Westpac Banking Corporation made a grand announcement about the Westpac debt capital markets that they would be doing a U.S.$70,000,000,000 debt issuance programme. The decision substantiates the bank’s long-term funding strategy and indicates its priority of keeping liquidity and capital intact. The programme has the possibility of senior and subordinated debt instruments being issued, which is an indication of the bank’s adaptable funding framework in the local and foreign markets.
Westpac announces US$70 billion debt issuance programme to strengthen markets.
What Does The Debt Programme Include?
The new initiative allows Westpac to make its presence felt in the global markets through the introduction of subordinated instruments and other debt securities. The Information Memorandum, which is dated 7 November 2025, specifies the conditions for these instruments and also mentions possible listings of the stock on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) as well as on other exchanges around the world.
Besides, Westpac can also create unlisted instruments according to the same conditions. Investors thus get a wider opportunity to participate in the diversified debt offerings, which are in line with the international standards.
How Will The Programme Affect Investors?
The program is a gateway for investors to top-quality Westpac debt instruments that are backed by superior credit ratings. S&P Global Ratings has given Westpac a senior unsecured rating of AA- and a stable outlook, while Moody’s Investors Service has rated it Aa2, also with a stable outlook.
The bank’s short-term ratings of A-1+ and P-1 correspondingly verify its strong creditworthiness and liquidity profile. These ratings are indicative of Westpac’s continual good performance and the robustness of the Australian banking industry.
The programme offers investors premium Westpac debt instruments backed by AA- and Aa2 ratings.
Westpac Strengthens Its Global Debt Market Standing
The international debt capital markets will see Westpac’s growth through this program. The bank’s capacity to issue senior and subordinated instruments simultaneously grants it the power to choose the way it wants to meet the funding demands.
Furthermore, the move makes Westpac able to win over a more diverse group of investors, as well as being in line with changing global regulatory requirements. It is a clear sign that the bank’s cautious funding management policy will continue.
Regulatory And Compliance Frameworks Are Central To The Programme
The memo underlines the adherence to the most important regulatory requirements across the UK, European Union, and Australian markets. It goes on to state that the respective debt securities are not subject to registration according to the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, and their circulation is not allowed in the U.S. or to U.S. persons. The legal structure of the programme is compliant with international standards, including MiFID II, UK MiFIR, and FSMA, thus providing openness and safety for investors.
The memorandum highlights compliance with key regulatory standards in the UK, EU, and Australia.
Westpac’s Financial Outlook Remains Stable In 2025
As per the financial update from Westpac, the picture for 2025 is that of a well-capitalised bank with a stable liquidity position. The commitment to risk management, credit ratings, and the effective market position continuously attracts investors.
By increasing its debt issuance limit, the bank guarantees that it will be able to draw from the most economical sources of capital, which would in turn allow the bank to lend more and also sustain its business in the long run. This pitch clearly indicates that Westpac is planning on staying put and growing in the midst of the global market turmoil.
Also Read: Westpac Delivers Steady $6.9 Billion Profit Amid Growth in Loans and Deposits in 2025
FAQs
- What is the value of Westpac’s new issuance of debt securities?
The issuance is worth U.S.$70 billion and includes both senior and subordinated debt instruments.
- Is it possible for U.S. investors to purchase these debt instruments?
The instruments are not offered in the U.S. and, consequently, they are not registered under the U.S. Securities Act.
- Who assigned credit ratings to Westpac’s debt instruments?
S&P Global Ratings gave a rating of AA- while Moody’s rated it Aa2, both with a stable outlook.
- What exchanges are likely to list these instruments?
They are likely to be listed on ASX’s Wholesale Interest Rate Securities Market or on other exchanges approved worldwide.
- What type of investors can participate?
The program is mainly intended for institutional and wholesale investors who are interested in stable and high-quality Australian bank debt instruments.
- How does it support Westpac’s funding strategy?
It diversifies Westpac’s funding sources and thus increases the Company’s liquidity and secures continuous international capital market access.
- Will the subordinated instruments be listed?
The instruments are likely to be listed on ASX’s wholesale market or on other recognised global exchanges that sell based on investor demand.
