Emirates NBD has issued AED 1 billion in three-year fixed-rate Digitally Native Notes (DNNs), marking the first AED-denominated digital bond and the largest public digital bond in the MENA region.

The notes are listed on Nasdaq Dubai.

Issued under Emirates NBD’s Euro Medium Term Note (EMTN) Programme, the bond utilises distributed ledger technology (DLT) on Euroclear’s Digital Financial Market Infrastructure (D-FMI) platform to digitise the bond lifecycle.

Listing on Nasdaq Dubai provides secondary market access and aligns with international standards.

The issuance attracted a diverse investor base, reflecting confidence in Emirates NBD’s credit quality and digital capabilities.

Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq and Standard Chartered acted as Joint Lead Managers, with Emirates NBD Capital and Standard Chartered serving as Joint Digitally Native Note Structurers.

Citi acted as Issuing and Paying Agent.

Ahmed Al Qassim, Group Head of Wholesale Banking at Emirates NBD, said:

“We are confident that the transaction will enhance operational efficiency, speed up settlement cycles and strengthen transparency and security for investors.”

Bernard Ferran, Chief Commercial Officer, Euroclear Group, said:

“This transaction demonstrates how digital issuance is delivering real value for clients and moving beyond concept into repeatable market practice. Supporting Emirates NBD’s AED 1 billion bond on our D-FMI builds on the accelerated pace of our digital issuance model and supports our broader growth ambitions in the Middle East.”

Featured image credit: Edited by Fintech News Middle East, based on image by digitizesc via Freepik