Asia Pacific

Japanese issuers are among the best-regarded in the world, offering global investors a safe haven at times of heightened volatility. That is now more important than ever. Their last financial year started amid widespread trade disputes between China and the US. It ended with the global spread of Covid-19, a pandemic that threatens to fundamentally alter the capital markets. GlobalCapital talked to a group of Japan’s top issuers to find out how they have navigated the volatility — and what they’re planning next.

The market for bonds that target environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns previously put the focus on the environmental aspect, leading to a rush of green bond issuance but little attention on social problems. Not anymore. Social bonds have become a much more prominent tool for highly-rated issuers, helping fund solutions to problems ranging from educational shortfalls in developing countries to the spread of Covid-19 around the world. Japanese issuers have been at the forefront, developing a busy domestic market. GlobalCapital talks to a group of prominent issuers about the potential of social bonds.

Japan’s socially responsible investment (SRI) market has blossomed, helping the country to become a leading destination for the sector. Morgan Davis reports.

Japanese companies have reduced their offshore bond issuance over the last few years. But could a push for overseas business bolster supply? Morgan Davis reports.

Zhongsheng Group Holdings is issuing a HK$3.88bn ($500m) zero-coupon convertible bond to fund the repurchase of an outstanding CB.

Covid-19 has fundamentally altered the way people work, communicate and live. It has also tested the resilience of Asia’s capital markets, writes Matthew Thomas.

India is facing yet another upheaval as the Covid-19 pandemic makes its way through the country. Capital markets activity has all but come to a halt. There are few bright spots, but bankers are focusing on innovation and thinking long term. By Rashmi Kumar

China has made great strides in attracting foreign capital by relaxing stringent rules around access to its markets. But it needs to go further, with experts saying reform should be brought to the top of the agenda once the dust from the Covid-19 outbreak settles. Addison Gong reports.

As Asian countries slowly pick up the pieces from the aftermath of Covid-19, the bond market has emerged as an important source of funding. When the dust settles, its use for more socially responsible investment (SRI) bonds is only set to rise, writes Morgan Davis.

The Covid-19 pandemic has forced Asia’s debt issuers to confront a fundamental question: how can they raise money in these turbulent times? Bond bankers are scrambling to find the best solutions for their clients as they position themselves for when the market reopens. Morgan Davis reports.

It should come as little surprise that the Covid-19 pandemic has led to a sharp repricing of Chinese bonds in the onshore and offshore markets. What might be a surprise is that the two markets have gone in different directions. Rebecca Feng reports

China’s ambitious technology board boasts friendly regulations and a horde of eager investors. But it is still a work in progress. By Rebecca Feng