Guotai Junan Issues First Digital Bond by Chinese Firm in $300M Deal

Guotai Junan International has completed the first public offering of a digital-native bond issued by a Chinese securities firm, marking a significant milestone for the industry. The bond, issued via a direct structure and priced in U.S. dollars, carries a maximum issuance size of $300 million and a three-year maturity. Utilizing the HSBC digital asset platform for issuance and settlement, the transaction represents a strategic step in leveraging digital capabilities for capital-raising [1]. As lead global coordinator and settlement agent, Guotai Junan International has become the first Chinese institution to enter the blockchain bond market [1].

The offering underscores the growing trend of digital innovation within China’s financial sector, particularly among securities firms seeking to diversify their capital structure. By pioneering a digital-native financial product, Guotai Junan International is setting a benchmark for peers to explore similar instruments. The firm’s digital bond initiative aligns with its broader strategy to enhance global competitiveness and expand its capital-raising tools [1].

This milestone follows a series of recent capital market activities by Guotai Junan International. Earlier in 2025, the firm completed three initial public offering (IPO) sponsorship projects, raising approximately HK$1.7 billion in total [2]. These transactions reflect its expanding influence in Asian capital markets and its ability to execute complex financial operations under international standards.

The digital bond issuance is expected to strengthen the firm’s balance sheet, provide additional liquidity, and support its long-term strategic objectives. It also signals growing investor confidence in the firm’s financial stability and growth potential. The globally coordinated offering further demonstrates Guotai Junan International’s capacity to attract a broad investor base and engage in cross-border financing [1].

As digital finance evolves, this offering positions Guotai Junan International at the forefront of a new wave of financial innovation. The successful launch of the bond may also encourage regulators to further explore the role of digital-native instruments in enhancing market efficiency. With this transaction, the firm is not only expanding its own financial tools but also contributing to the broader development of the digital finance ecosystem [1].

Source:

[1] GTJAI Successfully Issued the First Publicly Offered Digital Bond of a Chinese Securities Firm (https://www.businesswire.com/newsroom/industry/technology)

[2] GUOTAI JUNAN INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LIMITED (https://www.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2025/0731/2025073100403.pdf)