WASHINGTON, D.C., April 7, 2023 — The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) launched a 10-year AUD 340 million Australian Dollar Bond due 21 April 2033 while engaging with investors on the World Bank’s strategy, projects, and programs that support developing countries in the sustainable management of biodiversity and ecosystem services and integrating nature in development.
The deal was placed with asset managers, banks, bank treasuries, and official institutions in Asia. ANZ acted as lead manager for the transaction.
Biodiversity is critical to sustainable development, climate resilience, and human well-being. Animal, plant, and marine biodiversity comprise the "natural capital" that keeps our ecosystems functional and economies productive. Half of the world’s GDP depends on biodiversity and ecosystem services which include things like fresh water and timber, carbon storage and sequestration, natural landscapes that support tourism, and soil formation. With a steep decline in natural capital in the last 50 years, at least one million species are threatened with extinction. An estimated US$700 billion/year is needed to reverse the loss of biodiversity and ecosystem services by 2030.
The World Bank is helping countries place nature at the core of development through investment in conservation, policy dialogue, analytical work, and capacity to convene partners and additional funding. World Bank projects are helping countries integrate nature-based solutions in transport and urban development, agriculture, forestry, and fisheries; and in a variety of projects like watershed management, integrated coastal management, and protected areas that maintain or enhance ecosystem services while helping countries achieve their development goals and climate change commitments.
Transaction Summary*
Issuer: | World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD) |
Issuer rating: | Aaa /AAA (Moody’s/S&P) |
Amount: | AUD 340 million (total outstanding AUD 2 billion) |
Settlement date: | 21 April 2023 |
Maturity date: | 21 April 2033 |
Issue price: | 99.96 % |
Denomination: | The minimum consideration payable when issued in Australia will be AUD 500,000 with denominations of AUD 1,000 thereafter |
Coupon: | 4.20% per annum payable semi-annually in arrear |
ISIN: | AU3CB0298545 / 261098563 |
Clearing system: | Austraclear / Euroclear / Clearstream |
Lead manager: | ANZ |
*On October 17, 2024, IBRD agreed to increase the principal amount of the bond with a tap in the amount of AUD 400 million with an issue price of 99.497% (settlement date: October 24, 2024). The new total outstanding principal amount is AUD 2 billion. The bond was previously tapped in April and May 2023, and January 2024.
About the World Bank
The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD), rated Aaa/AAA (Moody’s/S&P), is an international organization. Created in 1944, it is the original member of the World Bank Group and operates as a global development cooperative owned by 189 nations. The World Bank provides loans, guarantees, risk management products, and advisory services to middle-income and other creditworthy countries to support the Sustainable Development Goals and to end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity. It also provides leadership to coordinate regional and global responses to development challenges. The World Bank has been issuing Sustainable Development Bonds in the international capital markets for over 70 years to fund programs and activities that achieve a positive impact. More information on World Bank bonds is available at www.worldbank.org/debtsecurities.
World Bank bonds support the financing of programs that further the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). World Bank bonds are aligned with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines published by the International Capital Market Association and as such support the financing of a combination of green and social, i.e., “sustainable development” projects, programs and activities in IBRD member countries as described in the World Bank Sustainable Development Bond Framework. The World Bank is also a member of the Executive Committee of the Green Bond, Social Bond, and Sustainability Bond Principles. A key priority for the World Bank’s capital markets’ engagement is building strategic partnerships with investors to promote the importance of private sector financing in sustainable development. The World Bank’s Sustainable Development Bond Impact Report describes how the World Bank engages with investors on the SDGs and raises awareness for specific development challenges.
Disclaimers
Net proceeds of the bonds described herein are not committed or earmarked for lending to, or financing of, any particular projects or programs, and returns on the bonds described herein are not linked to the performance of any particular project or program.
This press release is not an offer for sale of securities of the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development ("IBRD"), also known in the capital markets as "World Bank". Any offering of World Bank securities will take place solely on the basis of the relevant offering documentation including, but not limited to, the prospectus, term sheet and/or final terms, as applicable, prepared by the World Bank or on behalf of the World Bank, and is subject to restrictions under the laws of several countries, including under the laws of New South Wales. World Bank securities may not be offered or sold except in compliance with all such laws. The World Bank Sustainable Development Bond Framework and the information set forth therein are not a part of, or incorporated by reference into, the offering documentation.
Contact
Heike Reichelt, World Bank Treasury
debtsecurities@worldbank.org
