Bankers finger hedgies as UK comes out in force for KBC

British investors gobbled up 30% of KBC Ifima’s €1bn five year on Tuesday, beating German participants, normally KBC’s biggest supporters. The deal, which was priced at 280bp over mid-swaps, was quoted both wider and tighter than re-offer on Wednesday morning, with some bankers suggesting the UK participation could indicate that hedge funds were involved.