Deutsche Bank won't participate in selection of Russian eurobond issue organizers — source

MOSCOW, March 15. /TASS/. Deutsche Bank won’t be taking part in the selection of organizers of Russia’s sovereign Eurobond issue, two sources in large investment banks told TASS.

One of the sources also said that European investment banks will likely refuse to take part in the Eurobond issue.

Earlier this month, TASS reported citing sources that participation of BNP Paribas investment bank in selection of the organizers of Russia’s Eurobond issue is unlikely.

On Monday, Financial Times reported that "Brussels is urging European banks to steer clear of Russia’s first sovereign bond issue since the imposition of western sanctions over Ukraine, creating fresh doubts about the viability of the offering".

"Although the EU’s sanctions do not explicitly prohibit purchases of Russian government debt, EU officials have privately echoed Washington’s warnings that the proceeds from an offering could be misused, according to two people familiar with the guidance," - Financial Times reported.

In February, the Wall Street Journal reported, citing informed sources, that the US government recommended large US banks to refrain from buying Russian government bonds.

According to the publication, the US banks received this recommendation from the State Department and the US Treasury, in response to Russia’s inquiry about possible participation of the banks in the placement of Russian securities. In particular, the authorities indicated that similar operations would contradict the sanctions policy toward Moscow.

Russia’s budget for 2016 provides for the possibility of borrowing on foreign market up to $3 billion.

In early February, Russia’s Finance Ministry sent requests to 25 foreign and three national banks to participate in placement of Russia’s Eurobonds in 2016. In particular, Russia invited such banks as Bank of America, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan and Morgan Stanley.