Deals

Norway’s SpareBank 1 Boligkreditt sold the largest ever green covered bond new issue in the Swedish market yesterday (Tuesday), a SEK7.5bn five year FRN made feasible by the QE-inspired strength of the krona market and the attraction of the green element, which contributed to a SEK9bn-plus order book.

Interest in the energy transition purpose of a €1.25bn 10 year debut green covered bond helped France’s BPCE achieve the biggest book on a euro benchmark covered bond since 2013 on Tuesday, according to an official at the issuer, allowing it to achieve “more normalised” pricing amid the crisis-hit market backdrop.

Caffil took advantage of an existing social bond framework to be the first-mover in Covid-19-related covered bonds on Tuesday, tapping into improving conditions to raise €1bn for lending to public hospitals ahead of an anticipated broader rise in French public spending and SFIL group funding.

The Nordic Investment Bank (NIB) last week inaugurated the first dedicated Covid-19 use-of-proceeds framework with a €1bn three year “Response Bond”, moving quickly to support the alleviation of societal and economic impacts of the crisis. Head of funding and IR Jens Hellerup discussed the rapid launch of the quasi-social bond with Sustainabonds.

Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (LBBW) issued the first green senior non-preferred sterling benchmark on 22 January, a £500m five year deal in which a maturing ESG UK investor base considered both LBBW’s green bond and issuer credentials, according to those involved in the deal.

The Royal Bank of Scotland Group issued the first bond from a UK financial institution aligned with the Social Bond Principles on 8 November, a €750m six year non-call five social bond with proceeds earmarked for SME lending in deprived parts of the UK.

NordLB Luxembourg Covered Bond Bank is set to launch the first renewable energy covered bond in the coming fortnight, a €300m five year, and the issuer told Sustainabonds it is confident the uniquely green legislative product will prove a timely addition to the market.

Caffil attracted over €3bn of demand to the first ever green public sector covered bond on Tuesday, a €750m 10 year issue that Philippe Mills, CEO of Caffil parent SFIL, said is “close to the heart” of its mission, with green bonds complementing its social issuance.