SBI raises Rs 10k cr via infra bonds

Hyderabad: State Bank of India (SBI), the country's largest lender, has raised Rs 10,000 crores through its maiden infrastructure bond issuance at coupon rate of 7.51 per cent. This is the largest single infrastructure bond issued by any bank in India. The amount raised through bonds will be utilized in enhancing long term resources for funding infrastructure and affordable housing segment.

The tenure of these bonds is 10 years. The issue attracted overwhelming response from investors with bids of Rs 16,366 crores and was oversubscribed by about 3.27 times against the base issue. The issuance with 143 bids also demonstrates the confidence of investor class. This also very clearly demonstrates the maturity of Indian investors in their selection of issuers of such instruments.

Based on the response, the bank has decided to accept Rs 10,000 crores at a coupon rate of 7.51 per cent payable annually for a tenor of 10 years. This represents spread of 17 bps over the corresponding government of India security, indicates high quality of credit.

Dinesh Khara, Chairman, SBI, said: "Development of infrastructure is a key priority forthe country and SBI, being the largest lender, has been in the forefront for advancement of social, green and other infrastructure projects. These long-term bonds will help the bank in furthering the cause of infrastructure development"

The Bank has AAA credit rating from domestic credit rating agencies for these instruments. Infrastructure offers primary facilities that serve various economic activities which helps in thefacilitation of the growth of the country; development of the economy through sectors such as healthcare, education, communication, transport, and others.