The Irish-based, agricultural specialist investor is providing early stage and follow-on funding to start-ups focused on the often overlooked and little understood sector

Hungary’s largest bank OTP returned to the international benchmark bond markets for the first time in more than a decade in July, with the bank able to take advantage of a highly receptive audience to place a solid €500mn subordinated trade. 

The world’s fastest growing economy is benefiting from increased oil production and comprehensive banking reforms. However, public debt levels remain a key concern particularly with an election approaching.

Ukraine made a storming return to the euro denominated Eurobond market in June after 15 years away, as investors warmed to the newly elected president Volodymyr Zelensky.

Dr. Adesegun A Akin-Olugbade’s appointment comes at a pivotal time for the law firm as it seeks to expand its business across the continent. 

The Republic of Benin became the latest African sovereign to debut in the international bond markets in March followed quickly by frequent issuer Ghana. Bankers working in the West and Central Africa region anticipate that over the medium term more borrowers from the region will access international capital markets. 

After more than a year of consultations, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the multilateral lender for central and eastern Europe and North Africa, is publishing updated policies to govern the way it operates from 2020.

Uzbekistan made its debut in the international bond markets with a US$1bn five and 10 year trade, with the borrower ratcheting in pricing far tighter than expected to regional comparable during the execution.

HSBC has made a trio of hires to its global digital team, with the bank bringing in three executives from outside the financial sector as it looks to press further into retail banking technology.

The Baltic’s Luminor Bank has printed an inaugural €350mn public bond, as the financial institution prepares itself for new majority ownership from a Blackstone-led private equity consortium.

Garanti Bank sold the first gender-linked bond from an emerging market issuer this year, and the Turkish bank is optimistic that the popularity of the socially conscious financing tool is due to grow.

The World Bank is supporting the nascent liberalisation of the Ethiopian economy.