Australia

Westpac has hired an ex-BBVA banker to helm its Greater China operation as the Australian lender looks to further its reach in the region.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) this week raised Sf450m ($462.1m) from the Swiss franc bond market in the largest single tranche Swissie bond by an Australian financial since 2009. The borrower took advantage of the downgrade of a clutch of regular Swiss franc issuers to sell its trade.

ASB Finance reaped the rewards of a comprehensive roadshow and strong market conditions to issue its tightest and longest covered bond ever this week.

Having made euro investors wait three years since its last deal, in 2014, Australian pallet and container provider Brambles finally returned to the single currency market on Tuesday, printing a deal with virtually no new issue premium.

Australian pallet and container provider Brambles must think good things come in threes. Having made euro investors wait three years for its last deal, in 2014, it finally returned to the single currency market on Tuesday, printing a deal with virtually no new issue premium.

In September, a number of issuers have returned to the European corporate bond markets after a number of years without issuing. On Wednesday, German chemicals distributor Brenntag, Australian property company Goodman and Austrian steel company Voestalpine were the latest to join that list.

In September, a number of issuers have returned to the European corporate bond markets after a number of years without issuing. On Wednesday, German chemicals distributor, Brenntag, Australian property company Goodman, and Austrian steel company, Voestalpine, were the latest to join that list.

Westpac was set to squeeze the pricing for its debut additional tier one (AT1) in US dollars on Tuesday.

Adani Abbot Point Terminal, a unit of Indian conglomerate Adani Group, is hunting for an A$250m ($199m) syndicated loan, with the deal open to new lenders.

Australia’s Westpac Banking Corp has hired an experienced economist to head up its macro strategy team for Asia.

A slew of companies announced roadshows for European bond issues on Wednesday, setting next week up to be one of the busiest for months.

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) could sell two tranches of long three year covered bonds in Australian dollars this week, as foreign issuers monitor the cash-rich market for opportunities to fund themselves at competitive levels.