IFC - International Finance Corporation

05/07/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/07/2026 16:11

IFC Issues First-Ever Public Green Wonton Bond

Washington, D.C., May 7, 2026 - International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, successfully priced a three-year $6 billion Hong Kong dollar (HKD) (equivalent to approximately 766 million US dollars) green bond transaction. The transaction represents the first-ever public green bond 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 a coupon of 2.917% with ANZ, HSBC (B&D) and Standard Chartered Bank as the joint lead managers. It will be listed on the London Stock Exchange. The transaction was primarily placed with bank treasuries (90%), with the remainder placed with asset managers. Local investors represented 87% of the order book.

"IFC's inaugural benchmark-sized Green Wonton issuance represents a landmark transaction, underscoring IFC's long-standing commitment to scale global sustainable bond markets and unlock private investment to support projects in emerging markets. The strong endorsement from our investor base further reinforces our vision to broaden our public market presence across an increasingly diversified currency landscape" said Jorge Familiar, Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank Group.

ANZ Head of Sustainable Finance for International, Stella Saris Chow, said "ANZ is pleased to support IFC on its successful HKD green bond issuance. This issuance reinforces the role sustainable finance can play in mobilizing capital at scale for climate-positive outcomes for emerging and developing markets. This transaction underscores the depth and maturity of the Hong Kong dollar market as a platform for high-quality green and sustainable issuance, and its importance in supporting the region's sustainability ambitions."

ANZ Head of Capital Markets for Asia, Kang Jae Kim, said "We congratulate IFC on the success of this latest transaction that is expected to set a benchmark for green bond issuances in the Wonton market. The transaction underscores IFC's leadership in developing sustainable capital markets, with quality, scale, and diversity of demand highlighting investor confidence. We hope this transaction encourages further HKD issuance in this space."

"Standard Chartered is honored to have supported IFC's second Wonton bond transaction as joint lead manager. This landmark deal achieved the largest-ever order book, highlighting both the continuing growth of the HKD bond market and IFC's strong reputation as a leading issuer," said Oliver Greer, Global Head of Medium-term Notes, Standard Chartered.

"HSBC is delighted to support IFC on such a successful return to the Wonton market. IFC leveraged their excellent name recognition and strong demand for labeled products to enable the HKD 6 billion print. A fantastic outcome that continues the impressive growth of the Wonton market," said Asif Sherani, Head of Public Sector Debt Capital Markets (DCM) & EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) Syndicate.

Proceeds from IFC's green bonds fund a diverse range of green projects which include climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation and/or restoration, ocean and water protection.

The green bond was issued under IFC's green bond framework, which IFC updated in December 2022. The green bond framework received a rating of "medium green" from second opinion provider CICERO Shades of Green, who confirmed the framework's full alignment with the International Capital Market Association Green Bond Principles.

IFC Green Bond Terms:

Issuer:

International Finance Corporation ("IFC")

Issuer Rating:

Aaa / AAA (Moody's / S&P)

Expected Issue Rating:

Aaa / AAA (Moody's / S&P)

Status:

Senior Unsecured Fixed Rate Green Bond

Issue Size:

HKD 6 billion

Tenor:

3-year

Settlement Date:

15 May 2026

Maturity Date:

15 May 2029

Coupon:

2.917% (Annual, Actual/365 (Fixed))

Issue Price:

100%

Terms:

Fixed, HKD1,000,000/ HKD500,000 denominations

Listing:

London Stock Exchange

Clearing:

CMU with linkage to Euroclear / Clearstream

JLMs:

ANZ, HSBC (B&D) and Standard Chartered Bank (1)

ISIN:

HK0001293643

1. Incorporated with limited liability in England by Royal Charter.

IFC - International Finance Corporation published this content on May 07, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 07, 2026 at 22:11 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]