BDO Unibank Inc., the country’s largest lender, is gearing up for a US dollar bond return as it tapped a powerhouse lineup of arrangers to engage global fixed-income investors.
The bank mandated Standard Chartered Bank as Sole Global Coordinator, while MUFG and Wells Fargo Securities will serve as Joint Lead Managers and Joint Bookrunners. Investor calls begin Monday, November 24, signaling BDO’s move toward a fresh funding exercise.
The bank—rated Baa2 (Stable) by Moody’s and BBB- (Stable) by Fitch—is eyeing a USD-denominated, Regulation S-only, five-year fixed-rate senior unsecured benchmark bond, which may launch subject to favorable market conditions. The planned issuance would add to BDO’s track record of tapping offshore markets to support balance-sheet growth amid steady credit demand.
BDO’s solid investment-grade standing provides a supportive backdrop, though the bank emphasized that credit ratings are not investment recommendations and may be revised, suspended, or withdrawn at any time by Moody’s or Fitch.
With global markets stabilizing and investors showing renewed appetite for high-quality Asian financial paper, BDO’s engagement with institutional buyers could set the stage for one of the Philippine banking sector’s closely watched funding moves this quarter.
