Bonds support poverty reduction and sustainable development projects worldwide.
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Hussaini Ibrahim 
Korede Abdullah