Asia Pacific

The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has kicked off big reforms to the ChiNext board, in a bid to revive its appeal once again to fast growing and high tech companies that have been favouring the Shanghai’s Star market since its launch last year.

Korea East-West Power Co (EWP) offered no new issue concession for its $500m bond on Monday, but still drew orders of close to $4bn. Its notes only tightened further in the secondary market, showing investors’ support for quality borrowers.

The Republic of the Philippines pushed its bond maturities further this week, selling a 25 year note alongside a 10 year portion. The deal raised a combined $2.35bn, making it one of the country's largest trades.

Kookmin Bank’s move to print a dollar bond to raise money for Covid-19 relief shows that sovereigns, government-owned banks, agencies and multilateral development banks are not the only ones that can help tackle the pandemic. Privately-owned firms also have a big role to play in global stimulus efforts.

The African business unit of China Nonferrous Metal Mining (Group) Co, a mainland state-owned company, is tapping the offshore loan market for the first time, seeking $300m.

Capital markets bankers wondering about a possible ‘summer slowdown’ in transactions should put the thought firmly out of their heads. This year, the traditional break in August is likely to be replaced by an all-hands-on-deck approach to tackle the deal backlog.

India’s state-owned Bank of Baroda has won approval from its board of directors to raise up to Rp13.5bn ($1.77bn) in fresh capital.

Hong Kong-listed Country Garden Services Holdings has tapped equity-linked investors for HK$3.88bn ($500m), selling a sub-one year zero coupon convertible bond.

Beijing Enterprises Clean Energy Group (BECE) has returned with a three year renminbi-denominated puttable bond, bringing yet another green transaction to the Panda market.

The Covid-19 pandemic is an ESG issue. More than ever before, a natural phenomenon is driving markets. Suddenly, social responsibility is no longer kooky but required of all. How are responsible investors reacting — and can the crisis lead to a better model of financial markets, where all stakeholders are considered?

Adani Electricity Mumbai has decided to close its debut offshore borrowing as a club deal with eight banks, bringing an end to long-running discussions about a possible syndication.

Indonesia’s Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI) has mandated five banks for a planned $500m refinancing loan. But bankers on the deal warn the terms could change due to uncertain market conditions.