Swiss and Japanese markets invest in CAF bonds

International investors reaffirmed their interest in CAF - development bank of Latin America - bonds. Yesterday, the bank placed senior debt securities in the Swiss market worth CHF 150 million (USD 150.7 million) and 'water bonds' on the Japanese exchange worth JPY 4.5 billion (USD 38 million).

"These new issues reinforce CAF's catalytic role by attracting funds from other markets to Latin America, with the aim of generating increased investment and better financing conditions for the development of the region," said Enrique García, executive president of the institution.

The bond placement in the Swiss market was fixed at a rate of 0.15% p.a. for a term of six years, achieving the lowest interest coupon rate for a supranational institution in the Swiss market. The bond issue highlighted involvement by new stakeholders and the weight of institutional investors, private banks, pension funds and insurance companies, among others. The bookrunner for this issuance was UBS. 

The other issuance was made in the Samurai market at a rate of 0.45% with a term of 10 years. This placement is part of the 'water bonds' that CAF placed a month ago in the Uridashi market. Adding the operations in both markets (Uridashi and Samurai), the organization has issued a total of USD 140 million in such thematic securities. 

Funds raised through the 'water bonds' will be used for various water-related projects in Latin America and the Caribbean, such as water supply, drainage, wastewater treatment and irrigation.

Providing support to 19 member countries in the development of their water sector is a priority for CAF. Thus, through funding and technical assistance, the institution disbursed USD 4.3 billion between 2010 and 2014, which accounted for 9% of the total of its approvals.