London sees more yuan bonds on offer

The IFC has issued a 1 billion yuan bond ($160 million) in London to meet overwhelming global demand, the IFC said on Thursday.

The IFC is a World Bank Group member funding private sector development worldwide.

The new issue doubles the amount of the initial 1 billion yuan bonds on offer. More than 90 percent of the investors are from outside Asia. The three-year bond yields 1.95 percent. The bond proceeds are to support investment in China, the IFC said in a statement.

"The overwhelming response from international investors signals continued strong confidence in the Chinese currency, despite the recent volatility," said IFC Vice-President and Treasurer Jingdong Hua. "IFC's internationally rated triple-A bonds provide a unique bridge that links international investment with China's private sector financing needs."

According to information released by the institution, more than half (56 percent) of the bond investors are from Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. Another 37 percent are from the Americas, while 7 percent are from Asia.

Approximately 45 percent of investors are commercial banks, whereas central banks and corporations account for 39 percent and 16 percent, the statement said.

Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and Standard Chartered Bank were the lead arrangers.