Laos

Bank of the Lao PDR is taking commitments for a $100m four year borrowing in general syndication, offering lenders terms that are identical to its last offshore facility from 2015.

Loans syndicate bankers in Asia are keeping busy until the end of the year with new deal launches from across the region.

Bank of the Lao PDR (BOL) is planning to return to the loan market for a $100m facility with an unlimited greenshoe option.

Lao Viet Joint Venture Bank is seeking its first international loan of up to $100m through sole mandated lead arranger and bookrunner Cathay United Bank.

Rapid increases in private sector debt across Asia could leave some countries vulnerable as interest rates return to more normal levels, Changyong Rhee, director in the Asia and Pacific department at the International Monetary Fund, has warned.

The Lao People’s Democratic Republic, through the Ministry of Finance, raised Bt14bn ($420m) this week from a six-tranche bond in Thailand — its largest ever print. The sovereign also managed to push out its curve to an unprecedented 15 years, leveraging on Thai investors’ familiarity with its credit.

Lao People’s Democratic Republic is taking bids for a six-tranche Thai baht bond this week, and is hoping to settle the Bt14bn ($420m) transaction on Thursday.

Banque Pour Le Commerce Exterieur Lao Public (BCEL), the biggest state-owned lender in Laos, is set to make its offshore loan debut with a $100m four year facility.

A trio of borrowers from Laos are looking to hit the international loan market soon, with Cathay United Bank guiding lenders towards a possible launch date.

Cathay United Bank has invited lenders for meetings in Laos during the first week of September, as it prepares to launch three different loans from the country.

ANZ has appointed Rufus Pinto as the chief executive officer of Laos, according to a Tuesday statement from the Australian lender.

Indonesia’s move to pre-fund its 2017 financing requirements with a bond last week surprised the market. Views are mixed on whether it made the right decision but DCM bankers in the region hope other sovereigns will also look to make an early start on funding plans.