Bank of China, serving as the lead underwriter and bookrunner, assisted CIMB Group Holdings Berhad in issuing its inaugural panda bond in China's interbank market on Oct 23. 

The issuance, valued at 3 billion yuan ($428.08 million) with a three-year maturity and a coupon rate of 2.18 percent, represents the largest panda bond issuance by a Malaysian entity to date.

Malaysia has been a committed supporter and active participant in the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) since its inception. Over the past 50 years, economic and trade relations between China and Malaysia have grown increasingly robust. CIMB's entry into the panda bond market, facilitated by BOC, marks a significant milestone in strengthening capital market cooperation between the two nations and in enhancing the international influence of the renminbi.

As a major player in international capital markets, BOC has leveraged its expertise in the panda bond sector to bridge domestic and international capital flows. The effort aligns with the goals of the BRI and has enabled BOC to maintain its position as the top panda bond underwriter for 11 consecutive years. By the end of September 2025, BOC had facilitated over 140 billion yuan in panda bond financing for BRI countries, underscoring its pivotal role in promoting RMB internationalization and financial connectivity.