ICBC Leads 4.5 Billion Yuan Bond Issuance via Blockchain Ledger and Digital Currency Aggregation

ICBC Financial Leasing Co., Ltd., with ICBC as lead underwriter, issued 4.5 billion yuan of financial bonds using a blockchain ledger paired with digital currency aggregation. The on-chain issuance records are uploaded in real time, tamper-evident, enabling investor verification. The approach channels proceeds through digital currency settlement, reducing clearing layers and boosting settlement efficiency. This combination signals fintech adoption in corporate debt markets.

Originally planned at 3 billion yuan with 1.5 billion yuan in oversubscription rights, the oversubscription was exercised, finalizing at 4.5 billion yuan. The notes carry a 3-year tenor with a fixed coupon of 1.84% per year. The deal underscores oversubscription mechanics and disciplined pricing in a regulated financial bond issue.

Market observers note transparency gains and faster settlement as digital currency settlement and blockchain-enabled bond issuance gain traction in mainstream finance. This transaction may inform future capital markets financing, signaling a path for fintech-enabled debt issuance.