WASHINGTON, D.C., April 13, 2026 - The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) priced its second benchmark bond denominated in Hong Kong dollar (HKD), with a domestic settlement through the Hong Kong Central Moneymarkets Unit (CMU). The 5-year Sustainable Development Bond raised HKD 8 billion and stands as the largest deal in the 'Wonton Bond Market', the market for public HKD-denominated bonds issued by foreign entities (supranationals, sovereigns, agencies, or corporations) in Hong Kong.
The bond offers an annual coupon of 2.8755% and was priced at par. HSBC and Standard Chartered acted as the lead managers. It will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange. The transaction was primarily placed with local bank treasuries, with the remainder placed with asset managers.
"This successful Hong Kong dollar transaction reflects our global funding strategy, built on reaching investors across a wide variety of markets and currencies. This allows us to mobilize resources efficiently and continue to deliver on our mission to end poverty focused on creating jobs for the benefit of communities worldwide," said Jorge Familiar, Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank Group.
Lead Manager Quotes
"Huge congratulations to the World Bank team, moving swiftly in the current market backdrop and successfully printing the largest Wonton Bond ever at HKD 8 billion. This marks the World Bank's second benchmark HKD Wonton Bond, returning to the 5-year tenor and once again demonstrating strong support for their name and mandate. HSBC are extremely proud to have been involved," said Asif Sherani, Head of DCM Syndicate EMEA and Head of Public Sector DCM, HSBC.
"Standard Chartered is honored to have supported both the World Bank's inaugural and second benchmark bond issuances in HKD. Today's issuance of a 5-year HKD Sustainable Development Bond is a landmark Wonton Bond, representing a record transaction in terms of both size and pricing, reflecting the continued expansion of the World Bank's Asian investor base," said Oliver Greer, Global Head of Medium-term Notes, Standard Chartered.
Transaction Summary
Issuer: |
World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) |
Issuer rating: |
Aaa /AAA (Moody's/S&P) |
Amount: |
HKD 8,000,000,000 |
Settlement date: |
April 23, 2026 |
Maturity date: |
April 23, 2031 |
Issue price: |
100% |
Denomination: |
HKD 1,000,000 and integral multiples of HKD 500,000 in excess thereof |
Coupon: |
2.8755% p.a., payable annually in arrear |
Listing: |
Luxembourg Stock Exchange |
ISIN: |
HK0001293049 |
Clearing system: |
CMU with links to Euroclear / Clearstream |
Joint lead managers: |
HSBC, Standard Chartered Bank |
About the World Bank
