StanChart lead manages record oversubscribed int’l bond issue for Sri Lanka

Standard Chartered has successfully priced a US $ 1.5 billion 10-year fixed rate senior unsecured 144A/Reg S issuance for Sri Lanka. This marks the sovereign’s 11th US dollar benchmark offering in the international bond markets since 2007 and reflects the continued international institutional support for Sri Lanka through the years. 
Standard Chartered Chief Executive Officer Jim McCabe commenting on the deal said, “We are honoured to be a lead arranger for the government’s international bond issue. Roadshows conducted by the team in the US, UK, Middle East and Asia helped build up market momentum and have brought in over US $ 11 billion in orders from a record 500 investors. The transaction priced well inside the initial price guidance of 6.625 percent area, represents a price tightening of 42.5bps. This is the maximum price tightening ever achieved by a Sri Lankan issuer.”
While the market was still anxious about the US non-farm payroll data later in the week and the result of the French elections over the weekend, the positivity created by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) announcement was clearly reflected in the strong orderbook. The orders grew swiftly, with books garnering strong demand from institutional investors in Asia and were fully covered in the first couple of hours. Investor interest from quality accounts allowed the bookrunners to indicate an aggressive final price guidance of 6.25 percent (+/-5bp) and the deal was successfully valued at the tighter end of final price guidance at 6.20 percent. 
Standard Chartered Head of Financial Institutions Lakshan Goonetilleke stated, “The transaction was extremely well timed. The Central Bank took advantage of a window of opportunity post the announcement of the staff-level agreement with the IMF and just before the French elections, when the investors were looking to buy strong emerging market bonds. The seven-time oversubscription reflects the confidence investors have in Sri Lanka and its long-term prospects.”
Sri Lanka is rapidly consolidating its status as a country on the rise, characterised by considerable growth, an increasingly diversified economy, a stable political climate and an improving institutional and government framework. The country is currently in the process of reform via its commitment to the IMF’s EFF programme. 
The government is taking decisive action to correct the current imbalances, reduce liquidity pressure, catalyze investment and drive sustainable fiscal consolidation. The Sri Lankan economy grew considerably by 4.4 percent in 2016, whilst remaining within mid-single digit inflation levels, a considerable feat when compared to other emerging market economies.
Standard Chartered continues to remain a dominant player in Asia and has lead managed all the international issuances by the Government of Sri Lanka since 2014, evidencing the bank’s strong relationship founded on continuous engagement and a committed local presence.