Singapore

A Singapore-based banker who worked on south and southeast Asian loan syndications for Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp has left, according to a source.

UBS’s co-head of global capital markets for Australasia Dane FitzGibbon is leaving the bank, according to sources close to the move.

Singapore-based agricultural and commodities firm Olam International added variety to the debt market this week with a $300m bond that had an unusual tenor, as analysts were left divided over the final pricing.

The heat is on for IPOs in south-east Asia, with banks staging charm offensives towards investors during pre-marketing.

The strength of the primary debt market in Asia shows no signs of abating, with a number of borrowers heading out on Thursday for fresh dollar fundraisings.

Beijing Properties (Holdings), China Everbright Bank and Olam International were vying for investors’ attention on Wednesday in what is a busy week for dollar issuance in Asia ex-Japan.

Singapore-based instant beverage and food producer Viz Branz Holdings has kicked of investor education for its potential S$300m ($213.7m) IPO, according to a banker close to the deal.

Swiss commodities trader Ecom is back in the market for a one year revolver, mandating four banks for the $400m borrowing.

United Overseas Bank this week became the first issuer to price covered bonds simultaneously in euros and dollars, helping it to attract new, especially Asian, investors.

HSBC has made some high profile appointments to its commercial banking teams in Hong Kong and Mainland China, according to an announcement on Thursday.

The Singapore dollar bank capital market welcomed Commerzbank’s inaugural Basel III tier two bond this week, allowing it to price through fair value.

United Overseas Bank issued a euro covered bond flat to its curve and WL Bank priced at the tightest spread of the year, suggesting slowing supply is exacerbating a squeeze on investors. UOB was also set to issue its first dollar-denominated covered bond.