Contingent capital is still the subject of furious debate. Some have called it a dangerous instrument, while others say it may not do what regulators want. Some argue that it will be difficult to create a market big enough to absorb the needs of the banking sector if it becomes a compulsory part of the capital structure. But none of this stopped Credit Suisse's $2bn issue from being a storming success.
Latest articles from Issuers
Bank of Moscow debut succeeds in difficult environment
March 18, 2011Bank of Moscow's debut Eurobond could hardly have been launched at a more difficult time. The political intrigue surrounding the mayor of Moscow was compounded by a potential change of ownership at the bank and a downgrading by Moody's.
Convertible bond fuels Talvivaara expansion
February 14, 2011A London-listed, Finland-based mining company, Talvivaara, needed additional funds to expand the size and scope of its operations. After considering all the options, a speedy convertible bond issue was seen as the way to do it.
The EU's first EFSM deal achieves record oversubscription
January 28, 2011The European Commission issued its first European Financial Stabilisation Mechanism deal on January 5, achieving a record oversubscription for a supranational issue.
Albania times Eurobond debut to perfection
December 23, 2010Despite its close proximity to crisis-hit Greece, Albania made its first foray into the Eurobond market last year. After agonising over when to issue the deal in such a volatile market, it would seem that the timing of the launch was just right. Writer Joanne Hart
Investec takes first-mover advantage
December 8, 2010Investec's brave move to launch a sterling bond transaction backed by subprime mortgages, a market that had been closed since 2007, appears to have paid off. Writer Joanne Hart
Czechs fall back into favour
December 8, 2010The launch of a €2bn, 10-year bond in late summer has stirred international interest in the Czech Republic. Writer Joanne Hart
Tactics for a new age
August 30, 2010In an attempt to appease regulators, banks are issuing Tier 1 debt capital that converts into equity if a certain trigger point is reached. However, only the biggest names - and those least likely to need to convert debt to equity - will be able to attract investor support for such issuance. Writer Charlie Corbett
VTB swaps quantity for quality
July 28, 2010Russia's second largest bank has grown its assets more than 30 times over the past 10 years, but its new chief financial officer explains that a more measured business strategy has altered the bank's wholesale funding priorities. Writer Philip Alexander
Nimble KfW tests euro demand
July 6, 2010In the face of heightened debt market volatility in Europe and serious concerns over the long-term future of the euro, German development agency KfW found a window of opportunity to raise €5bn in a three-year deal. Writer Charlie Corbett