World Bank Prices Record NZD 1.5 Billion 5-Year Sustainable Development Bond

The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD rated Aaa/AAA) priced a New Zealand dollar-denominated 1.5 billion 5-year 2.875% fixed-rate bond due November 30, 2026. The NZD benchmark bond was launched with an initial minimum target size of NZD 300 million and was increased due to strong investor demand. It is the largest non-government bond issued in the New Zealand dollar-market.

The deal priced at 99.861% to yield 2.905% p.a. semi-annual. This equates to a spread of 55 basis points over the New Zealand Government Bond due April 2027.

The joint-lead managers for the transaction are ANZ, BNZ and Westpac Banking Corporation.

“This is an excellent result. We are grateful for investors’ support for the World Bank’s sustainable development activities. The New Zealand dollar market helps diversify the World Bank’s funding sources which benefits our member countries,” said Jingdong Hua, Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank.

Investor Distribution

By Geography

By Investor Type

New Zealand

74%

Banks/Bank Treasuries

74%

Asia & Australia

19%

Asset Managers/Insurance/Pension Funds

16%

EMEA

7%

Central Banks/Official Institutions

10%

Joint Lead Manager Quotes

“Another year, another record for the World Bank in the NZD Kauri bond market. In fact, the World Bank set two records with this impressive transaction, as it took 2021’s annual issuance to a record volume for the market. The World Banks NZD $1 billion 5-year that came around this time last year seemed hard to top, but they have blown it out of the water with this incredible NZD $1.5 billion 5-year print. Congratulations to the World Bank team, this is a real testament to their status in the NZD market and ANZ was thrilled to have been involved,” said, Glen Sorensen, Director, Debt Syndicate, ANZ.

“Congratulations to the team at the World Bank for yet again setting a new benchmark in the NZD Kauri market with this record size deal print. Your dedication to issuing in our market continues to help the market develop, by expanding the boundaries of what can be achieved,” said Mike Faville, Head of Capital Markets, BNZ.

“The World Bank successfully navigated the headwinds of a volatile market leading up to transaction launch, ultimately achieving an exceptionally strong execution outcome. Notably, this was the largest ever Kauri transaction to come to market – the quality and breadth of the orderbook was impressive,” said Mat Carter, Director, Head of Debt Capital Markets & Syndicate, Westpac Banking Corporation, New Zealand.

Transaction Summary

Issuer:

World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD)

Issuer rating:

Aaa/AAA

Amount:

NZD 1.5 billion

Settlement date:

November 30, 2021

Minimum Subscription:

NZD 1,000 (within New Zealand, NZD 750,000)

Minimum denominations and minimum holding:

NZD 1,000 and multiples thereof (within New Zealand, NZD 100,000 with multiples of NZD 1,000 thereafter)

Format:

Registered notes

Coupon:

2.875% p.a.

Coupon payment dates:

May 30 and November 30 in each year up to and including the Maturity Date

Maturity date:

November 30, 2026

Re-offer price:

99.861318%

Re-offer yield:

2.905% p.a.

Listing:

Luxembourg Stock Exchange

Clearing systems:

NZ Clear

ISIN:

NZIBDDT019C1

Joint lead managers:

ANZ, BNZ and Westpac Banking Corporation

About the World Bank

Public Release. More on this here.