The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group, has successfully priced a landmark three‑year HKD 6 billion (approximately USD 766 million) green bond in Hong Kong. This marks the first‑ever public green bond issued in the “Wonton Bond Market,” which is the market for HKD‑denominated bonds issued by foreign entities in Hong Kong.
The bond carries a coupon of 2.917% and will be listed on the London Stock Exchange. ANZ, HSBC, and Standard Chartered acted as joint lead managers. The issuance was primarily placed with bank treasuries, which accounted for 90% of allocations, while asset managers took the remainder. Local investors represented 87% of the order book, underscoring strong domestic demand.
IFC Vice President and Treasurer Jorge Familiar described the issuance as a landmark transaction that reinforces IFC’s commitment to scaling sustainable bond markets and mobilizing private investment for emerging markets. Representatives from ANZ, Standard Chartered, and HSBC highlighted the transaction’s role in setting a benchmark for future green bond issuances in the HKD market and its importance in supporting regional sustainability ambitions.
Proceeds from the bond will fund a diverse range of green projects, including climate change mitigation and adaptation, biodiversity conservation, and ocean and water protection. The issuance was made under IFC’s updated green bond framework, which received a “medium green” rating from CICERO Shades of Green and was confirmed to be fully aligned with the International Capital Market Association’s Green Bond Principles.
This transaction not only strengthens IFC’s presence in diversified currency markets but also demonstrates the growing depth and maturity of Hong Kong’s bond market as a platform for high‑quality sustainable finance.
