NABKISAN Lists India’s First WASH-Focused Social Bond, Raises ₹180 Crore

Key Highlights:

• NABKISAN Finance Limited, a subsidiary of NABARD, listed India’s first WASH-focused Social Bond on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Mumbai.
• The bond issue successfully raised ₹180 crore, oversubscribed 1.8 times by investors.
• Proceeds from the five-year bond, carrying an 8.10% coupon rate, will expand access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene solutions.
• The bond received high domestic credit ratings of CRISIL AAA (Stable) and CARE AAA (Stable).
• The initiative aims to improve health, livelihoods, and quality of life in rural and underserved communities.

Detailed Insights:

• This listing demonstrates the potential of innovative financing mechanisms to address critical development priorities in India.
• The strong investor response reflects growing confidence in sustainable finance for inclusive and sustainable rural development.
• NABARD and NABKISAN are committed to advancing financing solutions that support sustainable development and deepen the country's sustainable finance market.
• Water.org served as the Technical Advisor and Knowledge Partner for the bond issuance.
• The bond matures in September 2031, providing long-term capital for WASH projects.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Social Bond: A type of bond where proceeds exclusively finance projects with positive social outcomes.
• WASH: An acronym referring to Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene, critical for public health and development.
• NABARD: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development, a development bank focused on rural development in India.