OCBC plans covered bonds

[HONG KONG] Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation is planning a covered bond programme via Barclays and Credit Agricole, according to multiple sources familiar with the issue.

The Singaporean lender will be appointing bookrunners for a debut 144A/Reg S bond that will be issued from the programme. The new bonds will target a US$1bn size and is expected to be issued in the summer, said the sources.

DBS was the first bank from the city to issue covered bonds via a US$1bn 3-year transaction in July. UOB, which wrapped up a European roadshow last week, is eyeing a euro 5-year covered bond.

REUTERS