Stockholm, February 22, 2010 – The latest issue of World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, rated Aaa/AAA) green bonds has pushed the total amount of such financing to more than USD 1 billion, reflecting continuing strong investor interest in this unique investment opportunity. World Bank green bonds support projects in the World Bank's member countries that meet specific criteria for low carbon development. They are a rare opportunity for institutional investors to support climate change solutions within their high-grade fixed income investment mandates.
“Investing in the World Bank's top-rated green bonds is a great way to promote smart and clean economic development in our planet's emerging economies while delivering dependable returns for the New York State Common Retirement Fund and its more than one million members. Investing in these bonds helps New York join the effort to curb harmful climate change while delivering bottom-line returns,” commented Thomas P. DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller, an investor in USD-denominated World Bank Green Bonds.
The latest issue, a World Bank green bond denominated in Swedish Kronor (SEK), attracted investors including WWF-Sweden, Church of Sweden, European private banks and life insurance companies, as well as the Swedish National Pension Fund AP3. The first World Bank green bond, also denominated in SEK, was launched in November 2008. Since then, additional bonds have been issued in USD and other currencies, for investors in the US, Europe and Japan.
”The amounts involved in the negotiations on official climate financing are very small compared to the investment needs in emerging markets. Consequently, private financial flows must play the lead role. But for that to happen, investments must be profitable. The World Bank green bond provides a good investment and a safe return, while offering investors the opportunity to actually help combat climate change,” said Klas Eklund, Senior Economist, SEB.
“Climate action in developing countries – specifically, mitigation and adaptation initiatives –requires important financing by the international community, from both public and private sources. We’re pleased to see continued investor support to what the World Bank is carrying out in conjunction with our country partners; it’s an indication that investors fully understand the inextricable link between development and climate change. Helping one clearly helps the other,” said Warren Evans, Director of the Environment Department at the World Bank.
World Bank green bonds support World Bank-funded projects that are designed to tackle the causes and consequences of climate change in the developing world. The types of projects that may be supported by World Bank green bonds include alternative energy installations, funding for new technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reforestation, watershed management and flood protection.
Summary Terms for recent SEK issue
Amount: SEK *500,000,000
Settlement Date: February 22, 2010
Maturity Date: December 15, 2017
Issue Price: 100.0972%
Redemption Amount: 100%
Coupon: 3.25% per annum
Denomination: SEK 50,000
Clearing Systems: Euroclear, Clearstream
Lead Manager: SEB
*On February 19, 2010, IBRD agreed to increase the principal amount of the bond by the issue of a second tranche for an amount of SEK 100 million with an issue price of 99.60%. The new total outstanding principal amount is USD 600 million. On March 26, 2010, the principal amount was increased by the issue of a third tranche for an amount of SEK 100 million with an issue price of 101.40% (settlement date: April 6, 2010). On May 17, 2010, the principal amount was increased by the issue of a fourth tranche for an amount of SEK 300 million with an issue price of 98.928% (settlement date: May 24, 20110). On July 22, 2011, the principal amount was increased by the issue of a fifth tranche for an amount of SEK 150 million with an issue price of 99.95% (settlement date: July 29, 2011). The new total outstanding principal amount is SEK 1.150 billion. On February 24, 2012, the principal amount was increased by the issue of a sixth tranche for an amount of SEK 250 million with an issue price of 106.48% (settlement date: March 6, 2012). On February 24, 2012, the principal amount was further increased by the issue of a seventh tranche for an amount of SEK 175 million with an issue price of 105.98% (settlement date: April 3, 2012). The new total outstanding principal amount is SEK 1.575 billion.
About SEB
SEB is a North European financial group serving some 400,000 corporate customers and institutions and five million private individuals. SEB offers universal banking services in Sweden, Germany and the Baltic countries - Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. It also has local presence in the other Nordic countries, Ukraine and Russia and a global presence through its international network in major financial centres. On 31 December 2009, the Group's total assets amounted to SEK 2,308bn (~EUR 225bn) while its assets under management totalled SEK 1,356bn (~EUR 132bn). The Group has about 20,000 employees.
About the World Bank
The World Bank is a global development cooperative owned by its member countries. Its purpose is to help its members achieve equitable and sustainable economic growth in their economies and to find solutions to regional and global problems in economic development and environmental sustainability, all with a view to reducing poverty and improving standards of living. The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), rated Aaa/AAA (Moody’s/S&P) is owned by 186 countries. It is the oldest and largest entity in the World Bank Group and provides its members with financing, risk management products, and other financing services, as well as specialized expertise and strategic and convening services requested by its member countries. To fund this activity, IBRD has been issuing debt securities in the international capital markets for 60 years. The World Bank is one of the most recognized and innovative borrowers in the international capital markets. The World Bank designed and issued the first global bond in 1989. Information on the World Bank, its global bonds and a variety of other offerings available for investors is on the World Bank Treasury website: www.worldbank.org/debtsecurities.
