London Stock Exchange today welcomes the Qatar National Bank (“QNB Group”) issuing their USD 600 million 1.625% note due September 2025 on London Stock Exchange’s Main Market. The deal was 3 times oversubscribed, receiving orders of $1.8bn from global and dedicated ESG investors.

This transaction makes QNB Group the first issuer from Qatar to issue a green bond, in line with its sustainability framework published in February 2020. The bonds will be displayed on the Sustainable Bond Market. QNB intends to use the proceeds to fund its green assets in areas such as green buildings, energy efficiency, sustainable water and waste management.  

The deal supports QNB’s sustainability strategy and is in line with its commitment to Qatar National Vision 2030 and the United Nation’s Sustainability Development Goals.

Qatar National Bank’s transaction now joins over 240 active bonds from over 60 issuers on the Sustainable Bond Market, which has supported milestone transactions from all regions from across the world

Denzil Jenkins, Interim CEO, London Stock Exchange plc said:
“We are very pleased to welcome Qatar National Bank to London Stock Exchange's Sustainable Bond Market for its inaugural US$600 million green bond, making it the first issuer from Qatar to issue a green bond.

The success of this transaction further showcases how sustainable financing can help issuers diversify their investor base, and help issuers and investors contribute to a low carbon future.”

Abdulla Mubarak Al-Khalifa, Group Chief Executive Officer of QNB, commented: 
“We are delighted to list our first sustainable green bond at the LSE. As one of the leading financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa and South East Asia, this is a significant milestone for us and the implementation of our strategy.

This issuance is a testament of our sustainability strategy and allows us to access the global investor community that supports the transition towards a low-carbon economy.

I want to thank our shareholders. Through their support we can expand our services to our customers and make a positive contribution to the environment and the communities we serve.”

Jonathan Wilks CMG, Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Qatar, said:
“I am delighted that Qatar National Bank has chosen to issue its first green bond, and the first from Qatar, on the London Stock Exchange. This is an important step contributing to environmentally sound development in Qatar. Looking ahead, the UK supports Qatar’s commitment to hosting the greenest World Cup ever. UK financial and environmental specialists are keen to build on this ground-breaking bond issue.”