The World Bank has successfully issued a 7-year Sustainable Development Bond, raising USD 6 billion. The bond, which matures in January 2032, attracted over 180 investor orders, marking the highest demand for any World Bank bond to date. This interest was largely driven by bank treasuries, central banks, official institutions, and asset managers.
The lead managers for this issuance were BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan Securities, The Bank of Nova Scotia, and Wells Fargo Securities. The bond will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange and offers a semi-annual coupon of 4.625%. It also provides a spread of 15.5 basis points versus the reference US Treasury with a semi-annual yield of 4.710%.
Jorge Familiar, Vice President and Treasurer at the World Bank, expressed enthusiasm about the record-breaking investor demand: "We are excited to start the new year with record-breaking investor demand of USD 12.6 billion for this 7-year bond."
Investor participation was broken down into several categories: Banks/Bank Treasuries/Corporates made up 58%, Asset Managers/Insurance/Pension Funds accounted for 29%, and Central Banks/Official Institutions comprised 13%. Geographically, investors from Europe/Middle East/Africa (EMEA) represented 63% of orders, followed by the Americas at 30%, and Asia at 7%.
Salma Guerich from BNP Paribas congratulated the World Bank on its achievement: “BNP Paribas congratulates the World Bank on a strong start to 2025 with the largest-ever 7-year USD Sovereign.”
Sarah Lovedee from J.P. Morgan noted: “Congratulations to the World Bank on its successful return to the US dollar benchmark market.”
Cesare Roselli from Scotiabank remarked: “Scotiabank congratulates the World Bank on its first US dollar-denominated transaction of 2025.”
Carlos Perezgrovas from Wells Fargo added: “Congratulations to the World Bank team on this remarkable USD 6 billion transaction.”
The transaction summary includes an issue price of 99.498% and denomination in USD increments of $1,000.
The World Bank is an international organization established in 1944 as part of the original member group known as IBRD (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development). It focuses on ending extreme poverty and promoting shared prosperity through sustainable development goals.
For further information regarding this bond issuance or other related inquiries, Heike Reichelt can be contacted at +1-202-477-2880 or via email at debtsecurities@worldbank.org.