Banks

Europe’s primary equity-linked market has reopened for 2021, with a debut €200m green convertible bond issued by Voltalia, the French renewable energy company.

State Bank of India successfully raised $600m with a bond issue underwritten by leading investment banks on Wednesday, just weeks after big investors divested from its green bonds because of its apparent intention to finance the controversial Carmichael coal mine being developed in Australia.

Komerční banka (KB), a partially owned subsidiary of Société Générale, has mandated leads for the first fully distributed euro benchmark covered bond from the Czech Republic, paving the way for other major lenders to follow suit.

MUFG has given Darryl D’Souza a new position under Matteo Ferrario, where he will lead part of the bank's strategy for financial institutions.

BNP Paribas offered investors their first chance to pick up sterling paper from a financial institution this year, printing 10 year paper on Wednesday at a cheap level compared to its outstanding euro and sterling curves.

After a dismally quiet year of issuance in 2020, bankers are convinced that sub-Saharan African bond volumes will make a strong recovery. The Republic of Benin is sounding out investors for a euro-denominated offering, its second foray into the market since its debut two years ago.

François Marion has left his position as deputy chief executive of Crédit Agricole's corporate and investment bank, and the bank has reshuffled titles — giving new roles to Pierre Gay and Didier Gaffinel, among others.

Toby Croasdell has been appointed global head of MTNs, private placements and commercial paper at Crédit Agricole, following the promotion of previous head Benjamin Lamberg last month.

BMW Automotive Finance (China) Co and SAIC-GMAC Automotive Finance Co are edging closer to sealing their first China auto loan asset-backed securitization deals of the year.

Issuers from Greater China flooded the market with dollar deals on Tuesday, capitalising on strong appetite from investors ready to put money to work in the new year.

The Republic of Indonesia kicked off its 2021 bond issuance this week with a $3bn deal in dollars, split across 10 year, 30 year and 50 year notes, as well as a €1bn tranche.

The nascent transition bond market is set to get a boost after Bank of China announced plans for a new deal in both dollars and offshore renminbi.