Barclays

Saudi and Qatar look to be printing jumbo bonds this week, but the timing of both in the same few days after so many months of waiting is prompting chatter about which sovereign has caused the traffic jam and whether political machinations are behind it.

A group of 23 banks opened syndication for Tata Steel’s $1.86bn dual-currency facility on Monday, but only after the deal went through numerous changes on its way to the market.

The euro market is back in gear after a few weeks of slow issuance. Three borrowers have mandated deals for Tuesday’s session but one opted for a one day execution, coming on Monday to get ahead of the rush.

A rare name will grace the dollar market on Tuesday, coming ahead the minutes of the Federal Open Markets Committee meeting, expected to be released on Wednesday.

Peking University Founder Group Co, BOC Aviation and Yuexiu Property Co are meeting investors for their upcoming bond plans, while China National Chemical Corp’s Swiss subsidiary Syngenta is also gearing up for a mega deal.

Rating: Aaa/AAA/AAA

Moody’s trimmed its ratings for Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland this week, citing concern about the impact that ring-fencing regulation could have on the banks’ creditors.

Private equity-owned ION Investment Group has been named as the high bidder of the two that have made last minute bids to beat Temenos in the race for UK trading technology company Fidessa.

A senior member of Barclays’ emerging markets DCM team has quit to join Goldman Sachs.

Ghana Cocoa Board (Cocobod) has sent off invitations to its annual financing for its cocoa harvest amid concerns it may struggle to repay its previous loan.

A director in Barclays’ SSA origination team has quit the bank to join Bank of America Merrill Lynch at the same level.

Sterling seemed to be the only game in town this week. Two SSA issuers printed in the currency on Wednesday, taking advantage of a favourable basis swap.