WASHINGTON, D.C., August 26, 2026 – The World Bank (International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, IBRD, Aaa/AAA) today priced a 6.3-year British pound sterling (GBP) benchmark maturing in November 2032. The Sustainable Development Bond raised GBP 1.25 billion from investors globally to support the financing of the World Bank’s sustainable development activities in member countries.
The bond offers an annual coupon of 4.750% and an annual yield of 4.766%. It was priced at +9.9 basis points over the 4.250% UK Gilt due June 2032. Barclays, Citi, and Santander are joint lead managers for the transaction. The bond will be listed on the Luxembourg Stock Exchange.
“The reception from sterling investors for this Sustainable Development Bond has been exceptional, complementing the World Bank’s benchmark transactions in USD, EUR this month,” said Jorge Familiar, Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank Group. “The confidence that private investors place in the World Bank translates into resources that support the programs and projects that improve lives, expand opportunity, and build a more resilient future for people.”
“Congratulations to the World Bank for once again delivering a highly successful transaction. Demand in excess of GBP 1.9 billion supported a GBP 1.25 billion print. At SONIA mid-swaps +36 basis points or +9.9 basis points over the June 2032 Gilt, this represented IBRD’s tightest ever GBP fixed rate spread on both measures, affirming IBRD’s leading position in the Sovereign, Supranational and Agency (SSA) market and continuous support from the global investor base for its development mission. Barclays was honored to have been able to support this transaction and the critical work of the World Bank,” said Alex Paterson, Managing Director, Head of SSA DCM, Barclays.
“On behalf of Citi, congratulations to the World Bank on a successful sterling benchmark outing, marking the first Tier 1 SSA issuer to reopen the GBP market following the summer break. The strong, high-quality orderbook and broad investor participation underscore the market’s continued confidence in IBRD’s credit and its mission to finance sustainable development across emerging economies,” said Ebba Wexler, Head of SSA DCM, Citi.
“Santander congratulates the World Bank on a highly successful return to the sterling market and a strong start to its new funding year. The robust and diverse investor demand further reinforces IBRD’s GBP curve and underscores the depth of demand of support World Bank enjoys in this market. Santander was delighted to have been involved,” said Sean Taor, Head of EMEA DCM and Syndicate at Santander.
